Volumetric Weight Calculator:
Enter the values of package length, PL(in), package width, PW(in) and package height, PH(in) to determine the value of Volumetric weight, W(lbs).
Volumetric Weigh Formula:
Volumetric weight (VW) is a measurement used in logistics to assess the space a package occupies relative to its actual weight, often to calculate shipping costs for bulky but lightweight items. Unlike actual weight, which only considers the physical mass of an item, volumetric weight takes into account the dimensions of the package, making it an essential factor for optimizing space usage in shipping vehicles and storage areas. By converting volume into an equivalent weight, volumetric weight ensures fair pricing based on the space an item occupies rather than its physical weight alone.
The formula to calculate volumetric weight uses the length, width, and height of a package, typically measured in inches or centimetres. For air freight and many shipping companies, a divisor of 138.345 is applied, as it converts cubic inches into a standard weight measure (in this case, pounds). The divisor may vary based on the shipping provider or region, as it reflects the density standards used for space allocation in shipping.
The formula for volumetric weight in pounds (VW) is derived by multiplying the package’s length (PL), width (PW), and height (PH), then dividing the product by 138.345. This divisor ensures a consistent volumetric weight measurement, which can then be compared to the item’s actual weight to determine which metric will be used for shipping charges.
Volumetric weight, W(lbs) in pounds is calculated by multiplying the package length, PL(in) in inches, package width, PW(in) in inches and package height, PH(in) in inches, then dividing by 138.345.
Volumetric weight, W(lbs) = PL(in) * PW(in) * PH(in) / 138.345
W(lbs) = volumetric weight in pounds, lbs.
PL(in) = length in inches, in.
PW(in) = width in inches, in.
PH(in) = height in inches, in.
Volumetric Weight Calculation:
1.A package has a length of 20 inches, a width of 15 inches, and a height of 10 inches. Find the volumetric weight.
Given: PL(in) = 20in, PW(in) = 15in, PH(in) = 10in.
Volumetric weight, W(lbs) = PL(in) * PW(in) * PH(in) / 138.345
W(lbs) = 20 * 15 * 10 / 138.345
W(lbs) = 3000 / 138.345
W(lbs) = 21.68lbs.
2.A package has a length of 30 inches, a width of 25 inches, and a volumetric weight of 50 lbs. Find the package height.
Given: PL(in) = 30in, PW(in) = 25in, W(lbs) = 50lbs.
Volumetric weight, W(lbs) = PL(in) * PW(in) * PH(in) / 138.345
PH(in) = W(lbs) * 138.345 / PL(in) * PW(in)
PH(in) = 50 * 138.345 / 30 * 25
PH(in) = 6917.25 / 750
PH(in) = 9.22in.