What is dimensional weight?
Courier services often price large, lightweight parcels by the space they occupy rather than only by the number on a scale. This calculated figure is called dimensional weight or volumetric weight.
Dimensional weight = length × width × height ÷ divisor. Use centimeters with a cm³/kg divisor such as 5000 or 6000, or inches with an in³/lb divisor such as 139 or 166. The correct divisor depends on the carrier and shipping service; there is no universal rate.
Example in centimeters
A parcel measuring 50 × 40 × 30 cm has a volume of 60,000 cm³. If the divisor is 5000, the dimensional weight is 12 kg. If the actual weight is only 8 kg, the higher unrounded number is 12 kg.
Carrier-specific billing
Some carriers round dimensions or the resulting weight up to the next whole unit or apply minimum billable weights. This calculator does not add carrier rounding or quote a shipping price. Verify your carrier's current terms before buying a label.
Does dimensional weight replace actual weight?
Not necessarily. Carriers commonly compare both and charge based on the larger measure after their own rounding rules.