Dimensional weight calculator for shipping packages

Parcel Monkey is a shipping calculator, which helps you find a shipping price based on where you want to ship your package to, and how large and heavy the package is. When you get a shipping price from us or any courier, it is essential to declare accurate weight and dimensions, as this helps us work out an accurate and correct price with the couriers. 

What is dimensional weight and how do I calculate it?

Volumetric weight is the measurement used throughout the logistics industry to calculate how much space an item is going to take up in the courier's network. If your item is large and takes up a lot of space when being moved about, the cost is greater for the courier to cover. It doesn't matter if you are shipping internationally or within the same country, volumetric weight still applies. 

The way to work out volumetric weight is -  depth x length x width in CM divided by 5000.

If this calculation exceeds the actual weight of the package, then the shipment will be priced according to this weight instead. This may only apply if you have a very large but lightweight parcel for example. Luckily our shipping calculator does the math for you, so as long as you declare the true weight and dimensions you can avoid any issues. 

Failure to declare accurate dimensions can result in the courier charging you for the additional weight, plus it can cause your package to be delayed. 

Don’t worry, we work out the dimensional weight for you.

Luckily our shipping calculator does the math for you, so as long as you declare the true weight and dimensions you can avoid any issues. Failure to declare accurate dimensions can result in the courier charging you for the additional weight, plus it can cause your package to be delayed. 

We created the Parcel Monkey shipping calculator to work out the best price for your package based on the dimensions with ease but before you enter the details be sure to have the package packed and ready to ship. This is because those layers of protective packaging can add extra weight and bulk to your package, so once it is prepared to be sent, you can get the correct measurements.  

Even if you haven't shipped a package before and you are concerned about dimensional weight,  you can trust our shipping calculator as it works in the exact same way as a FedEx or UPS shipping calculator who also uses the dimensional weight equation. 

Even if your shipping large boxes, we do have a number of cheap courier services for large and heavy boxes, so you will always pay a fair price. 

How to measure my package dimensions

To measure package dimensions use a tape measure once your box is packed and note the dimensions down.

If you don't have a tape measure to hand, have a read of our blog post about AirMeasure.

You can use scales that you might have at home to weigh a package, or if you don't have any, look up your item online and find out what the dimensions are and add a generous amount of inches on top to make sure you account for the packaging. It is much better to overestimate and pay a small amount extra, rather than be hit by a hefty additional charge from the courier and have your package delayed. 

Why is it important to weigh and measure your package correctly?

Failing to declare the weight and dimensions accurately could mean you could incur a charge from the courier that exceeds the additional amount you would pay by declaring your package size correctly at the time of booking. It could also mean your package is too large or heavy to be shipped via the courier you selected via our shipping calculator and will, therefore, be returned.

Couriers charge via volumetric weight as the more space used in their network the bigger the costs. Whenever you look at how you are going to send a package using our shipping calculator will work the same as a UPS shipping calculator or FedEx rate calculator using the dimensional weight equation. 

In the same way, as Customs Documents are essential when shipping, providing the correct measurements is also very important. 

Do the couriers you work with have any information about volumetric weight?

We work closely with some of the biggest couriers around to provide you with the very best shipping rates and time frames. If you would like to know more about what a courier service is, we do have some further advice. 

As they are the experts it is worth taking a moment to review their advice on calculating volumetric weight.

DHL advise-
‘The cost of a shipment can be affected by the amount of space that it occupies on an aircraft, rather than the actual weight. This is the volumetric (or dimensional) weight.
The volumetric weight of a shipment is a calculation that reflects the density of a package. A less dense item generally occupies more volume of space, in comparison to its actual weight. The volumetric or dimensional weight is calculated and compared with the actual weight of the shipment to ascertain which is greater; the higher weight is used to calculate the shipment cost.’

The UPS calculator works in the same way as Parcel Monkey, calculating the dimensional weight based on the details provided by the shipper.

UPS advise- ‘Dimensional weight reflects package density, which is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. Dimensional weight may apply to all UPS domestic and international services. Billable weight is the weight used to calculate the rate. For domestic and international services, the billable weight will be the greater of the dimensional weight as compared to actual weight.’

Packages that exceed UPS weight and size limits may not be accepted for transportation the same with all couriers so be sure to declare the dimensions correctly.