Volumetric weight calculator
Find out whether your parcel will be charged by its size or its weight.
How it works
Couriers charge for whichever is greater: what your parcel weighs on the scales, or its volumetric weight, which is length × width × height ÷ 5,000. A small heavy parcel is charged by weight. A big light one is charged by size.
Read the full explanation, with examples, in volumetric weight explained.
Questions people ask
How do you calculate volumetric weight?
Multiply length × width × height in centimetres and divide by 5,000. The answer is the volumetric weight in kilograms. Couriers charge whichever is higher, this or the real weight.
Why do couriers use volumetric weight?
Vans and planes run out of space before they run out of weight capacity, so large, light parcels are charged for the space they take up.
Do all couriers divide by 5,000?
Most UK and international parcel services use 5,000. A few use 4,000 or 6,000, so the calculator lets you change it.