How to weigh and measure a parcel

How to weigh a package

If you need to weigh your package before sending, you’ll need to use at-home scales to get your parcel’s weight. Any scales will do - but kitchen scales may be suitable for smaller items, and bathroom scales are better for bulkier items. 

If you’re able to fit your parcel in a sturdy plastic bag, you could also use a digital luggage scale to weigh your parcel. 

• If you’re struggling to see your bathroom scale’s display, weigh yourself without holding your package, then holding your package. Subtract your weight with the package from your weight without to get your parcel’s weight
• Remember to make a note of the weight in metric measurements - kilograms and grams
• Make sure to make sure you include the weight of the box you’re using, and any additional packaging materials

How to weigh a parcel if you don’t have scales

If you don’t have any scales to hand, here are some approximate weights for everyday items. Please note, these are estimations - and we’d always recommend you weigh your parcel to ensure there are no delivery delays or extra charges. 

• Single DVD in its case: 100g
• Hat or scarf: 100g
• T-shirt: 150g
• Magazine or newspaper: 250g
• 400 page book: 300g
• Pair of jeans: 550g
• 400 page hardback book: 700g
• Pair of men’s trainers: 850g

How to measure a parcel

To measure your parcel, you’ll need a ruler or tape measure - we recommend using the soft, rollable tape measures which tend to have double sided measurements (inches and feet on one side, centimetres and metres on the other). 

All parcels have three dimensions – length, width and height.

The length of a parcel is always its longest side, and the width is the measurement across the other, shorter side of the parcel. The height is the measurement from the bottom of the parcel touching a surface to the top of the parcel. 

• Place your package securely on a table at waist height
• Measure your parcel three times - its height, its width and its depth
• Make sure you use metric measurements - cm and m

How to measure a parcel without a tape measure

If you’re struggling to track down a ruler or tape measure, you can use sheets of paper or household objects to give you a good idea of your package’s dimensions.

Using household paper to measure a package

• Postcard: 10.5 x 14.8cm
• A5 paper: 14.8 x 21cm
• A4 paper 21 x 29.7cm
• A3 paper: 29.7 x 42cm

Using everyday objects to measure a package

If you’d prefer, you can use the length of these household objects to estimate your parcel’s length, width and height:

• Fizzy drink can: 11.5cm
• Biro: 14.5cm
• iPhone 12: 14.6cm
• Average remote control: 20cm
• Wine bottle: 30cm
• 2l fizzy drink bottle: 30cm

If the seller doesn’t respond to your return request after 8 days, contact eBay - they’ll then step in and ensure you’re refunded. 

Royal Mail size dimensions and weight guides

We have two size and weight guides - one for posting items domestically/within the UK, and one for international parcels. 

• Royal Mail size guide for UK letters and parcels
• Royal Mail size guide for international letters and parcels

For UK parcels, the maximum weight we’ll accept is 20kg. For parcels 20 - 30kg, you’ll need to use Parcelforce Worldwide.

For international parcels, the maximum weight we’ll take is 2kg. For parcels over 2kg, please use Parcelforce Worldwide. 

Note to editors - please include a button below with the CTA ‘Go to the Parcelforce Worldwide website’ and link to: https://www.parcelforce.com/ 

Why do parcel dimensions and weights matter?

It’s really important to provide an accurate weight and parcel measurements because if you under-declare your parcel’s weight or size, you risk your parcel not reaching your sender - and being returned to you. 

Overweight or oversized items can lead to an additional charge, so always double and check your parcel’s dimensions before posting. It’s also vital that we get your parcel’s weight and size so our hardworking staff can make sure your parcel fits inside our vehicles and be sorted by the machinery in our depots.