Tools

Dimensional weight calculator

Parcel carriers bill the greater of a box's actual weight and its dimensional weight, so a big light box can cost the same as a small heavy one. Here's what a box bills at.

Your carrier's rate agreement says which divisor applies to your account, and carriers round the result up. Nothing you type here leaves your browser.

How dimensional weight works

Multiply the box's length, width and height, then divide by your carrier's divisor. Compare that number with the box's actual weight: the larger of the two is what you're billed for. A lower divisor means a higher dimensional weight, so the divisor in your agreement matters as much as the rate.

What to check on your own invoices

• The dimensions used. Billable weight is calculated from the box that shipped, not the product. If your 3PL packs into a bigger carton than needed, you pay for the air.
• The divisor. A divisor change is a price increase, even when no rate moved.
• Rebilled shipping. If your 3PL passes carrier charges through, the weight on their invoice should match the weight on the carrier's.

Every charge on a 3PL invoice, explained