Easily calculate your FedEx shipping costs by determining the dimensional weight of your packages.
FedEx Dimensional Weight Calculator
Enter the longest dimension of your package in centimeters.
Enter the second longest dimension of your package in centimeters.
Enter the shortest dimension of your package in centimeters.
Enter the actual weight of your package in kilograms.
5000 (Most common for international/domestic)
6000 (Used for certain services or regions)
Select the divisor applicable for your FedEx service in 2018. 5000 is standard for many.
Calculation Results
—
Volume: — cm³
Calculated Weight: — kg
Chargeable Weight: — kg
Key Assumptions
FedEx Divisor Used: —
Calculator Year: 2018
How it works:
Dimensional weight (or volumetric weight) is calculated by multiplying the package's Length, Width, and Height to get the volume, then dividing that volume by the FedEx dimensional weight divisor. The chargeable weight is the greater of the package's actual weight and its dimensional weight. This ensures carriers charge appropriately for the space a package occupies, not just its physical mass.
Dimensional Weight vs. Actual Weight
This chart compares your package's actual weight to its calculated dimensional weight, visually indicating which value will be used for shipping charges.
FedEx Divisor Guide (Illustrative)
2018 FedEx Dimensional Weight Divisors
Service Type / Region
Divisor (2018)
Unit
FedEx Express (Domestic & International)
5000
cm³ / kg
FedEx Ground (U.S.)
5000
cm³ / kg
FedEx International Ground
5000
cm³ / kg
Specific Freight or Specialized Services
6000 (or other)
cm³ / kg
Note: Divisors can change. This table reflects common values for 2018. Always confirm with FedEx for specific service requirements.
What is FedEx Dimensional Weight?
FedEx Dimensional Weight, often referred to as 'dim weight' or 'volumetric weight,' is a method used by shipping carriers like FedEx to determine the shipping cost of a package based on the space it occupies, rather than just its actual physical weight. This is particularly relevant for lightweight but bulky items. In 2018, FedEx applied specific dimensional weight calculations across its services, using a divisor to convert package volume into a weight equivalent. Understanding and calculating this is crucial for accurate shipping cost estimation, especially for businesses engaged in frequent shipping.
Who should use it? Anyone shipping packages via FedEx, including e-commerce businesses, online sellers, small business owners, and even individuals sending parcels, should be aware of dimensional weight. If your items are large but don't weigh much (like foam packaging or empty boxes), dimensional weight is likely to be higher than the actual weight and will determine your shipping charges.
Common misconceptions about FedEx dimensional weight include believing that only very large packages are affected, or that the actual weight is always the basis for charges. In reality, any package can be subject to dim weight calculation if its volume-to-weight ratio is high enough. Another misconception is that the divisor is universally the same; while 5000 cm³/kg was common in 2018 for many services, specific services or regions might have used different divisors, making a calculator that accounts for this essential.
FedEx Dimensional Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The FedEx dimensional weight calculation for 2018 follows a straightforward, yet critical, formula. The core idea is to equate the physical space a package takes up to an equivalent weight. This ensures that carriers are compensated for the cubic space used on their transport vehicles.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the variables and process:
Measure Dimensions: Accurately measure the Length (L), Width (W), and Height (H) of your package in centimeters (cm). The length is typically the longest dimension, the width the second longest, and the height the shortest.
Calculate Volume: Multiply the three dimensions together to find the package's volume in cubic centimeters (cm³).
Volume = L × W × H
Apply the Divisor: Divide the calculated volume by the FedEx dimensional weight divisor specific to the service used in 2018. The most common divisor for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground in 2018 was 5000 cm³/kg. Some specialized services might have used a different divisor, such as 6000.
Dimensional Weight = Volume / Divisor
Determine Chargeable Weight: Compare the calculated Dimensional Weight with the package's Actual Weight (in kg). The higher of the two values becomes the Chargeable Weight, which is then used to calculate the final shipping cost.
Chargeable Weight = MAX(Actual Weight, Dimensional Weight)
Variable Explanations:
FedEx Dimensional Weight Variables (2018)
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range (2018)
Length (L)
The longest dimension of the package.
cm
1 – Variable (e.g., 100+)
Width (W)
The second longest dimension of the package.
cm
1 – Variable (e.g., 100+)
Height (H)
The shortest dimension of the package.
cm
1 – Variable (e.g., 100+)
Volume
The total space occupied by the package.
cm³
L × W × H
Divisor
A factor used by FedEx to convert volume to weight.
cm³/kg
5000 (common), 6000 (specific)
Actual Weight
The measured weight of the package using a scale.
kg
0.1 – Variable (e.g., 150+)
Dimensional Weight
The weight equivalent based on package size.
kg
Calculated value
Chargeable Weight
The weight used for billing; the greater of Actual or Dimensional Weight.
kg
Calculated value
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Understanding the FedEx dimensional weight calculator 2018 involves looking at practical scenarios. Here are two examples demonstrating how it impacts shipping costs:
Example 1: Lightweight, Bulky Item
A small business is shipping a custom-made foam protective insert for electronics. The dimensions are:
Length: 40 cm
Width: 30 cm
Height: 25 cm
Actual Weight: 1.5 kg
Service: FedEx Express Domestic (using divisor 5000 in 2018)
Calculation:
Volume = 40 cm × 30 cm × 25 cm = 30,000 cm³
Dimensional Weight = 30,000 cm³ / 5000 = 6 kg
Chargeable Weight = MAX(1.5 kg, 6 kg) = 6 kg
Interpretation: Even though the package only weighs 1.5 kg, FedEx will charge based on 6 kg because of its bulk. This highlights the importance of accurate measurements and understanding the FedEx dimensional weight calculation for 2018.
