Dimensional Weight Calculator

Parcel carriers charge for the space a box takes up, not only its weight. If a box is large for its weight, the price is based on its dimensional weight: the volume divided by a divisor. This calculator works out the dimensional weight and the billable weight — whichever is greater — using selected dimensional-weight rules for UPS, FedEx Ground and USPS to domestic packages measured in inches and pounds.

How to use this tool

1. Choose the carrier, or a custom divisor from your contract.
2. Enter the length, width and height of the box at its widest points, and its actual weight.
3. Leave rounding on unless your carrier measures fractions of an inch exactly.
4. Read the billable weight and whether it comes from size or weight.

Formula

Dimensional weight = L × W × H ÷ 139, rounded up to the next pound

Base billable weight = the greater of dimensional weight and actual weight

Measure each side to the next whole inch. UPS Daily Rates and FedEx Ground use 139; UPS domestic Retail Rates use 166. USPS uses 139 for Priority Mail boxes larger than 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) and caps the charge at the 70-lb price. The actual weight is also rounded up to the next pound. This is a base-weight estimate; minimum billable weights and additional-handling charges can increase the invoice.

Example

An 18 × 14 × 10 in box weighing 12 lb has a volume of 2,520 cubic inches. Divided by 139 that is 18.13, rounded up to 19 lb. Because 19 lb is more than the actual 12 lb, the carrier bills 19 lb. Shrinking the box to 16 × 12 × 10 in would drop the dimensional weight to 14 lb.