# Volumetric weight calculator

Volumetric weight = length × width × height ÷ divisor. A 40 × 30 × 20 cm box is 24,000 cm³: 4.8 kg at 5000, 4 kg at 6000, 6 kg at 4000, 10.54 lb at 139 and 8.82 lb at 166. The chargeable weight is the higher of actual and volumetric weight.

Interactive calculator: https://cartonmath.com/volumetric-weight-calculator/
URL parameters: unit=cm|in, l, w, h, wt (actual weight per piece), wu=kg|lb, qty, div=5000|6000|4000|139|166.

## Worked example

1. Volume: 40 × 30 × 20 = 24,000 cm³
2. Divide by 5000: 24,000 ÷ 5000 = 4.8 kg
3. Or by 6000: 24,000 ÷ 6000 = 4 kg
4. In inches: 24,000 ÷ 16.387 = 1,464.6 in³; ÷ 139 = 10.54 lb
5. Actual weight: 3.5 kg
6. Chargeable at 5000: max(3.5, 4.8) = 4.8 kg

## Common divisors

| Divisor | Unit | Typically seen with |
|---|---|---|
| 5000 | cm³/kg | Common for international express |
| 6000 | cm³/kg | Common for many postal services and airlines (IATA 1:6000) |
| 4000 | cm³/kg | Used by some express and courier services |
| 139 | in³/lb | Common US domestic and international parcel divisor |
| 166 | in³/lb | Common for some US domestic and postal services |

Divisors vary by carrier, service and contract. Check your own carrier agreement.

## FAQ

**How do you calculate volumetric weight?**
Multiply length × width × height and divide by the carrier's divisor. In centimetres the answer is in kilograms (for example ÷ 5000 or ÷ 6000); in inches it is in pounds (for example ÷ 139 or ÷ 166). The carrier bills whichever is higher, the volumetric or the actual weight.

**Which divisor does my carrier use?**
Check your own rate card or carrier agreement. Divisors differ between carriers, services and countries and can be negotiated, so this calculator shows all the common ones side by side instead of assuming one.

**What is the volumetric weight of a 40 × 30 × 20 cm box?**
4.8 kg at the 5000 divisor, 4 kg at 6000 and 6 kg at 4000. In pounds it is 10.54 lb at 139 and 8.82 lb at 166.

**Do carriers round the dimensions?**
Many round each dimension, or the result, up before billing, for example to the next whole centimetre or inch, or the next half kilogram. Rounding rules are in your carrier's terms; this calculator shows the exact figure.

**Is 1:6000 the same as 166.67 kg per cubic metre?**
Yes. One cubic metre is 1,000,000 cm³, and 1,000,000 ÷ 6000 = 166.67 kg. In the same way the 5000 divisor equals 200 kg per m³ and 4000 equals 250 kg per m³.

Source page: https://cartonmath.com/volumetric-weight-calculator/
Updated: 2026-10-06
Publisher: CartonMath (https://cartonmath.com)