Dimensional Weight Calculator
Calculate the dimensional (volumetric) weight of a parcel from its length, width and height, compare it with the actual weight, and estimate the chargeable weight. Works in centimeters, millimeters or inches and kilograms or pounds.
Results
Estimated chargeable weight per package
4.8 kg
10.582 lb · before carrier-specific rounding and adjustments
Dimensional weight is higher than the actual weight by 2.8 kg, so the package would usually be billed on its size.
- Package volume
- 24,000 cm³ (1,464.6 in³)
- Dimensional weight
- 4.8 kg (10.582 lb)
- Actual weight
- 2 kg (4.409 lb) · entered
- Divisor
- 5,000 cm³/kg (≈ 138.4 in³/lb)
At 2 kg, this package would be billed on its actual weight if its volume were no more than 10,000 cm³ (42% of the current size) with this divisor. Find a closer-fitting box size.
Show the calculation steps
- Volume: 40 × 30 × 20 cm = 24,000 cm³
- Dimensional weight: 24,000 cm³ ÷ 5,000 cm³/kg = 4.8 kg
- Estimated chargeable weight: the greater of 2 kg (actual) and 4.8 kg (dimensional) = 4.8 kg
Assumptions
- Dimensions are the outside of the finished, packed parcel.
- Weights are calculated at full precision and shown to 3 decimals. No carrier-specific rounding is applied.
- Carriers set their own divisors, rounding, minimums and surcharges by service, destination and account. Check your carrier’s current rules.
Package preview
Drag or use the arrow keys to rotate. Proportions match your dimensions; the drawing is scaled to fit.
Your package Comparison box
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View the full summary
BoxNovo Dimensional Weight Calculator Package dimensions (L × W × H): 40 × 30 × 20 cm (15.75 × 11.81 × 7.87 in) Package volume: 24,000 cm³ (1,464.6 in³) Actual weight: 2 kg (4.409 lb), entered Divisor: 5,000 cm³/kg (Metric 5,000 cm³/kg) Dimensional weight: 4.8 kg (10.582 lb) Estimated chargeable weight: 4.8 kg (10.582 lb); dimensional weight is higher (before carrier-specific rounding and adjustments) Quantity: 1 package Rounding: full-precision calculation, shown to 3 decimals; no carrier-specific rounding applied. Estimate only. Carriers apply their own divisors, rounding, minimums and surcharges depending on service, destination and account. Check your carrier’s current rules. Calculated with https://boxnovo.com/tools/dimensional-weight-calculator/
Chargeable
About these results
- Results are estimates. Carriers set their own divisors, rounding rules, minimum weights, size limits and surcharges, and these vary by service, destination, rate type and account.
- The chargeable weight shown is the greater of the actual and dimensional weight before carrier-specific rounding and adjustments. It is not a guaranteed billable weight or a shipping price.
- Divisor presets quote the carriers’ own public pages as checked on 9 October 2026. They are references, not an agreement with or endorsement by any carrier. Check your carrier’s current rules or your contract.
- Everything is calculated in your browser. Your measurements are not saved or sent anywhere.
What is dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight, also called volumetric weight or DIM weight, is a weight that parcel carriers calculate from a package’s size. It reflects the space a parcel takes up in a truck or aircraft. A large, light parcel can be charged as if it were heavier, because its dimensional weight is higher than what it weighs on a scale.
Dimensional weight formula
Metric
DIM weight (kg) = L × W × H (cm) ÷ divisor (cm³/kg)
For dimensions in millimeters, divide the product of L × W × H by 1,000 first to get cubic centimeters.
Imperial
DIM weight (lb) = L × W × H (in) ÷ divisor (in³/lb)
Always use the divisor that matches your units. A 139 in³/lb divisor is about 5,022 cm³/kg; 5,000 cm³/kg is about 138.4 in³/lb.
Estimated chargeable weight = the greater of the actual weight and the dimensional weight, in the same unit.
Worked examples
Metric: a light but bulky parcel
A 40 × 30 × 20 cm parcel weighing 2 kg, with a 5,000 cm³/kg divisor.
- Volume
- 40 × 30 × 20 = 24,000 cm³
- Dimensional weight
- 24,000 ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 kg
- Actual weight
- 2 kg
- Estimated chargeable weight
- 4.8 kg (dimensional weight is higher)
Metric: a dense parcel
The same 40 × 30 × 20 cm parcel, now weighing 8 kg.
- Volume
- 40 × 30 × 20 = 24,000 cm³
- Dimensional weight
- 24,000 ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 kg
- Actual weight
- 8 kg
- Estimated chargeable weight
- 8 kg (actual weight is higher)
Imperial: inches and pounds
A 20 × 15 × 10 in parcel weighing 12 lb, with a 139 in³/lb divisor.
- Volume
- 20 × 15 × 10 = 3,000 in³
- Dimensional weight
- 3,000 ÷ 139 = 21.583 lb
- Actual weight
- 12 lb
- Estimated chargeable weight
- 21.583 lb (dimensional weight is higher)
How to measure a package
- Pack and seal the parcel first. Measure the finished parcel, not the product or the empty box.
- Measure the outside. Use the outside (external) dimensions, including any bulges from overpacking.
- Length is the longest side. Turn the parcel and measure the next longest side as the width, and the remaining side as the height.
