Dimensional Weight Calculator

What is dimensional weight?

Dimensional weight — also called volumetric or "dim" weight — is a pricing technique carriers use for lightweight, bulky shipments. A box of pillows takes up a lot of space but weighs little; charging only by actual weight would let it travel almost free. So carriers calculate a weight from the shipment's volume and bill whichever is greater.

How it's calculated

Multiply length × width × height to get volume, then divide by a volumetric divisor. The IATA air-cargo standard is 6000 when dimensions are in centimetres (kg result). The common imperial equivalent is 166 for inches (lb result). Express and parcel carriers often use a denser divisor like 139. Your chargeable weight is then the greater of actual weight and dimensional weight.

Why it matters

Knowing your chargeable weight before you book means no surprise re-bills. It also tells you whether re-packing into a smaller carton would actually save money.