Volumetric Weight
Volumetric weight is a weight calculated from a parcel's size, used by couriers to price light but bulky shipments.
Couriers charge the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight, called chargeable weight. It makes shippers pay for the space a parcel uses.
The divisor depends on the carrier and service, commonly 5,000 for international express in cm and kg, and 139 in inches and pounds.
Formula
Volumetric weight (kg) = L × W × H (cm) ÷ Divisor
Chargeable weight = Higher of actual and volumetric weight
Example
A 50 × 40 × 30 cm box weighing 8 kg has a volumetric weight of 12 kg at a 5,000 divisor, so it is billed as 12 kg.
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Common questions
Is it the same as dimensional weight?
Yes. DIM weight is the common US term.
How do I reduce it?
Use smaller boxes and less void fill.