Dimensional Weight Calculator
See the weight your courier will actually bill. Enter your box dimensions and the real weight, and this works out the dimensional (volumetric) weight and the chargeable weight, and flags when a box is oversized and costing you freight.
Result
Couriers bill the greater of actual and dimensional weight. Divisors vary by carrier and service, so check your rate card. If dimensional weight is winning, the box is likely oversized.
How dimensional weight works
A vehicle fills up on space before it fills up on weight, so couriers bill the greater of the actual weight and the dimensional weight calculated from the parcel size:
Dimensional weight (kg) = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ divisor
The divisor depends on the carrier and service (commonly 5000). If the dimensional weight is higher than the actual weight, you are paying to ship air, usually because the box is bigger than the product needs. Right-sizing the pack fixes it. See our guide on how packaging affects shipping costs.
Common questions
What divisor should I use?
It varies by carrier and service. 5000 is a common domestic and courier standard; some express and international services use 4000 or 6000. Always check your own rate card. A smaller divisor means a higher dimensional weight and a bigger bill.
Why is my dimensional weight higher than the actual weight?
Because the box is large relative to how much the contents weigh, so you are shipping empty space. A smaller, right-sized carton or a lower-profile mailer brings the dimensional weight down to what the product actually justifies.
Can smaller packaging really cut my shipping cost?
Yes, often significantly. If your parcels are billed on dimensional weight, reducing box size directly reduces the chargeable weight. We design right-sized cartons and mailers with this in mind. Tell us the product and we'll show the difference.
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Written by LeRoy Print Packs, a printing and packaging manufacturer making cartons, corrugated boxes and labels in-house. Get a quote