Maximum parcel size and weight1
| Destination | Maximum weight | Maximum length | Maximum dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Maximum weight 22kg |
Maximum length 105cm2 |
Maximum dimensions 0.25 cubic metres |
| International | Maximum weight 20kg |
Maximum length 105cm |
Maximum dimensions 140cm girth |
How we assess domestic parcel charges
Parcels over 5kgs are charged according to their physical weight or cubic weight equivalent, whichever is greater.
To calculate your parcel’s cubic weight, measure the item following the infographic below.
Handy tip: when measuring the length and width of your parcel, always use the maximum points.
The cubic weight is the parcel's volume in cubic metres, multiplied by 250. To work this out, use the formula below:
Height x length x width x 250 = cubic weight
For example: 0.5m X 0.3m X 0.4m
= 0.06m x 250
= 15kg cubic weight
If the physical weight of your parcel is 10kg but the cubic weight is 15kg, we'll charge you the cubic weight because it is greater. But if the parcel's physical weight is 16kg, we'll charge you the physical weight because it is greater than the cubic weight of 15kg.
Please note: You do not need to cube Australia Post Parcel Post, Express Post or Flat Rate satchels.
Use our online calculator tool to estimate the price of your item over 5kg.
How we assess international parcel charges
International parcels are charged according to actual weight. The maximum weight you can send is 20kg and the maximum girth is 140cm.
Please note: You do not need to cube Australia Post international prepaid or flat rate satchels.
Maximum letter size and weight3
| Destination | Size | Maximum weight | Maximum dimensions | Maximum thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Size Small envelope |
Maximum weight 250g3 |
Maximum dimensions 130 x 240mm |
Maximum thickness 5mm3 |
Size Large envelope |
Maximum weight 500g |
Maximum dimensions 260 x 360mm |
Maximum thickness 20mm |
|
| International | Size Small envelope |
Maximum weight 250g |
Maximum dimensions 130 x 240mm |
Maximum thickness 5mm |
Size Large envelope |
Maximum weight 500g |
Maximum dimensions 260 x 360mm |
Maximum thickness 20mm |
|
Size Greeting card |
Maximum weight 50g |
Maximum dimensions 260 x 360mm |
Maximum thickness 5mm |
What size is your letter?
Read our size guide to help identify your item as a letter, small or large parcel. Use our online calculator tool to get an estimate before sending.
Reduced size and weight limits for domestic parcels for Contract customers
From 1 November 2023, there will be new maximum limits that Australia Post can accept:
- Weight: actual weight of up to 22kg
- Length: longest side up to 105cm
- Volume: cubic volume up to 0.25 cubic metres
We have invested substantially in automated sortation equipment across our network to meet the demands of increasing parcel volumes due to the continued growth in eCommerce. However, large parcels are not compatible with this equipment and cause capacity issues, create bottlenecks and require additional handling to be moved safely through our network and delivered to our customers.
Establishing clear limits helps us maintain the efficiency of our network and ensure safe operating conditions for our team and customers.
1 Some domestic parcel services have specific size and weight restrictions. Please check the service for more details before lodging your article. While Australia Post accepts articles of the specified size and weight for International posting, some countries may have their own restriction on parcel sizes. Customers should confirm with the foreign postal agency if concerned.
2 For customers lodging to domestic destinations under contract conditions the maximum parcel length is 113cm
3 Letters should not contain stiff objects such as bottle tops, pens, items enclosed in a hard case, and so on. High-speed letter sorting equipment could damage such objects, or the objects could damage other articles. Different size & weight restrictions apply to seasonal greeting cards, valid for postage between 1 November and 31 December. View domestic letter prices for more information.
4 Maximum weight and thickness differs for small Express Post envelopes. For more information, visit our Express Post letters page.
