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How to calculate cubic weight of a shipment
How to calculate cubic weight of a shipment

Cubic vs actual weight, how to calculate it so you know which will be used to calculate your shipping cost

Nathan Huppatz avatar
Written by Nathan Huppatz
Updated over a week ago

Calculating a cubic weight of a package is done with a mathematical equation.

Most carriers calculate the cubic weight of a package using a cubic conversion factor of 250 kg per cubic metre however this factor can vary. To calculate the cubic weight of a package you therefore multiply the dimensions of the package in metres (ie 20cm = 0.2 metres) by the cubic conversion factor of 250.

Let us use a small box as an example as shown below (20 x 30 x 15 cm)

To calculate the cubic volume, multiply the dimensions in metres, then multiply by the cubic factor on your carrier account.

For this example:  .20 x .30 x .15 x 250 = 2.25

Therefore the cubic weight of this box would be calculated as 2.25kg.  

Most carriers will use the greater of the dead weight or cubic when quoting you.

So if the example box above weighs 1.5kg on a scale the carrier would use the cubic weight of 2.25kg to calculate your shipping cost.

If you are unsure of the cubic multiplier that is attached to your freight account, please contact your freight provider.

For information about predefined Packages in ReadyToShip click here.

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