How volumetric weight is calculated
Measure the box
Outside length, width and height in centimetres, including any bulges.
Divide by the divisor
L × W × H ÷ 5000 = volumetric weight in kg. A 40×30×20 box: 24,000 ÷ 5000 = 4.8 kg.
Chargeable weight
You pay for the higher of actual and volumetric weight, so a 3 kg box is billed as 4.8 kg.
Carrier divisors from their own pages
Each page was checked on 29 October 2026. The divisor can differ by service or contract; if your carrier gives you another number, pick “another divisor”.
| Carrier | Formula | Rounding and notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMSA Express | cm ÷ 5000 = kg | “or any other number specified by SMSA” | FAQ |
| Aramex | L × W × H ÷ 5000 | The higher of actual and volumetric applies | FAQ |
| DHL Express | cm ÷ 5000 = kg, “typically” | Advises confirming the divisor with DHL | dhl.com |
| FedEx | cm ÷ 5000 = kg; in ÷ 139 = lb (or ÷ 305 = kg) | Each dimension rounded up | fedex.com |
| UPS (Saudi Arabia, UAE) | cm ÷ 5000 = kg | Dimensions rounded up; weight up to the next half kg | ups.com/sa |
| UPS (United States) | in ÷ 139 (Daily) or ÷ 166 (Retail) = lb | Weight up to the next whole pound | ups.com/us |
| SPL (Saudi Post) | No divisor published | Says cost uses “actual or volumetric weight”; ask for the divisor and pick “another divisor” | FAQ |
Lowering volumetric weight
Use the smallest box that fits: every extra centimetre on each side raises the volumetric weight.
Mailers for clothing: soft goods in shipping bags instead of boxes take far less space.
FAQ
What is volumetric weight?
A notional weight for the space a parcel takes on a plane or truck. Carriers compare it with the actual weight and bill the higher.
What divisor do SMSA and Aramex use?
Their own pages say length × width × height in cm ÷ 5000. SMSA adds “or any other number specified by SMSA”, so check your contract.
Why do divisors differ (4000, 5000, 6000)?
Each carrier and service sets its own; a smaller divisor gives a higher volumetric weight. If your carrier gives you a different number, choose “another divisor” and type it.
What is the SPL (Saudi Post) divisor?
We found no published divisor on SPL’s pages; they only say cost uses “actual or volumetric weight”. Ask them and enter it as “another divisor”.
How do I calculate dimensional weight in inches?
L × W × H in inches ÷ 139 = pounds (FedEx, UPS US Daily Rates), or ÷ 166 for UPS Retail Rates.