Volumetric weight calculator
What is volumetric weight?
Volumetric weight is the calculated weight based on the length, width and height of a parcel converted to volumetric kilograms. The formula used to calculate the volumetric weight varies by courier and the service used. For example, some couriers apply a different volumetric formula for their express and economy service.
Why is volumetric weight charged?
The bigger an item is, the more room it takes up on a vehicle or aircraft, and therefore the more it costs to send. If an item is large but light, the price will be based on the size rather than the weight.
volumetric weight
Different courier companies use different metrics, but the most common method is to multiply the 3 parcel dimensions in centimetres and divide by 5,000.
Don’t worry, the handy tool above calculates this for you, but if you want to work it out for yourself, here’s how it’s done:
Multiply the 3 dimensions
Multiply the length x height x width of your parcel in cm. For example, 20 x 20 x 30
MDivide the answer by 5,000*
You've now calculated the volumetric weight in kg. *To calculate volumetric weight using inches, simply divide by 305
Compare to the physical weight
If the number is greater than the physical weight, then your shipment will be billed based on the volumetric weight.
UAE Prohibited Items List/Special Handing Items
Prohibited Items
- Cigarettes/ Electronic Cigarettes / E-SHISHA
- Sex Product & Toys
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Drugs - All kinds of Narcotic
- Weapons
- Food
- Gambling tools, machineries and devices of all kinds.
- Security camera " CCTV camera "
- Any garments have logo for UAE government
- Holy Quran
- Quranic paintings / Oil Paintings
- Fireworks
- Products from Embargo Contries like Israel / Iran etc
- Nylon fishing nets.
- Live Swine
- Used, reconditioned and inlaid tires.
- Radiation and nuclear fallout contaminated substances.
Restricted Items
(Can be cleared only on Approvals from Ministry)
- Live animals, plants, fertilizers and insecticides
- Arms, ammunitions, explosives, and fireworks
- Pharmaceutical products and Medical/ Surgical instruments and machines
- Print materials, publications, and media products
- Transmitters and radio equipment
- Foodstuffs, personal care and cosmetic products
- Nuclear energy-related
How shipping rates are calculated?
Parcels delivery charges are priced based on 2 crucial factors:
Either Parcel weight or volumetric weight including parcel dimensions, whatever is the greater of the two.
For example if you ship an iPhone in a larger box than necessary the charges will be based on volumetric weight not “actual box weight”
The reason for this is the parcel will take up more room during transit on the chosen couriers van so they lose out on revenue from other clients packages.
To avoid paying more than required it is very important that you select parcel size that is suitable for your item.
Calculate the length & girth of your parcel manually
To calculate the girth of a package, follow these guidelines:
- Measure the three parcel dimensions in centimetres. Example: 50 cm (Length) x 40 cm (Width) x 30 cm (Height).
- Add the measurements of the two smallest dimensions together. Multiply the result by two. This is the girth of your package. Example: 40 cm (Width) + 30 cm (Height) = 70 cm. 70 cm x 2 = 140 cm (Girth).
- Now simply take the longest dimension and add this to the package girth. The result is the combined length and girth of your parcel. Example: 50 cm (Length) + 140 cm (Girth) = 190 cm (Combined Length and Girth)