Volumetric Weight Explained: Why a Light Box Can Cost More to Courier (Formula and Examples)

Quick answer Couriers charge for whichever is bigger: the parcel's actual weight or its volumetric weight. For most Indian couriers: Volumetric weight (kg) = Length × Breadth × Height (cm) ÷ 5000. Example: a 40 × 30 × 20 cm box = 24,000 ÷ 5000 = 4.8 kg, even if it weighs 1 kg. So use the smallest box that fits. Some couriers use a different divisor (4000 or 6000) — check their rate card. Get a price for your route on our rate calculator.

हिंदी में: कूरियर असली वज़न और वॉल्यूमेट्रिक वज़न में से जो ज़्यादा हो, उसका पैसा लेते हैं। फ़ॉर्मूला: लंबाई × चौड़ाई × ऊँचाई (सेमी) ÷ 5000।

What is volumetric weight?

A truck or aircraft fills up by space long before it fills up by weight. A big box of pillows takes the space of several heavy boxes but weighs almost nothing. To be paid fairly for space, couriers convert a box's size into a "volumetric" (or dimensional) weight and charge for the higher of:

• Dead weight / actual weight — what the scale shows, and
• Volumetric weight — what the box would weigh at a standard density.

The higher number is the chargeable or billable weight.

The formula (and the divisors couriers use)

Volumetric weight (kg) = L × B × H in centimetres ÷ divisor

Divisor	Where you'll see it
5000	The common standard for Indian domestic express couriers and aggregators
4000	Some services or rate cards (makes the volumetric weight higher)
6000	Some air / international services (makes it lower)

The divisor is set by each courier and service, and can change — it's printed on the rate card or in the booking app. When in doubt, ask before you book.

Measure like this: use the outer size of the packed box, round each side up to the next whole centimetre, and include any bulge.

Worked examples (divisor 5000)

Box (cm)	Actual weight	Volumetric weight	You pay for
20 × 15 × 10	0.8 kg	3,000 ÷ 5000 = 0.6 kg	0.8 kg (actual is higher)
30 × 25 × 15	1 kg	11,250 ÷ 5000 = 2.25 kg	2.25 kg → usually rounded to 2.5 kg
40 × 30 × 20	1 kg	24,000 ÷ 5000 = 4.8 kg	4.8 kg → 5 kg
50 × 40 × 30	3 kg	60,000 ÷ 5000 = 12 kg	12 kg
25 × 20 × 5 (flat)	0.5 kg	2,500 ÷ 5000 = 0.5 kg	0.5 kg

Most couriers then round up to the next weight slab (often 0.5 kg), so 2.25 kg is billed as 2.5 kg.

Quick reference: box size → volumetric weight

Volumetric weight	Biggest box that stays under it (approx., ÷5000)
0.5 kg	25 × 20 × 5 cm or 15 × 15 × 11 cm
1 kg	25 × 20 × 10 cm
2 kg	25 × 20 × 20 cm or 40 × 25 × 10 cm
5 kg	40 × 25 × 25 cm
10 kg	50 × 40 × 25 cm

Does Speed Post use volumetric weight?

India Post prices Speed Post by weight slabs and distance (see Speed Post charges). For large, light parcels, check the volumetric rule at the counter — practice and rules for bulky articles can differ by service. Our rate calculator shows the billable weight it used for your parcel.

5 ways to pay less

1. Use the smallest box that fits. Every extra 5 cm on each side can add kilos.
2. Use a padded mailer or poly bag for clothes, books and anything that can't break — no box, almost no volumetric weight.
3. Fill empty space with paper, not a bigger box.
4. Compare couriers: if one uses ÷4000 and another ÷5000, the same box can be 25% cheaper with the second.
5. Weigh and measure before booking online — if the courier re-measures and finds a bigger box, you pay the difference (sellers call this "weight discrepancy").

Volumetric weight kaise nikale? (Hinglish)

1. Box ki lambai × chaudai × unchai centimetre mein naapiye (bahar se).
2. Teeno ko guna kijiye, phir 5000 se bhaag dijiye. Jo aaye wo kilo mein volumetric weight hai.
3. Asli wazan aur volumetric weight mein jo zyada ho, courier usi ka paisa lega.
4. Paise bachane ke liye chhota box ya poly bag use karein.

Apne route ka daam dekhne ke liye rate calculator kholiye.

FAQ

Why was I charged for 5 kg when my parcel weighed 1 kg?

Because the box was big. A 40 × 30 × 20 cm box has a volumetric weight of 4.8 kg (÷5000), which is rounded up to 5 kg.

Is volumetric weight used for small parcels?

Yes, but for small, dense parcels the actual weight is usually higher, so you pay for the actual weight.

Which divisor does my courier use?

It depends on the courier and service. 5000 is the most common for domestic express in India; some use 4000 or 6000. Check the rate card or booking app.

Should I measure the box before or after packing?

After. Couriers measure the final, packed outer box — including any bulging sides.