Dimensional weight calculator

Volume divided by a divisor gives dimensional weight

The dimension convention is applied before multiplying length, width, and height. The weight convention is applied separately to actual weight and calculated DIM weight before comparing them. The box drawing shows the dimensions used in that multiplication.

One package, two divisors

These examples use a finished package measuring 20 × 14 × 10 in, a volume of 2,800 in³. Dimensions are already whole inches. Both actual and dimensional weight are rounded up to whole pounds.

At divisor 139, 2,800 ÷ 139 is approximately 20.144 lb, becoming 21 lb under the selected weight rule. With divisor 166, it becomes approximately 16.867 lb, rounded to 17 lb. A heavier 30 lb actual package controls the third comparison.

Dimension rounding can change the result first

Change only the entered length to 20.1 in while keeping width 14 in, height 10 in, divisor 139, and actual weight 8 lb. The same measurements give these different comparisons when weight still rounds up:

Nearest-inch mode rounds an exact half inch upward and uses a minimum of one inch. Round-up mode moves each positive fractional inch to the next whole inch. Exact mode uses the converted measurement without dimension rounding. Choose the convention from your current terms; none of these controls is a universal carrier setting.

Metric input does not change the divisor’s units

For example, 50.8 × 35.56 × 25.4 cm describes the same package as 20 × 14 × 10 in. An actual weight of 3.62873896 kg equals 8 lb. The tool converts first, so these entries preserve the example calculation and its inch/pound rounding.

The divisor field always means in³/lb. It does not change to cm³/kg when the input selectors change. Refer to our unit-conversion method if the divisor in your agreement uses a different unit basis.

Dated carrier examples: check your current terms

Sources checked October 25, 2026. The linked UPS guides served 2025 editions when reviewed. They establish the following historical examples, not current 2026 presets:

Those pages describe nearest-inch measurement with half inches rounded up and a one-inch minimum, followed by whole-pound upward rounding of actual and DIM weights. The calculator’s initial round-up dimension setting is an example choice; it is not labeled as that historical rule.

The 2026 UPS U.S. terms, effective April 17, 2026, section 40.1, distinguishes Daily and Retail rate contexts. That document does not establish a current divisor here. Confirm your service, lane, agreement, divisor, and rounding before treating this comparison as a rating input.

When freight density and class apply instead

Dimensional weight turns package volume into a weight using a divisor. Freight density divides gross weight by cubic feet, and an applicable density scale may then produce a class estimate. The resulting numbers have different meanings; a 21 lb dimensional-weight comparison is not freight class 21.

For an LTL handling unit, start with what LTL means and use the freight class calculator or freight density calculator. Use finished pallet measurements for those tools and confirm the relevant item provisions.