# Volumetric weight

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Carriers apply volumetric weight when a shipment occupies disproportionate space relative to its actual mass—a hold filled before the weight limit is reached still represents lost revenue.

Carriers apply volumetric weight when a shipment occupies disproportionate space relative to its actual mass—a hold filled before the weight limit is reached still represents lost revenue. It is calculated by dividing the shipment's volume (length × width × height in centimetres) by a dimensional divisor: typically 5,000–6,000 cm³/kg for air freight and 3,000–4,000 cm³/kg for express and courier services. Whichever is higher—volumetric weight or actual gross weight—becomes the chargeable weight. The concept is standard across air, express, and parcel freight; in LCL ocean freight the equivalent is quoted as weight or measurement (W/M). Shippers can reduce freight costs by packaging compactly and eliminating unnecessary void fill.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volumetric_weight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volumetric_weight)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Volumetric weight |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 107 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volumetric_weight |

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