What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight—also called volumetric weight—turns the space a package occupies into a shipping weight. A large but lightweight box can take more vehicle or aircraft capacity than a smaller, heavier parcel, so carriers may price it by volume.
How dimensional weight is calculated
Measure the package’s outside length, width and height, then use the divisor required for the carrier and service.
For multiple identical packages, this calculator multiplies both dimensional and actual weight by quantity.
Dimensional weight vs actual weight
Actual weight is what the shipment weighs on a scale. Dimensional weight is based on package volume. Compact, dense parcels tend to be billed by actual weight; large, light parcels are more likely to be billed by dimensional weight.
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is the value used as the basis for the shipping rate. It is generally the greater of total actual weight and total dimensional weight. Carriers may round dimensions or weight and apply minimums, so verify their current rules.
Common DIM divisors
| System | Common divisors | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Centimeters | 5,000 or 6,000 | Kilograms |
| Inches | 139 or 166 | Pounds |
These are common examples, not universal carrier policies. The correct divisor can depend on carrier, route, account and service level.
Metric vs imperial dimensional weight
The formula is identical in both systems, but the divisor must match the input units. Use centimeters with a metric divisor to get kilograms, or inches with an imperial divisor to get pounds. Switching the calculator’s unit system converts your entries without changing the package’s physical size.
Worked example
A 50 × 40 × 30 cm package with a divisor of 5,000 has a dimensional weight of 12 kg. If it actually weighs 8 kg, its chargeable weight is 12 kg. If it weighs 15 kg, its chargeable weight is 15 kg.
Frequently asked questions
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight is a calculated shipping weight based on how much space a package occupies, rather than only its weight on a scale.
Why do carriers use dimensional weight?
Space inside a vehicle or aircraft is limited. Dimensional weight helps carriers price large, lightweight packages in proportion to the capacity they use.
What is chargeable weight?
Chargeable weight is generally the greater of actual weight and dimensional weight. Carrier rounding and minimum-weight rules may also apply.
What DIM divisor should I use?
Use the divisor specified by your carrier and service. Common values include 5,000 or 6,000 for centimeters and 139 or 166 for inches, but policies vary.
Is volumetric weight the same as dimensional weight?
Yes. Volumetric weight and dimensional weight are two names for the same space-based shipping-weight concept.
How do I calculate dimensional weight in centimeters?
Multiply length, width and height in centimeters, then divide the volume by the carrier’s metric DIM divisor. The result is in kilograms.
How do I calculate dimensional weight in inches?
Multiply length, width and height in inches, then divide the volume by the carrier’s imperial DIM divisor. The result is in pounds.