Shipping cost and dimensional weight calculator
Carriers charge for the space a package takes as well as its weight. Enter the length, width, height and weight of each box to see its dimensional (DIM) weight, the billable weight the carrier will actually charge and whether you are paying for air. Choose UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL Express, Amazon FBA or air, road and sea freight and the right divisor and rounding are applied automatically, including USPS's one-cubic-foot rule. Add several boxes for a multi-piece shipment, get warnings when a box is over the carrier's size or weight limit, and see how much a slightly smaller box would save. Add your contract rates to estimate the price with fuel surcharge and fees.
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How to use it
- Choose the carrier or service and cm/kg or in/lb.
- Enter the length, width, height and weight of each box.
- Add more boxes for a multi-piece shipment.
- Read the billable weight and, if you added rates, the price.
Why use this tool
Every major carrier
UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, Amazon FBA and air, road and sea freight.
Correct rounding
Next pound or half kilo, and the USPS one-cubic-foot rule.
Many boxes
Per-box table and totals for multi-piece shipments.
Size limit warnings
Length + girth and weight checks before you print the label.
Smaller box tip
Shows the weight saved by a box one inch smaller.
Price estimate
Base rate, extra weight, fuel surcharge and fees.
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight (DIM weight or volumetric weight) is the weight a carrier assigns to a package based on its size. For UPS and FedEx daily rates it is length × width × height in inches divided by 139. A 16 × 12 × 10 in box is 1,920 in³ ÷ 139 = 13.8, so it is billed as 14 lb even if it only weighs 6 lb.
Carriers bill the greater of the actual weight and the dimensional weight. That billable weight is what the rate tables use, so a big light box can cost far more than you expect.
Divisors by carrier
- UPS and FedEx: 139 for daily and online rates, 166 for retail rates.
- USPS: 166, only for boxes over 1 cubic foot.
- DHL Express and most international express: 5000 cm³/kg (139 in³/lb).
- Air cargo: 6000 cm³/kg (166 in³/lb).
- Sea freight: 1 m³ counts as 1,000 kg.
How to lower your shipping costs
- Use the smallest box that protects the item; every inch counts three times.
- Use poly mailers for soft goods that don't need a box.
- Measure the longest side as length and round each side up to the next whole inch, as carriers do.
- Ask for a better divisor in your carrier contract if you ship a lot of light, bulky items.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate dimensional weight?
Multiply length × width × height and divide by the carrier's divisor: 139 for UPS and FedEx in inches and pounds, 5000 for most express carriers in cm and kg.
What is billable weight?
The greater of actual and dimensional weight, rounded up the way the carrier does. Prices are based on it.
Does USPS charge dimensional weight?
Yes, for boxes over 1 cubic foot (1,728 in³), using a divisor of 166.
What is length plus girth?
The longest side plus twice the sum of the other two sides. UPS and FedEx allow up to 165 in, USPS up to 130 in.
Can it show real carrier prices?
Carrier prices depend on zones and your account, so enter your own rates in the price section to estimate the cost.
Are my numbers saved?
Your boxes and rates are kept only in this browser.
Dimensional weight explained and how to ship for less
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