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E-commerce Calculators

Shipping Cost Calculator

Carriers charge by whichever is greater: the actual weight or the dimensional (volumetric) weight of the box. Enter your parcel size and your carrier’s rates to see the billable weight and the cost.

Units
cm
cm
cm
kg
cm³/kg

Many carriers use 5000; some use 4000 or 6000. Check yours.

Your carrier’s rates

Use the prices from your carrier or shipping software.

$
$
%
$
Shipping cost$18.04
Billable weight
4.8 kg
Dimensional weight
4.8 kg
Actual weight
3.5 kg
Step-by-step working
  1. Volume = 24,000 cm³; dimensional weight = 24,000 ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 kg
  2. Billable weight = greater of 3.5 and 4.8 = 4.8 kg
  3. Cost = ($4.00 + 4.8 × $2.80) × (1 + 0%) + $0.60 = $18.04

Carriers may round billable weight up to the next whole kg or lb and add charges for remote areas or oversize parcels.

How to use the Shipping Cost Calculator

  1. Choose metric or US units and enter the box size and weight.
  2. Check the dimensional divisor your carrier uses.
  3. Enter your carrier’s rate per kg or lb, base fee and any surcharge.
  4. Press Calculate.

Formula

Dimensional weight = length × width × height ÷ divisor

Billable weight = the greater of actual and dimensional weight

Cost = (base fee + billable weight × rate) × (1 + surcharge) + packaging

Examples

  • 40 × 30 × 20 cm box weighing 3.5 kg, divisor 5000: dimensional weight 4.8 kg, so you pay for 4.8 kg; at 4 + 2.80 per kg that is 18.04 plus 0.60 packaging = 18.64.

Frequently asked questions

How can I lower shipping costs?

Use the smallest box that protects the item. Cutting empty space reduces dimensional weight, which is often what you are charged for.

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