For parcel & ltl shippers
Dimensional Weight Calculator
Compare a shipment's actual weight against its dimensional (DIM) weight so you know which one you'll be billed on.
Key takeaways
- Carriers bill on the greater of actual weight or dimensional (DIM) weight.
- DIM weight equals length × width × height divided by the carrier's DIM divisor.
- Light, bulky shipments are usually billed on DIM weight, so measure before you quote.
What is dimensional weight?
DIM weight accounts for how much space a package takes up. It equals length × width × height divided by a carrier's DIM divisor. Light, bulky shipments are usually billed on DIM weight.
Which divisor should I use?
Most US domestic ground and air uses 139. International and older contracts often use 166. Always confirm the divisor in your specific carrier agreement.
How to use the Dimensional Weight Calculator
- 1Enter the package length, width, and height in inches.
- 2Enter the actual weight and your carrier's DIM divisor.
- 3Compare actual vs. dimensional weight; carriers bill on the greater of the two.
Estimates are for planning only. Confirm rates, accessorials, minimums, and service details directly with providers.
What to do next
Knowing your billable weight, compare parcel and LTL options and ask brokers how they rate dimensional weight and accessorials on your lanes.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Which DIM divisor should I use?
US domestic ground and air commonly use 139; some international and older contracts use 166. A larger divisor produces a lower dimensional weight. Confirm the exact divisor in your carrier agreement, since it varies by carrier and service level.
Why am I billed on dimensional weight?
Carriers bill on whichever is greater, actual or dimensional weight, so light, bulky shipments are billed on the space they take up in the truck or plane rather than what they weigh.
How is dimensional weight calculated?
Multiply length by width by height in inches to get cubic inches, then divide by your carrier's DIM divisor. The result, rounded up, is the dimensional weight in pounds. This calculator does the math once you enter dimensions and the divisor.
What is billable weight?
Billable weight is the figure the carrier actually charges for: the greater of the shipment's actual (scale) weight and its dimensional weight. If a box weighs 8 lb but its dimensional weight is 15 lb, you are billed for 15 lb.
Does dimensional weight apply to LTL freight?
DIM weight is mainly a parcel concept. LTL freight is rated on freight class and density instead, though some LTL carriers apply cubic-capacity or minimum-density rules to very light, bulky shipments. Use the freight class calculator for LTL.
How can I reduce dimensional weight charges?
Right-size your packaging, cut excess void fill, and avoid oversized boxes so the package's cubic dimensions drop. Since dimensional weight is driven by box size, tighter packaging directly lowers the billable weight.