CalcOak

Volumetric Weight Calculator: find the chargeable weight of a parcel for DHL, FedEx, UPS and more

Enter the three box dimensions to see the result. Actual weight is optional but needed to find the chargeable weight.

How to use this calculator

Pick the carrier you are shipping with, choose whether you measure in centimetres or inches, and type the outside length, width and height of the box. If you know the actual weight, add it too. The volumetric weight appears as soon as the three dimensions are filled in, and the chargeable weight, which is the one that shows up on your bill, is whichever of the two is larger. If you are sending several identical boxes, set the quantity and the totals will multiply.

The "round up like carriers do" option mimics what happens at the depot: each dimension is rounded up to the next whole centimetre or inch, and the final weight is rounded up to the next half kilogram (metric) or whole pound (imperial). Turn it off if you only want the raw formula result, for example when comparing against a rate calculator that does its own rounding.

The preset divisors are the published figures for retail accounts. DHL Express, FedEx and UPS all use 5,000 cm³/kg internationally, which is equivalent to 139 in³/lb. USPS moved from 166 to 139 in July 2026 for parcels larger than one cubic foot; the old 166 divisor is kept as an option for checking older invoices. Freight forwarders vary, so if your forwarder quotes a different divisor, choose "Custom" and enter it directly.

Why use this instead of the carrier's site

Carrier websites will tell you a price, but they rarely show the working. When you are deciding whether to pack an order in one box or two, or whether a slightly smaller carton would drop a shipment into a cheaper band, you need to see the volumetric figure next to the actual one and understand where the rounding bites. This page shows exactly that, and it lets you switch carriers without re-entering the dimensions so you can spot which one treats a bulky-but-light parcel most kindly.

For online sellers the difference matters more than it looks. A 40 × 30 × 20 cm box weighs in at 4.8 kg volumetric, so a 3 kg product in that box is billed as 5 kg once rounding is applied. Trimming the box to 35 × 28 × 18 cm brings the volumetric weight down to 3.5 kg, which can be a noticeable saving over hundreds of orders.

Frequently asked questions

What is volumetric (dimensional) weight?+

Volumetric weight is a number carriers calculate from the size of a parcel rather than its mass. They divide the volume of the box by a fixed divisor and treat the result as a weight in kilograms or pounds. You are billed on whichever is larger: the real weight on the scale or the volumetric weight.

Which divisor should I use for DHL, FedEx or UPS?+

For international express shipments DHL, FedEx and UPS all use 5,000 when measuring in centimetres and kilograms, which is the same as 139 in cubic inches per pound. UPS and FedEx domestic services in the US also use 139. USPS used 166 for years but switched to 139 on 12 July 2026, so all four major US carriers now match. Contracted accounts sometimes have a better divisor, so check your rate card if you have one.

Why is my chargeable weight higher than what the scale says?+

Because your parcel is light for its size. A large box of pillows takes up the same space in the aircraft or truck as a box of books, so the carrier charges for the space. Reducing empty space in the box, or splitting a shipment into smaller boxes, is the usual fix.

Do carriers round the measurements?+

Yes, and it works against you. Most carriers round each dimension up to the next whole centimetre or inch before multiplying, and round the final chargeable weight up to the next 0.5 kg or whole pound. This calculator shows both the exact figure and the rounded-up figure so you can see the difference.

Does this work for pallets and freight?+

It does. Enter the outer dimensions of the pallet including the pallet base and any overhang. Air freight forwarders commonly use 6,000 (1:6) and road freight in many countries uses 3,000 to 4,000, so pick the divisor your forwarder quotes or type it into the custom field.

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