Box Size Calculator
Enter the outside length, width and height of your box, its actual weight and the courier's divisor. The calculator gives the volume, the dimensional weight and which weight you will be charged for.
- Volume in litres and m³
- Dimensional weight
- Length plus girth
Measure the outside of the box at its widest points, including any bulges, and round up to the next whole centimetre.
Couriers charge for space as well as weight. A light parcel in a big box takes up van space that could carry heavy parcels. So couriers work out a dimensional weight from the box size and charge whichever is higher, the real weight or the size weight.
Common box sizes
Dimensional weight at ÷ 5,000. Search for a box.
| Box | Size (cm) | Volume (L) | Dim weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small parcel | 30 × 20 × 15 | 9 | 1.8 |
| Shoe box | 35 × 22 × 13 | 10 | 2 |
| Medium parcel | 40 × 30 × 25 | 30 | 6 |
| Small moving box | 45 × 30 × 30 | 40.5 | 8.1 |
| Medium moving box | 46 × 46 × 41 | 86.8 | 17.3 |
| Large moving box | 60 × 45 × 45 | 121.5 | 24.3 |
| Wardrobe box | 60 × 50 × 120 | 360 | 72 |
| Euro pallet footprint | 120 × 80 × 100 | 960 | 192 |
Moving box sizes vary by brand. The figures here are typical outside dimensions.
Box size and dimensional weight
A cube box at three divisors. Slide the side length.
A lower divisor means a higher dimensional weight. Express and air services often use 4,000 or 5,000.
How dimensional weight works
Volume divided by a factor. Step through it.
Measure outside
Length, width and height in cm.
US carriers measure in inches and divide by 139. The result is in pounds, but works the same way.
Ways to cut shipping cost
Three common fixes. Pick one.
Remove empty space. Cutting each side by 10% saves about 27% of dim weight.
For flat or soft items, a mailer avoids box charges entirely.
Some economy services use 6,000 instead of 5,000.
For light, bulky items such as pillows or lampshades, vacuum bags can cut the box size dramatically.
Before booking a courier
Avoid surcharges. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Couriers re-measure parcels on automated scanners. If your declared size is too small, you will be charged the difference plus a fee.
What you get
Numbers couriers ask for. Each tile explains one result.
The higher of actual or size weight.
Volume ÷ divisor.
In litres and m³.
For size limits.
Which weight sets the price.
Length plus girth is the longest side plus twice the other two. Many services cap it at about 300 cm.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How do I calculate dimensional weight?
Multiply length × width × height in cm and divide by the courier's divisor, often 5,000.
What is chargeable weight?
The higher of the actual weight and the dimensional weight.
How do I measure a box for shipping?
Measure the outside at the widest points and round up to the next centimetre.
What is length plus girth?
The longest side plus twice the width plus twice the height.
What is the volume of a 40 × 30 × 25 cm box?
30,000 cm³, or 30 litres.
Why is my light parcel so expensive?
Because it is billed on size. A smaller box can lower the cost.
What divisor do US carriers use?
Usually 139 with inches and pounds.
Pick the box that costs less to send
Measure the outside, work out the dimensional weight and compare it with the real weight. Trim empty space where you can and you will pay for what you send, not for air.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.