Calculate Volumetric Weight
Understanding Volumetric Weight
What is volumetric weight and how it is calculated? The courier industry, and different carriers, use
varying methods for assessing the volumetric weight of a parcel. The majority of couriers base their
delivery rates on either the size or volumetric weight of a parcel, whichever is the greater. The bigger
an item is, the more room it takes up on a vehicle or aircraft, and the more it costs to send. If an item
is large but light, the price will be based on the size rather than the weight. Even if you have a pallet
or a very large item to send, ParcelHero specializes in Large & Heavy parcel delivery
How to Calculate Volumetric Weight
Volume weight (sometimes referred to as dimensional weight) is calculated using a volumetric weight formula.
Different courier companies use different metrics, but to establish the volumetric weight of your
ParcelHero® package, you just need to measure the length, height and width of your parcel.
Then grab your calculator and:
- 1. Multiply the parcel’s three dimensions (length x height x width)
- 2. If you are using centimetres then divide the result by 5000 (or 4000 for EU economy services).
If you are using inches then divide the result by 305 (or 245 for EU economy services). - 3. The resulting figure represents the volumetric weight of your parcel
The courier will compare the volumetric weight to the actual physical weight of a parcel and charge whichever is
the greater of the two (also known as billable weight or chargeable weight)
UK Express Services
length x height x width
5,000 if cm (or 305 if using inches)
= Volumetric weight in Kg
All Other Services
length x height x width
4,000 if cm (or 245 if using inches)
= Volumetric weight in Kg
Length X Width X Height
Important Note
If your shipment contains one or more irregular shaped parcels, the volumetric weight of each parcel
will be calculated based on the smallest rectangular shape that the parcels can be accommodated into.
Frequently asked questions
How can I reduce the
volumetric weight
of my parcel?
A common mistake people make is using a box that is too big for the contents. To avoid paying higher courier rates than you need to, always try to use a box that’s the right size for your item or items. Using an oversize box can increase the delivery cost. It is also important to avoid over packing or ‘cramming’ items into the box, as this can increase the risk of damage.
What happens if I don’t provide the correct dimensions?
If you don’t measure your parcel accurately, then your quote may be incorrect. Once your parcel has been collected, when it is weighed and measured, if the billable weight is greater than the measurements provided, payment of the additional cost will be charged.
Are there any services that do not use
volumetric weight
to determine the cost of delivery?
Yes. Our EU Economy services for parcels under 30kg and less than 100cm long, do not use volumetric weight calculations. If the parcel is longer than 100cm, then volumetric weight calculations apply.
I’d like to learn more about how different couriers charge for volumetric weight.
Many couriers host