How to Use Our Volumetric Weight Calculator?
This free online tool is designed to help you anticipate the cost of your international or domestic shipments from the United States. Follow these simple steps:
- Select the shipping type: Choose "International" if you are shipping outside the USA (the standard divisor of 139 applies) or "Domestic" if your package travels within the country (divisor 166).
- Enter the actual weight: Place your package on a scale and write down how many pounds it weighs.
- Enter the dimensions: Measure the Length, Width, and Height of your box in inches. If it is not a whole number, round up.
- Rate per pound (Optional): If you know how much your favorite shipping agency charges per pound (for example, $4.50 to Mexico or Colombia), enter it to get an estimated final price.
What is Dimensional or Volumetric Weight?
Major package shipping agencies (such as UPS, FedEx, USPS, or DHL) have limited space in their airplanes and trucks. If you send a huge box filled with pillows, it will occupy a lot of space even if it barely weighs a couple of pounds.
To solve this, they created Volumetric Weight. It is a mathematical formula that converts the volume of your box into "theoretical" pounds. The golden rule of the logistics industry is simple: You will always be charged the higher value between the actual weight of your package and its volumetric weight.
Volumetric Weight Formula (US)
(Length x Width x Height) ÷ Divisor = Volumetric Weight
The "Divisor" changes depending on the company and the destination, but the current international standard is 139. Our calculator applies these formulas automatically so you don't get surprises when you arrive at the shipping office.
About the Author: VÃctor Alonso
Technical SEO Auditor and developer. I created this free mathematical utility to save you time and money when shipping packages internationally and domestically. If it was useful to you, share it!
Connect on LinkedIn