Dimensional Weight Calculator
Calculate dimensional (volumetric) weight for FedEx, UPS, and USPS using package dimensions and compare billable weight against actual weight.
What Is Dimensional Weight?
Dimensional weight (also called volumetric weight) is a shipping pricing method that accounts for package size, not just scale weight. Carriers use it so large, lightweight parcels pay a fair share of truck or aircraft space.
Dimensional Weight Formula
For inches and pounds in the United States:
$$\text{DIM weight (lb)} = \frac{L \times W \times H}{\text{DIM factor}}$$Common DIM factors:
- FedEx and UPS Daily: 139
- UPS Retail and USPS: 166
- Metric (cm and kg): divide volume in cm³ by 5,000
Billable weight is the greater of actual weight and dimensional weight. Compare carriers with the CBM Shipping Calculator and Container Loading Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do carriers use dimensional weight?
When dimensional weight exceeds actual weight, the carrier bills by volume instead of scale weight. This is common for bulky but light items like pillows, lamps, or empty cartons.
What DIM factor does FedEx use?
FedEx uses 139 for domestic inch-pound shipments. For centimeter-kilogram shipments, the divisor is 5,000.
Why is UPS Retail different from UPS Daily?
UPS Daily Rates (for scheduled pickup accounts) use divisor 139. UPS Retail Rates from store drop-offs use divisor 166, which produces a higher dimensional weight.
How can I reduce dimensional weight charges?
Use the smallest box that safely fits your product, avoid excess void fill, and compare carriers since divisors differ. Flat or foldable packaging also helps when the product allows it.
What is billable weight?
Billable weight is max(actual weight, dimensional weight). That is the number most freight invoices use for rating.
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