Volumetric weight, also called dimensional weight (or dim weight), is an useful formula to have. Generally, this applies in situations where the size of the package grossly outnumbers its actual weight. The reason some postal or other shipping carriers would need this value, is to calculate the space that the actual package is occupies. For example, a smaller box weighing twice that of the larger package, would incur higher shipping rates and the smaller footprint would take less space within the cargo area. Every inch of that freight area has a value based on weight.
For metric units of measurement:
You need to measure width, length and height of the package in centimeters.
Formula: width x length x height / 6000 = volumetric weight in kilograms.
This determination is based the density of water. The formula will analyze whether your package’s is either more than one-sixth that of water, or less than one-sixth of water. Less than one-sixth that of water means your volumetric weight is more than your standard weight.
For standard/English units of measurement:
You need to measure width, length and height of the package in centimeters.
Formula: width x length x height / 194 (Most used by American carriers within U.S.)
width x length x height / 166 (Most used by American carriers shipping to Canada)
This is determined based on the minimum weight allowance for one cubit foot of package, also known as the dim factor. Some carriers use the International Air Transport Association standard, but are free to use whatever dim factor they wish in the competitive free market environment.
