Compare actual packed gross weight with volumetric weight using the divisor from your shipping quote. Enter gross weight per carton in kilograms.
Use the tool · Worked example · Limits and next steps
Your result
Enter your details, or load the demonstration example.
Worked example
50 × 40 × 30 cm; 8 kg per carton; 10 cartons; divisor 5000 → 120 kg volumetric versus 80 kg actual. At divisor 6000, volumetric weight is 100 kg.
The example is demonstration data. Replace it with your own current measurements and quote details.
Understand the limits
The higher total is a planning estimate before piece-level rounding, minimum charges, oversize rules and surcharges. Confirm the divisor in your specific carrier quote. Divisors 139 and 166 use cubic inches per pound; this tool converts them to kilograms.
Read the detailed guideHow is shipping weight calculated?
For services using dimensional pricing, compare the packed gross weight with the dimensional or volumetric weight. The higher applicable weight is the starting point for the chargeable-weight estimate. The service's measurement rules, rounding and minimums still apply.
Volumetric kg per carton = outer length × width × height in cm ÷ divisor. For identical cartons, multiply this by carton quantity. Enter gross weight per carton in kilograms, including the carton and packaging, rather than the shipment's total gross weight.
For a 50 × 40 × 30 cm carton weighing 8 kg: divisor 5000 gives 12 kg volumetric; divisor 6000 gives 10 kg. For 10 identical cartons, the unrounded estimates are 120 kg or 100 kg respectively, compared with 80 kg actual gross weight.
Which dimensional divisor should I select?
Use the divisor stated in your carrier or forwarder quote. 5000 and 6000 are cm³/kg inputs; 139 and 166 are in³/lb inputs. They are not interchangeable numbers. This tool converts the selected imperial weight result to kilograms for comparison.
Carrier methods vary by service. For example, DHL's published help describes 5000 for centimeter/kilogram calculations and 139 for inch/pound calculations. FedEx's U.S. dimensional-weight explanation describes inch measurements and divisor 139. Confirm the current rules for the specific origin, destination and service.
Why can the carrier's billed weight be higher?
This calculator compares totals for one repeated carton configuration before carrier-specific rounding and minimum charges. A carrier may round dimensions or weights at the individual-package level, remeasure bulging packaging, apply oversize rules or charge additional fees. The result is a planning estimate, not the final invoice.
For differently sized cartons, repeat the calculation for each configuration. Do not compare the combined gross and dimensional totals as a substitute for package-level charging: a dense carton and a bulky light carton can each be charged using a different higher weight.
Measure total carton volume separately, and put the confirmed carton counts and weights into a packing-list draft. Neither the CBM nor this weight estimate supplies a carrier's shipping rate.
Shipping weight questions
Should I enter net weight or gross weight?
Use the actual packed gross weight per carton, including its packaging. Net product weight alone understates the physical package weight.
Why does a light box have a higher chargeable weight?
A large light box occupies transport space. When its dimensional weight is greater than its actual gross weight, dimensional pricing can use the higher figure under the selected service's rules.
Does the calculator return a shipping price?
No. It returns weight estimates in kilograms and the assumptions used. You still need a carrier rate, service conditions, rounding rules and any applicable surcharges.
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