- Measure at the widest points with a rigid tape or ruler held straight.
- Weigh the complete parcel on an accurate scale for the actual weight.
Some carriers round each measurement before calculating, for example to the nearest or next whole inch. This calculator uses your exact values, so check your carrier’s rule if precision matters.
Actual vs dimensional vs chargeable weight
Actual weight
What the packed parcel weighs on a scale, including the product, the box, inserts and filler.
Dimensional weight
A weight calculated from the parcel’s outside size divided by the carrier’s divisor.
Chargeable weight
The weight a carrier bills on, usually the greater of the two, after the carrier’s own rounding and rules.
How to choose a divisor
The divisor tells you how much volume counts as one kilogram or one pound. A smaller divisor gives a higher dimensional weight. Use the divisor your carrier quotes for your service, destination and account. If you have negotiated rates, your contract may use a different value.
| Preset | Equivalent | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Metric 5,000 cm³/kg | ≈ 138.4 in³/lb | A widely used metric divisor for express and international parcels. DHL Express says it typically uses 5,000. Source: DHL: Weight and dimensions. |
| Metric 6,000 cm³/kg | ≈ 166.1 in³/lb | A reference value some services use. Choose it only if your carrier or contract quotes 6,000. |
| Imperial 139 in³/lb | ≈ 5,022 cm³/kg | UPS lists 139 for Daily Rates. FedEx lists 139 for U.S., Puerto Rico and international shipments. Source: UPS: Shipping Dimensions and Weight, FedEx: What is dimensional weight?. |
| Imperial 166 in³/lb | ≈ 5,997 cm³/kg | UPS lists 166 for Retail Rates. Source: UPS: Shipping Dimensions and Weight. |
Calculating several packages
Enter a quantity to calculate several packages with the same size and weight. The calculator compares actual and dimensional weight for each package, then multiplies the results to give shipment totals. Carriers usually rate each package on its own and may round each one before adding them up, so a carrier’s total can be slightly higher. For packages of different sizes, calculate each size separately.
Right-size your packaging
When dimensional weight is higher than actual weight, you are paying for empty space. A box that fits the product more closely lowers the volume and often the chargeable weight.
- Choose a box that leaves enough room for protection, without excess empty space. The Box Size Calculator works out internal and external sizes from your product.
- Use inserts that hold the product in place instead of large amounts of loose fill.
- Consider flatter formats, such as mailer boxes, for thin products.
- Pick a board that protects without adding unnecessary thickness. See corrugated packaging options.
- Use Compare another box size in the calculator to check the effect before you order.
Related tools and packaging
- Box Size CalculatorTurn product dimensions into internal and external box sizes.
- Packaging EstimatorSend your specifications for a custom packaging quote.
- 3D Packaging Design & Mockup GeneratorDesign your box in 3D with your logo.
- Custom corrugated boxesBranded shipping and fulfillment boxes.
- Custom mailer boxesSelf-locking boxes for ecommerce delivery.
- Custom cardboard boxesBoxes for retail, food, cosmetics and more.
- Corrugated packagingBoard grades for shipping strength.
- Kraft packagingNatural kraft board options.
Dimensional weight FAQ
What is dimensional weight?
A weight calculated from a parcel’s length, width and height and a carrier’s divisor. Carriers use it so that large, light parcels are priced for the space they take up.
Is dimensional weight the same as volumetric weight?
Yes. Dimensional weight, DIM weight and volumetric weight are different names for the same idea.
How do I calculate dimensional weight in kilograms?
Multiply length × width × height in centimeters and divide by the divisor in cm³/kg. For example, 40 × 30 × 20 cm = 24,000 cm³, and 24,000 ÷ 5,000 = 4.8 kg.
How do I calculate dimensional weight in pounds?
Multiply length × width × height in inches and divide by the divisor in in³/lb. For example, 20 × 15 × 10 in = 3,000 in³, and 3,000 ÷ 139 ≈ 21.58 lb.
What is a dimensional-weight divisor?
The volume that a carrier counts as one unit of weight, such as 5,000 cm³ per kilogram or 139 in³ per pound. The smaller the divisor, the higher the dimensional weight.
Why can dimensional weight be higher than actual weight?
Because it depends on size, not on what is inside. A large box with a light product, or a lot of empty space, can have a dimensional weight well above its actual weight.
How is chargeable weight estimated?
This calculator takes the greater of the actual weight and the dimensional weight for each package. Carriers then apply their own rounding, minimums and rules, so the billed weight can differ.
Do all shipping carriers use the same divisor?
No. The divisor can depend on the carrier, service, destination, rate type and your account. For example, UPS lists 139 in³/lb for Daily Rates and 166 for Retail Rates. Always check your carrier’s current rules.
Should I measure inside or outside dimensions?
Outside. Dimensional weight uses the external size of the finished, sealed parcel.
Can I calculate multiple packages?
Yes, for packages of the same size and weight. Enter the quantity to see per-package results and shipment totals. Calculate different sizes separately.
Does dimensional weight determine the final shipping price?
It is one input. The price also depends on the carrier’s rates, service, zone or destination, surcharges and your account. This tool does not calculate shipping prices.
How can a right-sized box reduce dimensional weight?
Dimensional weight rises with volume, so a box that fits the product more closely can lower it. Savings depend on your products and carrier, so compare sizes with the calculator before you change packaging.