Volume weight, also known as dimensional weight, is measured by calculating the space a package occupies, not just its actual weight. It is often used by shipping companies to determine costs when a package is large but not very heavy.
Understanding Volume Weight Calculation
The following formulas are used to calculate volume weight, depending on the units of measurement:
| Measurement System | Formula |
|---|---|
| Centimeters/Kilograms | (Length x Width x Height) / 5000 (per piece) |
| Inches/Pounds | (Length x Width x Height) / 139 (per piece) |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Measure the dimensions:
- Measure the length, width, and height of the package in centimeters or inches, depending on the system you are using.
- Calculate the cubic volume:
- Multiply the length, width, and height measurements together.
- Apply the appropriate divisor:
- For centimeters and kilograms, divide the cubic volume by 5000. The result is the volume weight in kilograms.
- For inches and pounds, divide the cubic volume by 139. The result is the volume weight in pounds.
Practical Insights
- Why use volume weight? Shipping companies often use volume weight because it costs more to transport a large, bulky item, even if it's light. If your package has a large volume, it will likely be charged based on volume weight.
- Which weight to use? The final billable weight for shipment will be the higher weight between the actual weight and volume weight.
- Example using centimeters/kilograms: If a box is 50cm long, 40cm wide, and 30cm high, the volume is 50 x 40 x 30 = 60,000 cubic centimeters. The volume weight is 60,000 / 5000 = 12 kilograms. If the actual weight was 10 kg, then the shipping company would bill you for 12kg.
- Example using inches/pounds: A package measures 20 inches long, 15 inches wide and 10 inches high. Its volume is 20 x 15 x 10 = 3000 cubic inches. The volume weight is 3000/139 = 21.58 pounds. If the actual weight is 18 pounds, the package would be billed for 21.58 pounds.
Key Takeaways
- Volume weight is crucial for accurately calculating shipping costs, especially for larger, lighter packages.
- Always compare the volume weight with the actual weight to determine the billable weight.
