Calculate parcel prices for your dimensions
Enter size and weight – the calculator compares DHL, Hermes and DPD and shows the cheapest size class.
Many shipping guides blame high parcel costs on volumetric weight. For consumers in Germany that is not true: DHL, Hermes and DPD charge domestic parcels by fixed rules that differ a lot. Knowing them saves money on every parcel.
Three carriers, two pricing principles
- DHL charges by weight. Steps up to 2, 5, 10, 20 and 31.5 kg. Size only matters as an upper limit (parcel max. 120 × 60 × 60 cm), so a large but light box is cheap with DHL.
- Hermes charges by size. What counts is the sum of the longest and shortest side (Päckchen up to 37 cm, S up to 50, M up to 80, L up to 120 cm). Weight does not matter up to 25 kg – unbeatable for small heavy parcels.
- DPD also charges by size (longest + shortest side: XS up to 35, S up to 50, M up to 70, L up to 90 cm, XL above), but with a 20 kg limit when dropping off at a parcel shop.
- Volumetric weight (L × W × H ÷ 5000) is not applied by these carriers to domestic consumer parcels. It matters for express and international shipments and in many business contracts.
Current prices at a glance (delivery to the door)
| Carrier | Size/weight | Price online |
|---|---|---|
| DHL | Päckchen S (no tracking) (≤ 2 kg) | €4.19 |
| DHL | Päckchen M (no tracking) (≤ 2 kg) | €5.19 |
| DHL | Paket 2 kg (≤ 2 kg) | €6.19 |
| DHL | Paket 5 kg (≤ 5 kg) | €7.69 |
| DHL | Paket 10 kg (≤ 10 kg) | €10.49 |
| DHL | Paket 20 kg (≤ 20 kg) | €18.99 |
| DHL | Paket 31,5 kg (≤ 31.5 kg) | €23.99 |
| Hermes | Päckchen (≤ 37 cm, ≤ 25 kg) | €5.19 |
| Hermes | S-Paket (≤ 50 cm, ≤ 25 kg) | €5.79 |
| Hermes | M-Paket (≤ 80 cm, ≤ 25 kg) | €6.99 |
| Hermes | L-Paket (≤ 120 cm, ≤ 25 kg) | €10.99 |
| DPD | XS – Classic (≤ 35 cm, ≤ 20 kg) | €5.15 |
| DPD | S – Classic (≤ 50 cm, ≤ 20 kg) | €5.45 |
| DPD | M – Classic (≤ 70 cm, ≤ 20 kg) | €6.95 |
| DPD | L – Classic (≤ 90 cm, ≤ 20 kg) | €10.95 |
| DPD | XL – Classic (≤ 20 kg) | €18.69 |
Three practical examples
| Parcel | DHL | Hermes | DPD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoe box 35 × 25 × 12 cm, 1.2 kg | Päckchen M (no tracking): €5.19 | S-Paket: €5.79 | S – Classic: €5.45 |
| Moving box 60 × 40 × 40 cm, 12 kg | Paket 20 kg: €18.99 | L-Paket: €10.99 | XL – Classic: €18.69 |
| Small heavy parcel (e.g. tools) 40 × 30 × 15 cm, 22 kg | Paket 31,5 kg: €23.99 | M-Paket: €6.99 | does not fit |
The winner changes completely with the parcel: the light shoe box is cheapest with DHL, the large moving box and the heavy parcel with Hermes.
Parcel shop to parcel shop, cheapest option:
- Shoe box: DPD S – Shop2Shop – €4.09
- Moving box: Hermes L-Paket – €9.90
- Small heavy parcel (e.g. tools): Hermes M-Paket – €5.90
How to save on parcel shipping
- Choose the smallest box that fits – with Hermes and DPD the sum of the longest and shortest side sets the price class.
- Use parcel shop to parcel shop: with Hermes and DPD this is much cheaper than door delivery.
- Send heavy compact parcels with Hermes, large light ones with DHL.
- DHL 'Päckchen' are cheap but have no tracking and no liability – use a parcel for valuable items.
- Pay postage online: with Hermes it is cheaper than in store.
Frequently asked questions
What is girth?
Longest side + 2 × width + 2 × height. DHL allows max. 300 cm for parcels up to 20 kg, DPD (parcel shop drop-off) 250 cm.
How heavy can a parcel be?
DHL: 31.5 kg. Hermes: 25 kg when dropped off in a shop, 31.5 kg with pickup. DPD: 20 kg at a parcel shop, 31.5 kg with pickup.
When does volumetric weight apply?
For express shipments, international shipping and business contracts – usually L × W × H ÷ 5000 (sometimes ÷ 4000 or 6000) is compared with the actual weight and the higher value is charged.
Sources: official price pages/lists of DHL, Hermes and DPD; consumer list prices for parcels within Germany, as of 05.10.2026. Surcharges (oversize, islands) and business rates are not included. DHL, Hermes, DPD
