How should I package artwork for shipping?

Flat works on paper go in tubes or flat packages with card protection. Framed works need corner protectors, bubble wrap and a sturdy box. Canvases need foam board protection on the face and rigid corner guards.

What is volumetric weight?

Couriers charge by whichever is greater — actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is (L x W x H in cm) / 5000. Large lightweight artworks often cost more to ship than their actual weight suggests.

Should I insure artwork during shipping?

Always insure artwork valued over £50 — most couriers include only £50 free cover by default. UK courier insurance typically costs around 2% of the declared value, with a minimum premium of roughly £5 for goods worth £50–£250 (e.g. Transglobal Express). Higher-value pieces over £2,500 usually need a specialist fine-art carrier. The 2% rate and minimum here are indicative — confirm the exact premium with your chosen courier.

What is the cheapest way to ship art in the UK?

Royal Mail is cheapest for small, light items under 2kg. For larger pieces, Parcelforce or courier comparison sites like Parcel2Go offer competitive rates. Always use tracked and signed-for services.

Should I charge customers for shipping?

Many artists build shipping into their prices for UK delivery and charge extra for international. Be transparent about costs. Free UK shipping is a good selling point — just ensure your prices cover it.

Shipping Calculator — Art Packaging & Delivery Costs

Estimate packaging and shipping costs for artwork based on size and weight.

Artwork Width

Widest edge of the artwork — include the frame if it's framed. Packaging padding is added automatically.

Artwork Height

Tallest edge of the artwork (frame included). Don't add wrapping yourself — the calculator pads it.

Depth / Thickness

Front-to-back depth of a framed or stretched piece. Use ~1 cm for unframed works on paper. Ignored for tubes.

Artwork Weight

Actual weight of the artwork only (the calculator adds packaging weight). Couriers bill the greater of this or the volumetric weight.

Packaging Type

Destination

Insurance Value

The sale price or replacement value you'd declare to the courier. Leave at 0 to skip insurance. Most couriers cap standard cover at £2,500.

How We Calculate This

How Shipping Cost Estimation Works

Total = Packaging + Shipping + Insurance

Package dimensions add padding (10 cm each side for boxes and crates, 5 cm for tubes). Couriers charge by chargeable weight — the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight, where volumetric weight = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000. Large, light works such as framed pieces and rolled prints are usually priced on their volumetric weight, not what the scales read.

Insurance defaults to 2% of the declared value with a £5 minimum premium, reflecting typical UK courier cover (e.g. Transglobal Express for £50–£250 goods). Both the rate and minimum are adjustable under Advanced Options.

Indicative estimate only. The base charges (UK £5, Europe £12, Worldwide £20) and per-kg rates (UK £2.50, Europe £5, Worldwide £8.50) are illustrative order-of-magnitude figures, not a quoted tariff — real pricing varies by courier, service and zone. Confirm against a live quote from Royal Mail, Parcelforce, Parcel2Go or DHL before charging a customer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.