How to Calculate Volumetric Weight

Volumetric weight is used for large, light boxes.

Shipping companies usually charge you for the weight of the package you are sending. However, shipping a bulky box that is proportionally light doesn't use space very effectively. To make adjustments for large, lightweight boxes, postal services and delivery companies calculate the volumetric weight of the package. This method bases the weight on the size, or volume, of the package in cubic centimeters rather than on the actual weight in pounds or kilograms. The volume is divided by 6,000 to determine what the weight of the package would be if its density were one-sixth of the density of water.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler, yardstick, or tape measure for centimeters
• Pen and paper
• Calculator (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the box's length, width and height in centimeters. Measuring twice is always a good idea to reduce the incidence of error.

2. Write down each of the dimensions on the piece of paper. Remember that you need to use centimeters rather than inches or other units.

3. Multiply the length by the width. You will get the surface area of one side of the box in square centimeters.

4. Multiply the resulting area from Step 3 by the height of the box. This number represents the actual volume of the box in cubic centimeters.

5. Divide the volume by 6,000. The result is the standard volumetric weight of the box in kilograms.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that most shipping companies will charge you for the volumetric weight only if it is larger than the actual weight.

• In November 2008, the shipping company DHL began dividing the volume by 5,000 instead of 6,000 to calculate volumetric weight.

Resources

• Online Volumetric Weight Calculator