Large, lightweight parcels can be billed by the space they occupy rather than their scale weight. Use this free dimensional-weight calculator to compare both measures before requesting a shipping quote. Enter your packed dimensions and your carrier’s divisor; the tool does not look up live rates or select a service for you.
Interactive calculator
Compare actual and dimensional weight
Enter packed outer dimensions and the divisor supplied for your shipping service. Results update as you type.
Your entries are calculated in this page and are not submitted by this calculator. They clear on reload. The website’s ordinary analytics are separate.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the outside of the finished package, including bulges. Choose centimetres or inches.
- Enter the gross scale weight, including packaging, and choose kilograms or pounds.
- Enter the divisor stated in your carrier’s quote or service guide. Select its basis: cubic centimetres per kilogram or cubic inches per pound.
- Enter the number of identical packages. Use separate calculations for different sizes.
- If the service rounds each package’s chargeable weight upwards, enter the increment in your chosen weight unit. Leave zero to see the unrounded comparison.
The dimensional-weight formula
Dimensional weight = length × width × height ÷ divisor. The calculator converts your dimensions to the selected divisor’s basis, then converts the weight result to your selected output unit. Chargeable planning weight is the greater of actual and dimensional weight. When you request rounding, it is applied to each package before multiplying by package count.
Worked example: a lightweight carton
A carton measures 50 × 40 × 30 cm and weighs 8 kg. With an example metric divisor of 5,000, its dimensional weight is 60,000 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg. The greater of 8 kg and 12 kg is 12 kg. Two identical cartons therefore give 24 kg before any other service-specific adjustments. Changing the divisor to 6,000 produces 10 kg per carton. This is why the divisor must come from the service you intend to book.
Is 5,000 always the correct divisor?
No. The default is an editable example. Divisors, dimensional rounding, minimum weights and chargeable-weight rules can vary by service and contract. Read your own carrier’s current instructions. This tool uses the dimensions exactly as entered; if the carrier requires each side to be rounded first, enter those rounded measurements.
Does the result tell me the shipping price?
No. It estimates a weight for planning. Routes, service levels, fuel and handling surcharges, minimum charges and size restrictions can change the quote. It also does not check whether the package is accepted by a particular carrier.
Can I reduce the chargeable weight?
Try a second scenario with a smaller, safely packed carton and compare the result. A lower dimensional weight only changes the comparison if it remains above the actual weight. Packaging still needs to protect the goods and meet the carrier’s requirements.
Method reference: UPS package dimensions and weight guide. This independent tool is not affiliated with UPS and does not apply a carrier tariff automatically.
More free shipping and import tools
Created by Export Import Academy. Editorial contact: John Chekwas. Calculation assumptions are shown above; carrier quotes and customs decisions must be checked with the relevant provider.