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Como Calcular Peso Volumetrico De Una Caja

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

The volumetric weight of a box is a calculation used to determine the shipping cost based on the physical dimensions of the package rather than its actual weight. This is particularly important for large, lightweight packages that might be expensive to ship by weight.

What is volumetric weight?

Volumetric weight is a method used by shipping companies to calculate the cost of shipping a package. Instead of using the actual weight of the package, they calculate the weight based on the package's dimensions. This is done to ensure that large, lightweight packages are not shipped for free while small, heavy packages are not overcharged.

The volumetric weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package (in centimeters or inches) and then dividing by a divisor specific to the shipping carrier. The result is then compared to the actual weight of the package, and the higher of the two values is used to determine the shipping cost.

How to calculate volumetric weight

To calculate the volumetric weight of a box, follow these steps:

  1. Measure the length, width, and height of the box in centimeters or inches.
  2. Multiply the length, width, and height together to get the volume.
  3. Divide the volume by the divisor provided by your shipping carrier (typically 5000 for centimeters or 139 for inches).
  4. Compare the resulting volumetric weight to the actual weight of the box. The higher value is used for shipping cost calculations.

For example, if you have a box that is 20 cm long, 15 cm wide, and 10 cm high, the volume would be 3000 cubic centimeters. Dividing by 5000 gives a volumetric weight of 0.6 kg. If the actual weight of the box is 0.5 kg, the shipping cost would be based on 0.6 kg.

Formula

The formula for calculating volumetric weight is:

Volumetric Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ Divisor

Where:

  • Length, Width, Height - Dimensions of the box in centimeters or inches
  • Divisor - A constant provided by the shipping carrier (typically 5000 for cm or 139 for inches)

The divisor is specific to each shipping carrier. For example, FedEx uses 5000 for centimeters and 139 for inches, while UPS uses 305 for cubic inches.

Example calculation

Let's say you have a box with the following dimensions:

  • Length: 20 cm
  • Width: 15 cm
  • Height: 10 cm

Using the formula:

Volumetric Weight = (20 × 15 × 10) ÷ 5000

= 3000 ÷ 5000

= 0.6 kg

If the actual weight of the box is 0.5 kg, the shipping cost would be based on 0.6 kg.

FAQ

What is the difference between actual weight and volumetric weight?

Actual weight is the physical weight of the package, while volumetric weight is calculated based on the package's dimensions. Shipping companies use the higher of the two values to determine shipping costs.

Why do shipping companies use volumetric weight?

Shipping companies use volumetric weight to ensure that large, lightweight packages are not shipped for free while small, heavy packages are not overcharged. This helps to prevent fraud and ensures fair pricing.

What is the standard divisor for calculating volumetric weight?

The standard divisor is typically 5000 for centimeters and 139 for inches. However, different shipping carriers may use different divisors, so it's important to check with your specific carrier.

How can I reduce the shipping cost of a large, lightweight package?

To reduce the shipping cost of a large, lightweight package, you can try to fill it with more weight or use a more efficient packing method. You can also choose a shipping carrier that offers lower rates for volumetric weight.