What Is Volumetric Weight and How Is It Calculated?

While shipping your eCommerce products, the two most commonly used terms are volumetric weight and actual weight. Both these terms play a significant role in ascertaining the shipping rates.

In this blog, we will explore one key concept that often impacts shipping costs: volumetric weight, also known as dimensional weight. This measurement considers not just the actual weight of a package but also its volume, effectively accounting for the amount of space the package occupies during transit. Understanding how to compute volumetric weight is essential for businesses, particularly those engaged in eCommerce, as it can significantly influence shipping costs. Using a volumetric weight calculator can help you quickly estimate these costs in real-time.

The Evolution of Shipping Weight Calculations

Traditionally, shipping costs were calculated based on the gross weight of a package, which only took into account the actual weight as measured on a scale. However, this method did not account for the size or density of the package. For example, a large box filled with lightweight items would cost the same as a smaller box with the same weight, even though the larger box takes up more space on a delivery truck or aeroplane.

To address this weight discrepancy and ensure that carriers could maintain profitability, the concept of volumetric weight was introduced. Now, shipping charges are based on the greater of actual weight or computed volumetric weight. This approach ensures bulky but light packages are not undercharged, aligning costs with space usage.

Today, major carriers like Ekart, BlueDart, Shadowfax, and more all use volumetric weight calculations to determine shipping costs. By doing so, they can more accurately price their services based on the space a package occupies rather than just its weight.

Understanding Volumetric Weight

Volumetric weight is essentially a way to calculate the density of a package. It represents the amount of space a package takes up in relation to its actual weight. This is crucial for carriers because the available space in shipping vehicles is often limited, and maximising the use of that space is key to efficient and cost-effective transportation.

To visualise this, imagine trying to pack a suitcase. If the suitcase is filled with heavy items, it might weigh a lot but take up little space. On the other hand, if it’s filled with lightweight items like pillows, it may weigh very little but occupy much more space. In the context of shipping, the latter scenario would result in a higher volumetric weight, leading to higher shipping costs despite the lower actual weight.

How Is Volumetric Weight Calculated?

To compute volumetric weight, measure a package’s length, width, and height and use these dimensions to determine the volume. The formula for calculating volumetric weight varies slightly depending on the carrier and the unit of measurement (inches or centimetres). Here’s the approach:

Measure the dimensions: Measure the length, width, and height of the package in inches or centimetres.

Calculate the volume: Multiply the three dimensions together to obtain the cubic volume of the package.

For example, if a box measures 40 inches by 16 inches by 16 inches, the volume is 40 x 16 x 16 = 10,240 cubic inches.

Apply the volumetric weight divisor: Divide the total cubic volume by the carrier’s dimensional weight divisor.

The divisor is typically 5000. The formula in kilograms would be:

Volumetric Weight (kg) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) / 5000

Pro tip: Always round up to the nearest whole number when calculating the volumetric weight.

How Does The Weight Discrepancy Arise?

Inaccuracies in weight measurements arise when a parcel goes through the sorter machine in the courier facility. The discrepancies are marked against the said package if the scanned weight varies from the one that seller mentioned at the time of shipment creation.

With Dispatch’s seamless and collaborative approach, weight discrepancies are minimised. We ensure that the weight is carefully checked and adjusted. If issues arise, an easy and quick resolution is provided within a week.

Avoiding or Reducing Volumetric Weight

While volumetric weight is an essential factor in shipping, here are a few ways to minimise its impact:

Optimise Packaging 

One of the most effective ways to reduce volumetric weight is to use appropriate packaging. Avoid using excessively large boxes for lightweight items. Instead, use smaller, more compact packaging that better fits the product. This not only reduces the volumetric weight but also decreases the amount of packing material needed.

Consider Alternative Shipping Services 

Some shipping services or carriers offer more favourable dimensional weight divisors. If your package is particularly large but light, exploring these options could result in lower shipping costs.

Repackage Products 

For businesses, working with an eCommerce fulfillment company or third-party logistics provider (3PL) can be beneficial. These companies often offer repackaging services to reduce the size of packages, thereby lowering volumetric weight and shipping costs.

While avoiding volumetric weight entirely may not always be possible, these strategies can help mitigate its impact and reduce shipping expenses.

The Importance of Volumetric Weight in Shipping

Volumetric weight plays a crucial role in the shipping industry as it ensures that carriers can operate efficiently and profitably. By charging based on the space a package occupies, rather than just its weight, carriers can more accurately reflect the true cost of transporting goods.

For businesses, understanding and managing volumetric weight is essential to controlling shipping costs. By using the right packaging, selecting the appropriate shipping service, and possibly working with a logistics partner, businesses can ensure they are not overpaying for shipping, even when dealing with large, lightweight items.

The Bottom Line

As eCommerce continues to grow, so does the importance of understanding shipping metrics. Volumetric weight is no longer just a technical term—it’s a key factor in logistics planning and cost management. Use a volumetric weight calculator regularly and pack smartly to optimise every shipment.

By staying informed and proactive, you can ship more efficiently, control costs, and deliver a better experience to your customers.