Volumetric weight, also called dimensional weight or DIM weight, is a shipping weight calculation based on the amount of space a package occupies rather than how much it weighs on a scale. Carriers use volumetric weight to price large, lightweight shipments more accurately. Volumetric weight is usually calculated by multiplying length × width × height and dividing the result by a carrier-specific dimensional factor. The carrier then compares the volumetric weight with the actual weight and uses the higher number as the chargeable weight. For example, pillows, packaging materials, and lightweight ecommerce goods may cost more to ship than expected because they take up a lot of space even though they weigh very little.
Volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight) is a calculated weight based on the volume of a shipment rather than its actual mass. Carriers charge the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight, so light, bulky shipments effectively bill at a higher rate.
Volumetric Weight Calculations
- Air freight: (L cm x W cm x H cm) / 6,000 = kg
- Express courier: (L cm x W cm x H cm) / 5,000 = kg
- Ocean LCL: 1 CBM = 1,000 kg for weight comparison purposes
Reducing packaging dimensions is the most effective way to lower the volumetric weight of a shipment and reduce freight costs for air and courier shipments.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Dimensional Weight, Billable Weight, CBM, and Air Freight.
