---
title: "Volume weight explanation "
url: "https://support.acendy.com/en/article/volume-weight-explanation"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-03-15T17:37:25.932Z"
---

# Volume weight explanation 

This article explains what volume weight is, how it is calculated, and why it can affect the shipping cost of an order.

* * *

## What is volume weight?

Volume weight (also called **chargeable weight**) is a calculated weight based on the **size of the package**, not only its actual weight.

Carriers use volume weight to price **large, lightweight packages** that take up a lot of space during transport.

When shipping costs are calculated, the system compares:

-   actual weight
-   volume weight

The **higher value is used as the basis for the shipping price**.

* * *

## How is volume weight calculated?

Volume weight is calculated based on the package dimensions:

> **Length × width × height**

The formula may vary between carriers, but two common examples are:

**1\. Standard parcels**

-   (Length × width × height) / 1000 / 5

*All dimensions are usually given in* ***centimeters****.*

**Example**

-   Actual weight: **5 kg**
-   Dimensions: **30 cm × 40 cm × 25 cm**

Calculation:

```
30 × 40 × 25 = 30000  
30000 / 1000 = 30  
30 / 5 = 6 kg
```

Volume weight = **6 kg**

Since the volume weight is higher than the actual weight (5 kg), the shipping cost will be calculated based on **6 kg**.

**2\. Freight / cargo shipments**

-   (Length × width × height) / 1000 / 3.5

*All dimensions are usually given in* ***centimeters****.*

**Example**

-   Actual weight: **5 kg**
-   Dimensions: **30 cm × 40 cm × 25 cm**

Calculation:

```
30 × 40 × 25 = 30000  
30000 / 1000 = 30  
30 / 3.5 = 8.57 kg
```

Volume weight = **8.57 kg → rounded up to 9 kg**

The shipping price will therefore be calculated as if the package weighs **9 kg**.

## Weight rounding

Carriers normally round up both:

-   actual weight
-   volume weight

to the **nearest whole kilogram**.

The highest value is used as the basis for the shipping cost.

* * *

## Volume weight calculator

If your webshop uses shipping methods that calculate shipping based on volume weight, your products must have the **correct dimensions registered**.

This allows the system to calculate the correct shipping cost in checkout.

A **volume weight calculator** makes it easier to calculate the correct volume weight for your products.

Read more here: → [**Volume weight calculator – what it is and how it works**](https://support.acendy.com/en/article/volume-weight-calculator)

The calculator helps you determine the correct volume weight so that shipping costs are calculated accurately in your webshop.