Clear inputs. Transparent calculations.
Estimate chargeable courier weight and cubic meters using a carrier-specific divisor.
Dimensional weight formula
Courier dimensional weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) ÷ carrier divisor. For a 60 × 40 × 35 cm parcel with a 5,000 divisor, volumetric weight is 16.8 kg. If it weighs 11 kg, the basic chargeable weight is 16.8 kg. Other carriers use different divisors, minimums, and rounding policies.
Sea freight
Total cubic meters is also shown for shipment planning. LCL freight is often priced using a weight-volume rule that differs from express courier billing; request a forwarder quote before calculating sea freight from CBM alone.
See the methodology, full tool directory, and usage disclaimer. These are scenario estimates, not binding commercial or customs quotations.
Guide updated: November 14, 2026. These examples explain the inputs and important limits; they do not establish product-specific tariff rates.
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric or dimensional weight translates a parcel’s occupied space into an equivalent weight for freight billing. Couriers often charge for the greater of actual scale weight and volumetric weight because a large light carton can use more aircraft or vehicle space than a compact heavy carton.
The formula requires the package’s outside length, width, and height, usually including the final carton rather than the unboxed product. With centimeter inputs, dividing cubic centimeters by the carrier’s published divisor produces dimensional kilograms. The divisor is a commercial conversion factor, not a constant law of physics.
A worked example with two carrier divisors
Suppose a boxed product measures 60 × 40 × 35 cm and weighs 11 kg. The carton volume is 84,000 cubic centimeters. At a divisor of 5,000, its dimensional weight is 16.8 kg. Because this exceeds its 11 kg actual weight, the simple chargeable weight is 16.8 kg. At a divisor of 6,000, the dimensional result is 14 kg, still above the actual weight.
For six identical cartons, the totals become 100.8 dimensional kilograms under a 5,000 divisor or 84 dimensional kilograms under a 6,000 divisor. These numbers are illustrative before carrier-specific rounding, minimum charge, oversize fees, or bundled-shipment rules.
How different shipping methods treat volume
An express parcel company may price by dimensional kilograms, while an air freight forwarder may use a different conversion between cubic meters and kilograms. Sea-freight LCL quotes often use weight/measure revenue tons, where a cubic meter and a metric ton are compared rather than a courier divisor. These systems can produce very different invoices for the same shipment.
Use the CBM and LCL calculator for sea-freight volume planning. Always check the service guide for your carrier, route, billing increment, minimum, dangerous-goods restrictions, and remote-area charges.
Packaging changes can materially affect freight cost
Reducing a carton’s outside height from 35 cm to 30 cm changes the same 60 × 40 cm package from 84,000 to 72,000 cubic centimeters. At a 5,000 divisor, dimensional weight falls from 16.8 kg to 14.4 kg, even if the actual scale weight stays at 11 kg. That difference may affect the shipping bill at the applicable rate.
Do not squeeze fragile goods just to reduce billable space. Keep adequate cushioning and packaging protection. If products can be packed flat, nested, or disassembled safely, compare the cost of new packaging with the potential freight savings over several shipments.
How to prepare a reliable freight estimate
Measure the finished shipment after sealing the boxes. Use the same unit of length in every dimension. Obtain actual gross weights, the number of cartons, and any pallet dimensions from the packing list. Enter the real divisor or service rule from the carrier quote. For mixed cartons, calculate each size separately before adding chargeable amounts according to the carrier’s method.
Record the service, route, date, and pricing assumptions alongside your estimate. The calculator reports shipment volume in cubic meters to help compare alternative shipping modes, but it cannot guarantee the billed weight on your invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Is dimensional weight always greater than actual weight?
No. Dense parcels often have a higher scale weight. In the basic courier model, the billable figure is the larger of the two.
Why do some carriers use 5,000 and others 6,000?
The divisor reflects each service’s commercial pricing and capacity policy. The correct divisor may change by carrier, route, product, or contract.
Are dimensions measured in centimeters or inches?
This calculator expects centimeters. Convert any inch measurements before entering them; otherwise the result will be incorrect.
Should I include the pallet?
If your freight provider prices the palletized load, use its overall outer dimensions and total gross weight. For individual courier parcels, measure each package as the carrier requires.
Can I use the result for sea freight?
Use the CBM output as a volume reference, but not the courier dimensional-weight result as a binding LCL freight quote.