DHL Expressinternational express
- volumetric weight = L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5000
- 1 m³ = 200 kg
- you pay for the higher of the actual and volumetric weight
Volumetric weight calculator
Enter the box size and weight in cm/kg or inches/pounds: see the volumetric weight and the chargeable weight for DHL Express, FedEx, DPD, USPS or your own divisor.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Runs in your browser
Volumetric weight calculator
What is volumetric weight
Volumetric (dimensional, or DIM) weight is the weight a carrier assigns to a parcel based on its size. A big box full of air takes as much space as a heavy one, so the carrier charges for the higher of two weights: the actual weight on the scales or the volumetric weight.
A 60 × 50 × 40 cm box with pillows weighs 3 kg, but its volumetric weight with a 5000 divisor is 24 kg — you are billed for 24 kg.
Volumetric weight formula and carrier divisors
| Carrier | Formula | 40 × 30 × 20 cm box |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5000, i.e. 1 m³ = 200 kg | 24,000 ÷ 5000 = 4.8 kg |
| FedEx | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5000, or (in) ÷ 139 for pounds | 4.8 kg |
| DPD | L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5000 | 4.8 kg |
| USPS | L × W × H (in) ÷ 139, only for parcels over 1,728 in³ | box is 1,465 in³ — actual weight applies |
| Another carrier | L × W × H ÷ the carrier’s divisor | divisor from the carrier’s terms or your contract |
Divisors are taken from the carriers’ official pages, checked 30 October 2026. Contract rates can use a different divisor: enter it in “Custom divisor”.
Carrier details
FedExexpress and international
- 5000 for centimetres and kilograms
- 139 for inches and pounds
DPDparcels in Europe
- L × W × H (cm) ÷ 5000
- volumetric weight is charged only when it exceeds the actual weight
USPSUnited States
- L × W × H (in) ÷ 139, rounded up to the next pound
- only for parcels larger than 1,728 in³ (1 cubic foot)
- each dimension is rounded up to the whole inch
How to measure a box
- Lengththe longest side
- Widththe second side
- Heightfrom the bottom to the top
- Round upto the whole cm or inch, as carriers do
Measure the outside of the packed box, including bulges and handles. A bulging side adds to the volume, so tape the box flat before you measure.
How to pay less for shipping
- Use the smallest box that fits: every centimetre on each side multiplies the volume.
- Pack soft goods in mailer bags instead of boxes — they take up less space.
- Ship several items of one order in one box when it lowers the total chargeable weight.
- Ask your carrier about contract rates and divisors if you ship a lot of light, bulky parcels.
Common mistakes
- Measuring the product instead of the packed box.
- Using centimetres with the inch divisor 139, or inches with 5000.
- Forgetting that the chargeable weight is per package: two boxes are calculated separately.
- Assuming every carrier uses 5000: check the divisor in your carrier’s terms.
Did you know?
With a 5000 divisor, one cubic metre is billed as 200 kg, however light the contents are.
Source: DHL Express, FAQ “How do I calculate the volumetric weight?”, checked 30 October 2026Since 12 July 2026, USPS divides by 139 for parcels over 1,728 cubic inches, after rounding each dimension up to the whole inch.
Source: USPS Domestic Mail Manual, 223, checked 30 October 2026
Package weight in the shipping label, straight from the order
In Elbuz the weight and size of each product are stored in the catalog, so an order already knows its shipping weight. See order management.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate volumetric weight?
Multiply length × width × height and divide by the carrier’s divisor. In centimetres, most express carriers use 5000: a 40 × 30 × 20 cm box has a volumetric weight of 24,000 ÷ 5000 = 4.8 kg. The carrier bills the higher of the actual and the volumetric weight.
What is the difference between volumetric weight and gross weight?
Gross (actual) weight is what the parcel weighs on the scales. Volumetric weight is a notional weight based on its size. A large, light box takes as much space in a van or plane as a heavy one, so carriers charge by whichever is higher — that is the chargeable weight.
How do I calculate DIM weight in inches?
Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by 139 to get pounds. FedEx and USPS use 139: an 18 × 14 × 10 in box is 2,520 ÷ 139 = 18.1 lb. USPS applies it only to parcels over 1,728 cubic inches.
Why divide by 5000 or 6000 for volumetric weight?
The divisor is the carrier’s assumed density: 5000 cm³ per kg means 1 m³ is billed as 200 kg. Some carriers and freight services use 6000 (1 m³ = 166.7 kg), which gives a lower volumetric weight. Check the divisor in your carrier’s terms or contract and enter it as a custom divisor.
What is the volumetric weight of a 60 × 40 × 40 cm box?
96,000 ÷ 5000 = 19.2 kg with a 5000 divisor. If the box weighs 5 kg, you pay for 19.2 kg.
How do I calculate volumetric weight in Excel?
With length, width and height in A1, B1 and C1 (cm): =A1*B1*C1/5000. Chargeable weight, with the actual weight in D1: =MAX(D1, A1*B1*C1/5000).