Actual vs Billable Weight Calculator
Compare your parcel’s actual weight with its volumetric weight and see which one carriers will bill you for.
Find Your Billable Weight
Enter the package size and its weight on the scale. The calculator works out volumetric weight and shows the greater figure, which is the weight carriers charge for.
Billable Weight Calculator
Billable weight = the greater of actual weight and (L × W × H ÷ divisor)
How Billable Weight Works
What carriers measure and charge for
Actual Weight
The weight of the packed parcel on a scale, including packaging. Weigh the finished box, not just the product.
Volumetric Weight
Length × width × height in cm, divided by the carrier’s divisor. A bulky, light box produces a high volumetric figure.
The Greater Value Wins
The billable (chargeable) weight is whichever of the two numbers is higher. Dense items are billed on actual weight, light bulky items on volume.
Measure the Longest Points
Carriers measure the widest point of each side, including bulges and pallets. Always use outer dimensions of the packed shipment.
Volumetric Weight Examples
Common box sizes and their volumetric weight at the two most used divisors.
| Box size (cm) | Volume (cm³) | Divisor 5000 | Divisor 6000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 × 20 × 20 | 12,000 | 2.4 kg | 2.0 kg |
| 40 × 30 × 30 | 36,000 | 7.2 kg | 6.0 kg |
| 50 × 40 × 40 | 80,000 | 16.0 kg | 13.3 kg |
| 60 × 40 × 40 | 96,000 | 19.2 kg | 16.0 kg |
| 80 × 60 × 50 | 240,000 | 48.0 kg | 40.0 kg |
| 120 × 100 × 80 | 960,000 | 192.0 kg | 160.0 kg |
Billable Weight FAQ
Answers to common questions about actual, volumetric and billable weight.
Billable weight, also called chargeable weight, is the greater of a shipment’s actual weight and its volumetric (dimensional) weight. Carriers use it to calculate shipping charges.
Multiply length by width by height in centimetres, then divide by the carrier’s divisor. A common divisor is 5000 for express couriers and 6000 for air freight, giving volumetric weight in kilograms.
Actual weight is what the package weighs on a scale. Volumetric weight reflects the space the package takes up. A large, light box can have a volumetric weight far higher than its actual weight.
Check your carrier’s terms. Many express couriers use 5000 cm³ per kg, air freight commonly uses 6000, and road freight often uses 3333, which equals 300 kg per cubic metre.
Use the smallest box that fits the product safely, remove excess void fill, and consider flat or soft packaging. Reducing any dimension lowers the volumetric weight.