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Dimensional Weight Calculator

Calculate dimensional weight for shipping packages. Compare actual vs dimensional weight using standard 5000/139 coefficients. Get accurate shipping cost estimates.

Calculate Dimensional Weight

Unit System
Dimension Rounding
Dimensional Factor
Length (cm)
Width (cm)
Height (cm)
Actual Weight (kg)

Your Results

4.8 kg
Dimensional Weight
Moderate Impact

Dimension Details

Original Dimensions
Input dimensions
40 × 30 × 20 cm
Rounded Dimensions
No rounding applied
40 × 30 × 20 cm

Weight Comparison

Actual Weight
Physical weight of package
2.5 kg
Dimensional Weight
Calculated from dimensions
4.8 kg
Chargeable Weight
Higher of the two weights
4.8 kg
Weight Difference
Additional cost impact
2.3 kg
Analysis
Dimensional weight is moderately higher than actual weight. Repackaging may provide some cost benefits.

Dimensional Weight Standards by Carrier

Major Carriers (Standard Factors)

UPS5000 / 139

Standard dimensional factors

  • • Domestic & international
  • • Most common standard
FedEx5000 / 139

Standard dimensional factors

  • • Ground & express services
  • • Same as UPS standard
DHL5000 / 139

International standard

  • • Global shipping
  • • IATA standard

Specialized Carriers

USPS194 / 166

Different factors for some services

  • • Priority Mail Express
  • • Priority Mail
Amazon FBA5000 / 139

Fulfillment by Amazon

  • • Storage fees based on volume
  • • Standard dimensional weight
Regional CarriersVaries

Check with specific carrier

  • • May use different factors
  • • Local shipping rates

How to Calculate Dimensional Weight

Dimensional Weight Formula

General: Dimensional Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ Dimensional Factor
Common Factors: 5000/6000 (metric), 139/166 (imperial)
Chargeable Weight: Max(Actual Weight, Dimensional Weight)

Calculation Steps:

  1. 1
    Measure package dimensions
    Length, width, and height in cm or inches
  2. 2
    Apply dimension rounding (if required)
    Round dimensions according to carrier requirements
  3. 3
    Calculate volume
    Multiply rounded length × width × height
  4. 4
    Select dimensional factor
    Choose appropriate factor for your carrier (5000/6000 for metric, 139/166 for imperial)
  5. 5
    Apply dimensional factor
    Divide volume by selected dimensional factor
  6. 6
    Compare with actual weight
    Use the higher value for shipping charges

Important Considerations

⚠️ Carrier Variations

Different carriers may use slightly different dimensional factors. Always verify with your specific carrier before shipping.

📊 Dimensional Factors

Different carriers use different factors

  • • Standard: 5000 (metric) / 139 (imperial)
  • • Alternative: 6000 (metric) / 166 (imperial)
  • • Check your carrier's specific requirements
💰 Cost Impact

Dimensional weight affects shipping costs

  • • Higher dimensional weight = higher cost
  • • Significant for lightweight items
  • • Consider splitting large packages
🌍 International Shipping

Different rules for international shipments

  • • IATA standards apply
  • • Customs considerations
  • • Destination country rules
⚠️ Common Mistakes

Avoid these dimensional weight pitfalls

  • • Using wrong dimensional factors
  • • Incorrect measurements
  • • Ignoring packaging optimization

Example Cases

Case 1: Electronics Package (High Dimensional Weight)

Dimensions: 50cm × 40cm × 30cm
Actual Weight: 2.0 kg
Unit: Metric
Dimensional Weight: 12.0 kg
Chargeable Weight: 12.0 kg
Impact: High (6x actual weight)

Use Case: Large electronics box with lightweight contents. Dimensional weight significantly exceeds actual weight, resulting in much higher shipping costs.

Case 2: Dense Package (Low Dimensional Weight)

Dimensions: 20cm × 15cm × 10cm
Actual Weight: 8.5 kg
Unit: Metric
Dimensional Weight: 0.6 kg
Chargeable Weight: 8.5 kg
Impact: None (actual weight higher)

Use Case: Dense package with heavy contents. Actual weight is much higher than dimensional weight, so shipping is charged based on actual weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight (also called volumetric weight) is a pricing technique used by shipping companies to calculate shipping costs based on package dimensions rather than actual weight. It ensures fair pricing for lightweight but bulky items.
How is dimensional weight calculated?
Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying length × width × height and dividing by a dimensional factor. The standard factors are 5000 for metric units (cm³ to kg) and 139 for imperial units (in³ to lbs).
Which weight is used for shipping charges?
Shipping companies charge based on the higher of the two weights: actual weight or dimensional weight. This ensures that both heavy and bulky packages are priced appropriately.
How can I reduce dimensional weight?
To reduce dimensional weight: use smaller boxes, remove unnecessary packaging, compress items when possible, choose appropriate box sizes, and consider splitting large shipments into smaller packages.
Do all shipping companies use the same dimensional factor?
Most major carriers use 5000 (metric) or 139 (imperial) as standard factors. However, some carriers may use slightly different factors, and international shipping may have different regulations. Always check with your specific carrier.

Related Calculators

Dimensional Weight Calculator - Shipping Cost by Volume