How to calculate volumetric weight for international shipping

When shipping internationally, many people are surprised to be charged for more than their parcel actually weighs. That is because carriers charge on the chargeable weight, which also takes the size of the parcel into account. This guide shows how it works so you can estimate the cost before you ship.

Actual weight and volumetric weight

• Actual weight is what the parcel weighs on the scale.
• Volumetric weight is a weight in kg worked out from the box size. A big but light box still takes up a lot of space on the plane, so it is charged by volume.

The chargeable weight is the higher of the two.

The volumetric formula

GT Logistics routes currently use:

Volumetric weight (kg) = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 5000

Measure the outside of the box after packing, in centimetres.

Examples

A box of clothes: 50 × 40 × 40 cm, actual weight 9 kg.

• Volumetric weight = 50 × 40 × 40 ÷ 5000 = 16 kg.
• Chargeable weight = 16 kg (higher than 9 kg).

A tightly packed box of dry food: 40 × 30 × 30 cm, actual weight 12 kg.

• Volumetric weight = 40 × 30 × 30 ÷ 5000 = 7.2 kg.
• Chargeable weight = 12 kg (the actual weight is higher).

Some routes also round the chargeable weight up to a set step (for example 0.5 kg). Each route page shows its rules.

How to lower the chargeable weight

• Use a box that fits your goods; empty space raises the volumetric weight.
• Remove product packaging you don't need to keep.
• Pack tightly and vacuum-pack clothes and blankets.
• Combine items into one parcel instead of several small boxes.

Our staff weigh, measure and advise you on packing when you bring your goods to the warehouse.

Estimate your shipment

Enter the weight and size in our shipping calculator: it works out the volumetric weight, the chargeable weight and an estimated price from each route's current rates. The final price is confirmed after weighing and measuring at our warehouse.