How to Calculate Weight by Volume

How to Calculate Weight by Volume

Learning how to calculate an item's weight by its volume can come in handy when you have a measuring tape but no scale. The general formula for finding an item's volumetric weight is L x H x W/6000. This formula is most commonly used for determining how heavy a box is before it is mailed so that the proper postage can be added. In this case, the approximate volumetric weight is used--not necessarily the actual weight.

Instructions

Step 1

Measure the item's length in centimeters and write it down. For example, the item may be 33 centimeters long. This number will be the first in the formula. To get an accurate measurement, lay the tape against the surface. This is easy if the item is a box, but if the surface is rounded or uneven, holds the measuring tape straight across the object as if it were flat. This will still give you the approximate volumetric length.

Step 2

Measure the item's height in centimeters and write it down. For this example, the item is 44 centimeters high. This will be the second number in the formula.

Step 3

Measure the item's width in centimeters and write it down. For this example, the item is 22 centimeters wide. This will be the third number in the formula.

Step 4

Multiply those three numbers together and write down the figure. So, using the example measurements, the example item's formula would look like 33 x 44 x 22 = 31,944.

Step 5

Divide the total of the three numbers by 6,000. For the example, the item's formula would look like this: 31944 / 6000 = 5.324.

Step 6

Write down the answer. This is the volumetric weight in kilograms. Our example item is 5.324 kilograms.

Step 7

Convert the weight in kilograms to pounds by using the formula kilograms x 2.2 = pounds. The answer will be the mailing weight in pounds. The example item is 5.324 kilograms, so to find the weight in pounds input the information into the formula: 5.324 x 2.2 = 11.71 pounds. The item is 11.71 pounds.