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Packaging calculator

Couriers charge by the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Calculate volumetric weight to avoid shipping surprises.

How it works Report a problem

Packaging calculator

Enter your values below and press Calculate to see your result instantly.

Billable Weight (Greater of Vol vs Act)
4.80 kg
TOTAL VOLUME
24,000 cm³
SURFACE AREA
5,200 cm²
20 cm
30 cm
The parcel is Volumetrically Heavy. Carriers will bill you based on space (4.8kg) rather than mass (2kg).

Packing maths decides courier bills: how many units fit a box, how many boxes an order or a pallet run needs, and how much void fill and tape follow. This calculator works those numbers from your product and box dimensions so packing stops being guesswork at the dispatch bench.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter the product dimensions and the box's inner dimensions to find units per box.
  • Or enter the total units to ship and the units per box to find boxes required.
  • Press calculate to see boxes needed and the packing summary.

Dimensional weight is the hidden tariff

Couriers increasingly charge by the space a parcel occupies, not only its mass: a big light box can bill like a heavy one. Choosing the smallest box that protects the product, as this calculator helps you compare, routinely saves more than negotiating rates, because it cuts both the dimensional weight and the void fill in one move.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate how many boxes I need?
Boxes = total units divided by units per box, rounded up. The units-per-box figure comes from dividing the box's inner volume and dimensions by the product's packed size, respecting orientation.
What is dimensional weight?
A pricing method: (length × width × height) divided by a courier's factor (often 5,000 for cm/kg). You are charged the greater of actual and dimensional weight.
How much void fill should I allow?
Enough to stop movement without crushing room: as a guide, products should have roughly 5 cm of cushion on each side for fragile goods, less for robust items in snug boxes.