Free shipping calculator

Dimensional Weight Calculator

Calculate DIM weight, compare it with actual package weight and estimate which weight may be used for billing. Supports common imperial and metric divisors plus custom factors.

Package details

Enter the packed outside dimensions.

Length

Width

Height

Actual package weight

DIM divisor

Custom divisor

Round dimensional weight up to the next whole unit Useful for common U.S. parcel-carrier billing rules. Turn this off when you need the raw calculated value.

Current formula

L × W × H ÷

Volume:

Step 1

Measure the packed box

Use the outside length, width and height of the finished package, not the product itself.

Step 2

Apply the divisor

Multiply the three dimensions, then divide the cubic size by the applicable DIM factor.

Step 3

Compare with actual weight

Carriers commonly compare dimensional and actual weight and charge using the higher applicable figure.

How dimensional weight is calculated

Dimensional weight (also called DIM weight or volumetric weight) converts package volume into a weight value. The basic formula is package length × width × height divided by a dimensional-weight divisor.

Formula

Dimensional weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ Divisor

Common divisor examples

Example rule	Units	Divisor	Source
FedEx U.S.	in / lb	139	FedEx
UPS Daily Rates	in / lb	139	UPS
UPS Retail Rates	in / lb	166	UPS
DHL standard metric example	cm / kg	5000	DHL

Example

A 20 × 14 × 10 inch box has a cubic size of 2,800 in³. Using a divisor of 139, the raw DIM weight is about 20.14 lb. If the applicable carrier rule rounds that upward, the dimensional weight becomes 21 lb. If the actual package weighs 8 lb, the dimensional figure is higher.

Frequently asked questions

Is dimensional weight the same as actual weight?

No. Actual weight is measured on a scale. Dimensional weight is calculated from the space a package occupies. Depending on the shipping rule, the higher applicable weight may determine the charge.

Why are there different DIM divisors?

Divisors can vary by carrier, service, rate type and unit system. That is why this calculator includes presets and a custom-divisor option.

Should I round package dimensions?

Carrier measurement rules differ. For example, current UPS and FedEx U.S. guidance describes whole-inch measurement rules. Verify the rule for the service you are actually using.