What is Volumetric Weight?
Volumetric (dimensional) weight is how international couriers price light-but-bulky parcels. Here is how it works, the formula, and how to keep your chargeable weight down.
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional or DIM weight) is a pricing method used by international couriers like DHL, FedEx and UPS. It reflects the amount of space a package occupies relative to its actual weight.
Why do couriers use volumetric weight?
Aircraft and transport vehicles have limited space. Light but bulky packages take up valuable cargo room that could carry heavier items. Volumetric weight ensures fair pricing by accounting for both the space used and the actual weight of a shipment.
Chargeable weight
Courier companies bill on the higher of your actual weight and your volumetric weight. This higher figure is called the “chargeable” or “billable” weight.
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length × Breadth × Height in cm) ÷ 5000
Tips to reduce volumetric weight
- Use the smallest box that fits your items snugly
- Avoid excessive void fill and padding
- Vacuum-seal soft items like clothing
- Disassemble items where possible to reduce dimensions
Want the exact chargeable weight for your parcel? Use the volumetric weight calculator on any of our country rate pages, or send us the dimensions and we’ll work it out for you.
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