Shipping & Dimensional Weight Calculator
Compare dimensional weight with actual weight to find the billable weight carriers will charge you for.
Enter length, width, and height in inches and actual weight in pounds.
How the Dimensional Weight Calculator Works
Carriers do not charge only for how heavy your package is. They also charge for the space it takes up on a truck or plane. A large, light box can be billed as if it were much heavier, which quietly eats into your margin on every order.
Choose the carrier standard, then enter your package length, width, height, and actual weight. The tool multiplies the three dimensions to get volume, divides by the carrier divisor to get dimensional weight, and compares it with the actual weight. The larger of the two is your billable weight, rounded up. The result card turns red when you are paying for space instead of weight, which is your cue to try smaller packaging.
Key Formulas Behind This Tool
- Package Volume: Length x Width x Height
- Dimensional Weight: Package Volume / Dimensional Divisor
- Billable Weight: The larger of Actual Weight and Dimensional Weight, rounded up
- Extra Weight Billed: Billable Weight - Actual Weight (when dimensional weight is higher)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional (or volumetric) weight is a way carriers price packages by the space they take up, not only by how heavy they are. It is calculated from the package length, width, and height divided by a carrier-specific number called the dimensional divisor.
What is billable weight?
Billable weight is the larger of the actual weight and the dimensional weight. It is the weight your carrier uses to calculate your shipping charge.
Which dimensional divisor should I use?
Common values are 139 in3 per lb for UPS and FedEx domestic shipments in the United States, 166 in3 per lb for USPS, DHL, and many international services, and 5000 cm3 per kg for many international express services. Some economy and air freight services use 6000. Always confirm the current divisor with your carrier, because it can change.
How can I lower my dimensional weight charges?
Use the smallest box that safely fits the product, switch to poly mailers for soft goods, reduce void fill, and ship compact products in flat packaging. Even removing an inch from one side can reduce the billable weight on a bulky, light item.
Why does the calculator round the billable weight up?
Most carriers round partial weight up to the next whole unit (or half unit) when they price a package. The result is rounded up to the next whole unit so your estimate does not come out too low.