About volumetric weight calculator
Couriers charge by whichever is greater: the actual weight or the volumetric weight. A big, light parcel can cost more than a small heavy one.
Formula
Volumetric weight (kg) = length × width × height (cm) ÷ 5000. Many Indian couriers use 5000, but some use 4000 or 6000. A 50 × 40 × 30 cm box is 12 kg volumetric.
Saving on shipping
- Use the smallest box that protects the item.
- Compress soft goods such as clothes.
- Check the divisor and rate card of your own courier.
A worked example
A box of 40 × 30 × 30 cm is 36,000 cm³. Dividing by 5,000 gives a volumetric weight of 7.2 kg. If the contents weigh only 4 kg, you are billed for 7.2 kg, since the courier uses the larger figure.
Check the divisor
- Couriers use 4,000, 5,000 or 6,000 depending on the service.
- International carriers often use 5,000.
- Always measure the packed box, including padding, to the nearest centimetre.
