Parcel weight guide
Volumetric weight, without the confusion.
Reviewed: 9 September 2026
A large, light parcel occupies vehicle and warehouse space. Couriers may therefore compare its scale weight with a dimensional—or volumetric—weight and charge the higher amount.
For example, a 40 × 30 × 25 cm box produces 6 kg when a divisor of 5,000 is used. If the parcel weighs 2 kg on a scale, the chargeable weight may still be 6 kg. If a carrier uses a different divisor or rounding rule, the result changes.
Compare with your dimensions →Actual, volumetric and chargeable weight
- Actual weight is what the sealed parcel weighs on a scale.
- Volumetric weight converts the outside dimensions into a weight equivalent.
- Chargeable weight is the weight the service uses for pricing after its comparison and rounding rules.
Measure the packed box
Measure the longest outside points after the box is closed, taped and padded. Do not use the product dimensions. A bulge, handle or extra packaging can increase the carrier's measurement and move the parcel into a higher slab.
Do all couriers use the same divisor?
No. The divisor can differ by courier, service and transport mode. Treat 5,000 or 6,000 as examples only and check the selected service's current rule before booking. ShipScanner sends the entered dimensions to available quote sources rather than presenting one universal divisor as a guarantee.