Frequently Asked Questions

Dimensional weight or dim weight reflects a package's density, which is the amount of volume or space it occupies in relation to its actual weight. Carriers use the larger of the two weights: the actual weight (determined by measuring on a scale) and its calculated dimensional weight to determine what will be used as its billable weight.

Carriers calculate dim weight which is a theoretical weight based on the package's volume which may differ from a package’s actual weight. This is done by multiplying the length, width, and height of the box and then dividing that total by a specific number called the dim divisor. This divisor (e.g. 139, 166, 5000...) varies depending on the carrier and the type of service being used. The result of this calculation is the dimensional weight.

Once both the actual weight (what the package weighs on a scale) and the dimensional weight are known, the carrier compares them. They will then charge you based on whichever number is higher; this is known as the billable weight which is then used to determine the cost of transporting the item.

The Dim Factor is a divisor set by shipping carriers (like 139 for FedEx/UPS domestic, or 166 for retail). The formula used is: (Length x Width x Height) / Dim Factor. This tool rounds the length, width and height measurements before calculating dim weight.

Instead of entering 50 identical boxes one by one, you can create a single group. Enter the dimensions, actual weight, and quantity once. The calculator instantly processes the entire batch, applying your specific pricing per unit to output the total billable weight and total cost for that group.

This allows you to input your negotiated rate or the current carrier cost for a single unit of weight. The calculator then applies this rate to your total billable weight to give you an estimated shipping cost.

Yes. You can add multiple unique groups to your dashboard. Each group handles its own identical parcel configurations, and the tool will provide a grand total summary of estimates of both dim weight and shipping cost for your entire bulk manifest.

Yes, you can assign a name to your calculations in the entry ‘Calculation Description’ (e.g. Shipment of Small Bottles); if you do not enter a name, your file will be saved as ‘calculation’. Also, users can name different groupings of parcels in the ‘Parcel Entry’ entry box (e.g. Small Boxes of Books).

Yes. Results can be exported to your hard drive as a simple summary (.txt) containing a summary of grand totals or a csv file where a more detailed summary showing your order entry details along with your grand totals is displayed. Note: The tool is designed so that each .txt or .csv file will contain calculations using the SAME unit system (Metric OR Imperial).
For example, a description of Order 12345 will be exported as Order 12345.txt and will be saved as Order 12345.csv. If the calculation description field is blank, the file will be named calculation.csv; the if parcel field is blank, the file will be exported as parcel-summary.txt.

As indicated in the privacy policy, all data entries and calculations are processed locally within your web browser. Your proprietary logistics and pricing data are never uploaded to our servers.

Volume or space is as important as weight when considering shipping costs. It accounts for the amount of space a package occupies in a vehicle, which is critical for airlines and couriers because space is a limited resource. If a carrier only charged based on actual weight, someone shipping a giant box of light items would pay very little, despite the box taking up a massive amount of room that could have been used for other packages.
If you have a small, heavy item like a lead weight, you will likely pay based on actual weight. If you have a large, light item like a plush toy, you will likely pay based on the dimensional weight. This is why using the smallest possible box for your items is one of the most effective ways to reduce your shipping costs.