Volumetric vs Actual Weight
Understand how shipping weight is calculated
What Is Volumetric Weight?
Airlines and shipping carriers charge based on whichever is greater: the actual weight of your package or its volumetric (dimensional) weight. This is a standard practice for air freight worldwide.
Actual Weight
The physical weight of your package when placed on a scale. This is straightforward and measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs).
Volumetric Weight
A calculated weight based on the dimensions (length, width, height) of your package. Large but light packages take up more space on an aircraft.
Why Does This Matter?
A large, lightweight package (like pillows) takes up the same cargo space as a small, heavy package (like books). Airlines charge by whichever weight is higher to account for the space your package occupies, ensuring fair pricing for all shipments.
The Formula
Calculating volumetric weight is simple. Multiply the three dimensions of your package and divide by the appropriate factor:
How to Measure Your Package
- Measure the length (longest side) of the package
- Measure the width of the package
- Measure the height of the package
- Multiply all three dimensions together
- Divide by 5000 (for cm) or 139 (for inches)
- Compare with the actual weight - the higher value is the chargeable weight
Real-World Examples
Here are two common scenarios showing how volumetric weight affects your shipping charges:
| Item | Dimensions | Actual Weight | Volumetric Weight | Chargeable Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pillows (large box) | 60 × 50 × 40 cm | 3 kg | 24 kg | 24 kg (volumetric) |
| Books (small box) | 30 × 25 × 20 cm | 12 kg | 3 kg | 12 kg (actual) |
Pillows (Light but Large)
The pillows only weigh 3 kg, but the box is large. The volumetric weight (24 kg) is much higher than the actual weight, so you're charged for 24 kg.
Books (Heavy but Small)
The books weigh 12 kg in a compact box. The volumetric weight (3 kg) is lower than the actual weight, so you're charged for the actual 12 kg.
Weight Calculator
Use our online calculator to quickly determine the volumetric weight of your package before shipping.
How to Use the Calculator
- Visit the online volumetric weight calculator
- Enter the length, width, and height of your package
- Select your measurement unit (cm or inches)
- Enter the actual weight of your package
- The calculator will show you the volumetric weight and the chargeable weight
Plan Before You Ship
Using the calculator before shipping helps you estimate costs accurately and decide whether to use air or ocean shipping for the best value.
Tips to Reduce Volumetric Weight Costs
Here are practical ways to minimize your shipping costs related to volumetric weight:
Pack Tightly
Remove air gaps and arrange items as compactly as possible. Use vacuum bags for soft items like clothing.
Remove Excess Packaging
Remove original retail packaging when possible. Repack items in smaller, more efficient containers.
Consolidate Items
Combine multiple small packages into one box. This reduces overall volume and can lower the chargeable weight.
Use Smaller Boxes
Choose a box that fits your items snugly. A box that's too large inflates the volumetric weight unnecessarily.
Consider Prepaid Boxes
Our prepaid shipping boxes have fixed pricing regardless of weight, which can save you money on heavy or oddly-shaped items. You pay a flat rate per box instead of per-pound pricing.
Ocean vs Air Weight Charging
The way weight is calculated differs between air and ocean shipping, which can significantly affect your costs.
Air Shipping
- Charges by volumetric or actual weight (whichever is greater)
- Uses the formula above
- Better for small, heavy items
- More expensive for large, light items
Ocean Shipping
- Charges by cubic feet (not volumetric weight)
- No volumetric weight formula applied
- Better for large, lightweight items
- Ideal for furniture, appliances, and bulk goods
When to Choose Ocean Shipping
If your items are large but lightweight (like furniture, bedding, or large household goods), ocean shipping charges by cubic feet rather than volumetric weight, which can be significantly cheaper. The tradeoff is longer delivery time (75-90 days vs 7-14 days for air).
Calculate Your Shipping Cost
Use our volumetric weight calculator to estimate your shipping charges before you ship.
Open Weight Calculator