Logistics & Shipping
Business Tools
Math ToolsShipping Weight Calculator
Calculate actual vs dimensional weight for packages and find the billable weight used by FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL. Free online shipping weight tool.
Package Dimensions
Actual Weight
Carrier / Divisor
Dimensional Weight Formula
Dim Weight = (L × W × H) / Divisor
Common Carrier Divisors
FedEx / UPS5000 cm³/kg | 139 in³/lb
USPS6000 cm³/kg | 166 in³/lb
DHL5000 cm³/kg | 139 in³/lb
Enter package dimensions and weight to calculate
Related Tools
About Shipping Weight Calculator
How It Works
- Enter your package dimensions (length, width, height)
- Enter the actual weight of the package
- Select your carrier to apply the correct dimensional divisor
- The tool calculates dimensional weight and compares it with actual weight
- The billable weight is the higher of the two — that is what carriers charge
Common Use Cases
- E-commerce sellers estimating shipping costs before dispatch
- Warehouse staff verifying correct billable weight for large parcels
- Comparing carrier rates by checking which divisor benefits you most
- Logistics planning for bulky, lightweight products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight (also called volumetric weight or DIM weight) is a pricing technique used by shipping carriers. It calculates a theoretical weight based on the package's volume (length × width × height) divided by a carrier-specific divisor. Carriers charge whichever is greater — the actual weight or the dimensional weight — to account for bulky, lightweight packages.
How is dimensional weight calculated?
The formula is: Dimensional Weight = (L × W × H) ÷ Divisor. The divisor varies by carrier and unit system. For FedEx and UPS it is 5000 (cm/kg) or 139 (in/lb). USPS uses 6000 (cm/kg) or 166 (in/lb), and DHL uses 5000 (cm/kg) or 139 (in/lb).
What is billable weight?
Billable weight is the weight a carrier actually charges you for. It is the higher of the actual (physical) weight and the dimensional weight of your package.
Which carriers use dimensional weight pricing?
FedEx and UPS apply DIM weight to all domestic and international packages. USPS applies it to Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express. DHL applies it to domestic and international parcels.
What is the DIM divisor for FedEx and UPS?
FedEx and UPS use a divisor of 5000 for cm/kg measurements and 139 for in/lb measurements.
What is the DIM divisor for USPS?
USPS uses 166 (in/lb) or 6000 (cm/kg). The higher divisor means lower dimensional weight compared to FedEx or UPS for the same package.
How can I avoid dimensional weight surcharges?
Use the smallest box that safely fits your product, avoid excessive void fill, consider flat-rate packaging, and calculate dimensional weight before choosing packaging.
Does this tool support custom divisors?
Yes. Select 'Custom' in the carrier dropdown and enter any divisor value for regional carriers or negotiated rates.
Can I switch between metric and imperial units?
Yes. Toggle buttons let you switch between kg/cm and lb/in. The carrier divisors update automatically.
Is dimensional weight the same as volumetric weight?
Yes, dimensional weight and volumetric weight are the same concept. Airlines use 'volumetric weight' while parcel carriers say 'dimensional weight' or 'DIM weight'.
What happens if my package is irregularly shaped?
Use the outer bounding dimensions — the longest measurement on each axis — to form the smallest rectangular box that would contain the item.