How to calculate LitBuy shipping costs
By the LitBuy Spreadsheet team ·
Most surprises with LitBuy happen at the shipping step, not at checkout. The good news: the price follows a simple rule you can work out yourself before you submit a parcel.
The LitBuy rule: you pay for the higher of two weights
Every shipping line looks at two numbers for your packed parcel:
- Actual weight: what the parcel weighs on the scale, packaging included.
- Volumetric weight: length × width × height in centimetres, divided by a divisor the line sets. Many lines use 5,000 or 6,000; the line description on LitBuy shows the one that applies.
The line charges whichever is higher. A big box of light clothes is billed by its size, a small heavy box by its weight.
Four LitBuy parcel examples
The examples use a divisor of 6,000 and typical weights. Your line may differ.
| Parcel | Box (cm) | Actual | Volumetric | Billed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four T-shirtsLight items in a roomy box: the volume decides. | 35 × 25 × 10 | 1.20 kg | 1.46 kg | 1.46 kg |
| Two hoodies, vacuum packedCompressed knitwear: the scale weight decides. | 40 × 30 × 6 | 1.80 kg | 1.20 kg | 1.80 kg |
| One pair of shoes with boxThe shoe box adds about half a kilo of volumetric weight. | 36 × 24 × 14 | 1.60 kg | 2.02 kg | 2.02 kg |
| Same shoes, box removedWithout the box the parcel is billed about 0.6 kg lighter. | 32 × 22 × 12 | 1.10 kg | 1.41 kg | 1.41 kg |
Two lessons stand out. Light items need a tight box, or you pay for air. And shoe boxes cost real money: removing one is the single biggest saving in most parcels with sneakers.
Why LitBuy can send a second bill
When you submit a parcel, LitBuy charges an estimate. After packing, the parcel is weighed and measured and the difference is settled, which can mean a second, smaller payment. This is behind the best-known complaint about LitBuy on Reddit. It is not a hidden fee, but it feels like one if you did not expect it.
A rehearsal parcel for ¥20 avoids it: LitBuy packs first and quotes on the real numbers.
Calculate your own LitBuy parcel
Enter the box you expect and the total weight of your items plus 10–15 % for packaging. Typical item weights are listed in the LitBuy shipping guide.
Billable weight calculator
Actual
1.20 kg
Volumetric
1.46 kg
Billed
1.46 kg
The box size decides: a tighter box or removing packaging lowers the bill. Use the divisor shown in the line description on LitBuy.
Then compare lines by price for the billed weight on LitBuy and subtract one coupon, if you have one; current shipping discounts are on the LitBuy coupon page.
Ready to try it? Open the LitBuy Spreadsheet or create your LitBuy account.