DIM Weight Calculator
Volumetric weight for shipping — international, FedEx and UPS divisors.
The DIM Weight Calculator works out volumetric weight — the shipping industry's way of charging for the space a parcel occupies, not just its mass. Enter dimensions and actual weight, pick the carrier method, and see which weight you will be billed on.
Carriers bill the greater of actual and volumetric weight because a truck full of pillows weighs little but fills space. The standard formulas: international parcels use cm³ ÷ 5000; air freight 6000; US domestic 166 in³/lb; FedEx and UPS ground 139 in³/lb. A light 40×30×20 cm box bills at 4.8 kg by volume alone.
Knowing your DIM weight before quoting prevents ugly surprises: repackaging or choosing the right method can drop a parcel into a cheaper bracket. Everything runs locally in your browser.
Volumetric weight
4.80 kg
volume 24,000 cm³
Actual weight
2.50 kg
Billable weight
4.80 kg
charged: volumetric
Carriers bill the greater of actual and volumetric weight — light but bulky parcels (pillows, packaging) pay by volume. A 40×30×20 cm box at the standard 5000 divisor weighs 4.8 kg volumetrically even if it physically weighs 1 kg.
How to use the DIM Weight Calculator
- Enter length, width and height (cm or inches).
- Enter the actual weight (kg or lb).
- Pick the carrier pricing method.
- Read the volumetric and actual weights.
- The billable weight is the larger of the two.
Frequently asked questions
What is volumetric (DIM) weight?
A theoretical weight derived from parcel size: volume ÷ divisor. Carriers use it to charge fairly for light-but-large shipments. Billable weight = the greater of actual and volumetric.
What divisor should I use?
International standard is 5000 (cm³/kg); air freight 6000; US domestic 166 in³/lb; FedEx/UPS ground 139. If unsure, use 5000 — most cross-border quotes from marketplaces assume it.
How can I reduce DIM weight?
Shrink the box: remove void fill, use the smallest carton that protects the item, or ship items unboxed where safe. Every centimeter of a dimension multiplies into the volume.
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