Chargeable & Volumetric Weight Calculator
Use the Boxit4me chargeable and volumetric weight calculator to estimate the billable weight of an international shipment. Enter your package’s actual weight and dimensions to compare scale weight with the space it occupies.
The higher result is normally used as the chargeable weight.
| Actual weight 10 kg | Volumetric weight 4.8 kg | Chargeable weight 10 kg | Charged by Actual weight |
| Calculation: 40 × 30 × 20 cm × 1 package ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 kg Chargeable weight is the greater of total actual weight and total volumetric weight. Dimensions are for one package and are multiplied by package quantity. Carriers may use different divisors or rounding rules. |
Calculate Chargeable Weight
Enter the following package details:
- Actual package weight
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Preferred measurement units
The calculator determines the volumetric weight, compares it with the actual weight and displays the estimated chargeable weight.
What Is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric weight, also called dimensional weight, measures how much carrier space a package occupies.
A large but lightweight package can take up more space than a smaller, heavier parcel. Carriers may therefore calculate shipping charges according to package dimensions rather than scale weight.
How Volumetric Weight Is Calculated
Using centimeters and kilograms
Volumetric weight (kg) = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 5,000
Using inches and pounds
Volumetric weight (lb) = Length × Width × Height (in) ÷ 139
Carrier formulas and divisors may vary according to the service, route and package type.
What Is Chargeable Weight?
Chargeable weight is the weight used to calculate the shipping rate. It is generally whichever is higher:
- Actual weight: The package’s physical scale weight
- Volumetric weight: The calculated weight based on package dimensions
| Actual weight | Volumetric weight | Chargeable weight |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | 4.8 kg | 4.8 kg |
| 6 kg | 4.8 kg | 6 kg |
| 2 kg | 7.2 kg | 7.2 kg |
The final billable weight may be rounded according to the applicable carrier or 500-gram billing increment.
Chargeable Weight Calculation Example
Suppose a package has these details:
- Length: 40 cm
- Width: 30 cm
- Height: 20 cm
- Actual weight: 3 kg
The volumetric weight is:
40 × 30 × 20 ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 kg
Because 4.8 kg is higher than the 3 kg actual weight, the estimated chargeable weight is 4.8 kg. If billed in 500-gram increments, the applicable billing weight would be 5 kg.
How to Reduce Volumetric Weight
Retailers sometimes use boxes that are much larger than the products inside. You may be able to reduce chargeable weight by:
- Removing unnecessary outer packaging
- Requesting repacking
- Using a smaller shipping box
- Consolidating compatible purchases efficiently
- Avoiding bulky gift or retail packaging
Boxit4me’s package consolidation service can combine eligible purchases and remove unnecessary packaging to help optimize shipment size.
Estimate Your Shipping Cost
Once you know the estimated chargeable weight, use the Boxit4me international shipping calculator to compare Economy and Express shipping options.
If your measurements use different units, convert them first with the weight and length unit converter.