CBM and chargeable weight calculator
Enter the boxes and the vehicle body to see the volume in CBM, the actual and volumetric weight, the weight a carrier charges, how much of the body and the payload the load takes, and how many pallets fit on the floor.
Chargeable weight
1,417.5 kg
Volumetric weight is higher than the actual weight, so it is charged.
- Total volume
- 7.09 m³
- Actual weight
- 1,050 kg
- Volumetric weight
- 1,417.5 kg
- Pallet places, estimate
- 4
Body volume used46% of 15.52 m³
Payload used42% of 2,500 kg
Chargeable weight
1,417.5 kg
How it is worked out
Box sizes in centimetres, the body in metres, weights in kg.
- Volume of one box (m³)
- = length × width × height in cm ÷ 1,000,000
- Total volume (CBM)
- = volume of one box × number of boxes
- Actual weight (kg)
- = weight of one box × number of boxes
- Volumetric weight (kg)
- = length × width × height in cm ÷ divisor × number of boxes
- Chargeable weight (kg)
- = the higher of the actual and the volumetric weight
- Body volume used
- = total volume ÷ (body length × width × height in m)
- Payload used
- = actual weight ÷ payload
- Pallet spots
- = whole pallets along the floor × whole pallets across it, the pallet turned whichever way fits more
The carrier sets the divisor: 5,000 cm³ per kg is common for express and courier parcels, and some services use another figure, so check your carrier’s rate card.
Worked example
The example values the calculator opens with, worked through step by step. Chargeable weight: 1,417.5 kg.
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Volume of one box | 45 × 35 × 30 cm = 47,250 cm³ | 0.04725 m³ |
| Total volume | 0.04725 m³ × 150 boxes | 7.09 m³ |
| Actual weight | 150 boxes × 7 kg | 1,050 kg |
| Volumetric weight | 47,250 cm³ ÷ 5,000 × 150 boxes | 1,417.5 kg |
| Chargeable weight | the higher of 1,050 kg and 1,417.5 kg | 1,417.5 kg |
| Body volume used | 7.09 m³ ÷ 15.52 m³ | 46% |
| Payload used | 1,050 kg ÷ 2,500 kg | 42% |
What it leaves out
A calculator answers the question it is given. These are the things to add, or check, yourself.
- Gaps between boxes: boxes rarely fill a body completely, so plan on less than all of its volume.
- How boxes stack, how much weight they bear and which way up they must travel.
- Mixed pallet patterns, wheel arches and doors: the pallet count is a simple grid and an estimate.
- How the weight sits on each axle. The axle load calculator checks that.
- Carrier rounding: some round each box’s weight up before adding. Check your carrier’s rules.
Questions
How do I calculate CBM?
Multiply the length, width and height of one box in centimetres, divide by 1,000,000 to get cubic metres (CBM), then multiply by the number of boxes.
What is volumetric weight?
A weight worked out from a parcel’s size: length × width × height in centimetres, divided by the carrier’s divisor. Carriers charge the higher of this and the actual weight, so large, light parcels pay for the space they take.
Which divisor should I use?
The one in your carrier’s rate card. 5,000 cm³ per kg is common for express and courier parcels, and some services use other figures, so check before you quote a price.
How many pallets fit in my vehicle?
The calculator fits whole pallets along and across the body floor, trying both ways round, and multiplies by the layers you can stack. Treat it as an estimate: wheel arches, doors and mixed patterns change the real count.
Sources
Opened and checked on 2 Nov 2026. Rules and published figures change: check the current version before you rely on one.
Delhivery help centre
One carrier’s published rule: length × breadth × height in cm ÷ 5,000 for its surface and express parcels, charged on the higher of that and the dead weight.
Plan the routes, dispatch the work and see what each route costs.
Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00 IST+91 74158 85838