Shipping Weight & Volume Calculator

Calculate volumetric weight vs actual weight to find your chargeable weight for DHL, FedEx, and African couriers. Understand dimensional weight pricing before you ship.

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📦 Package Dimensions & Weight

Chargeable Weight
0 kg
Whichever is greater
Actual Weight
0 kg
Physical weight on scale
Volumetric Weight
0 kg
L×W×H ÷ divisor
Courier / ServiceDivisorYour Vol. Weight

Chargeable weight check

Measure the carton, then confirm the courier divisor

Use the calculator to see whether actual or volumetric weight drives billing before you quote a customer or book freight.

Local estimate

Reviewed 2026. Carrier rules vary.

Check the result

  • Measure the packed carton, not the product alone.
  • Confirm the divisor, rounding increment, minimum charge, and route surcharges with the courier.
  • Copy or download the result before sharing a shipping quote.

Limits

  • The estimate does not include insurance, customs, remote-area, pickup, or fuel charges.
  • Sea, road, air, and express couriers may use different dimensional rules.
  • No package data is uploaded by AfroTools.

Planning estimate only. Use the carrier quote as the final billing reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is volumetric weight and why does it matter?
Volumetric (dimensional) weight is a pricing technique couriers use to account for packages that take up space but weigh very little. If you ship a large empty box, the courier still uses space in the aircraft or truck. Volumetric weight = Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 5000 for air. If this exceeds actual weight, you pay based on volumetric weight.
Which divisor do DHL, FedEx, and African couriers use?
DHL and FedEx use ÷5000 for air and courier services. Some road couriers use ÷4000 or ÷3000, making volumetric weight "heavier" and billing more. Sea freight uses a stowage factor concept (typically 1 CBM = 1000 kg chargeable weight). Always check with your specific courier as rates change.
How can I reduce volumetric weight costs in Africa?
Use right-sized packaging — avoid large boxes for small items. Compress products where possible. For e-commerce businesses, invest in efficient packaging. Consider road freight over air for non-urgent items as road uses ÷4000 or actual weight. Some African couriers offer volumetric discounts for regular high-volume shippers.