Example 2: Dense, Small Item
An online retailer is shipping a small, dense piece of machinery part.
Length: 15 cm
Width: 10 cm
Height: 5 cm
Actual Weight: 3 kg
Service: FedEx Ground (using divisor 5000 in 2018)
Calculation:
Volume = 15 cm × 10 cm × 5 cm = 750 cm³
Dimensional Weight = 750 cm³ / 5000 = 0.15 kg
Chargeable Weight = MAX(3 kg, 0.15 kg) = 3 kg
Interpretation: In this case, the actual weight (3 kg) is significantly higher than the calculated dimensional weight (0.15 kg). Therefore, the customer will be billed based on the actual weight. The FedEx dimensional weight formula for 2018 still applies, but the actual weight is the determining factor.
How to Use This FedEx Dimensional Weight Calculator
Using this FedEx dimensional weight calculator 2018 is designed to be simple and efficient. Follow these steps:
Enter Package Dimensions: Input the Length, Width, and Height of your package in centimeters (cm) into the respective fields. Ensure you measure the longest side as 'Length', the next longest as 'Width', and the shortest as 'Height'.
Enter Actual Weight: Input the actual measured weight of the package in kilograms (kg).
Select FedEx Divisor: Choose the correct FedEx dimensional weight divisor for 2018 based on the service you are using. The default is 5000, which was most common. If you used a service that required a 6000 divisor, select that option.
Click Calculate: Press the 'Calculate' button.
How to read results:
Dimensional Weight: This is the calculated weight based on your package's dimensions and the selected divisor.
Volume: The total cubic space your package occupies (L x W x H).
Calculated Weight: This is the same as the Dimensional Weight.
Chargeable Weight: This is the crucial figure. It's the higher value between your package's Actual Weight and its Dimensional Weight. This is the weight FedEx will use to determine your shipping cost.
Chart: The chart visually compares the Actual Weight and Dimensional Weight, clearly indicating which one is higher and therefore becomes the Chargeable Weight.
Decision-making guidance: If your Chargeable Weight is significantly higher than your Actual Weight, consider ways to optimize your packaging. Can you use a smaller box? Can the item be shipped more compactly? Conversely, if Actual Weight is higher, your item is dense, and you might not need to worry excessively about dim weight for that specific shipment, though accurate measurements are always best practice.
Key Factors That Affect FedEx Dimensional Weight Results
Several factors influence the outcome of a FedEx dimensional weight calculation, impacting your shipping costs. Understanding these is key to efficient logistics:
Package Dimensions (L, W, H): This is the most direct factor. Larger dimensions result in larger volume, and consequently, a higher dimensional weight. Precise measurement is critical.
Actual Package Weight: While dimensional weight is the focus here, the actual weight is equally important. If the actual weight is greater than the calculated dimensional weight, the actual weight becomes the chargeable weight.
FedEx Dimensional Weight Divisor: The divisor (e.g., 5000 vs. 6000 in 2018) significantly impacts the dimensional weight. A smaller divisor yields a higher dimensional weight, and vice versa. Always confirm the correct divisor for the specific FedEx service used.
Packaging Materials: The type of box and internal cushioning used can affect the overall external dimensions and, sometimes, the actual weight. Choosing lightweight but protective materials is often a good strategy.
Service Level Chosen: Different FedEx services (Express, Ground, International, Freight) may have historically used different divisors or weight/dimension limits. Ensure you're using the correct divisor for the service selected.
Item Density: Items with low density (like pillows or foam) occupy more space relative to their weight, making them prime candidates for dimensional weight charges. Dense items (like metal parts) usually default to actual weight.
Regulatory Compliance: Certain items might have specific packaging requirements mandated by regulations, which can sometimes lead to larger-than-ideal package sizes.
Shipping Volume & Negotiations: For businesses shipping high volumes, FedEx may offer customized pricing or negotiated divisors, though the standard calculation methods still apply as a baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the difference between actual weight and dimensional weight?
Actual weight is what a package weighs on a scale. Dimensional weight is a calculated weight based on the package's dimensions and a carrier-specific divisor. FedEx uses the greater of the two for shipping charges.
Q2: Was the FedEx dimensional weight divisor the same for all services in 2018?
No, not always. While 5000 cm³/kg was the standard for many FedEx Express and FedEx Ground services in 2018, specific services, particularly freight or international options, could use different divisors. It's essential to verify the divisor for the exact service used.
Q3: How are dimensions measured for FedEx dim weight?
Dimensions are typically measured in centimeters (cm). Length is the longest side, Width is the second longest, and Height is the shortest side of the package.
Q4: Does FedEx round up dimensions or weights?
Yes, FedEx usually rounds up dimensions and weights to the nearest whole unit (e.g., cm or kg) before calculation. Our calculator assumes whole numbers for simplicity but inputs should ideally reflect rounded-up measurements.
Q5: What happens if my package exceeds FedEx's size limits?
Exceeding size limits can result in additional surcharges or the package being classified as Freight. The calculator focuses on standard package calculations; oversized items have different rules.
Q6: Can I use this calculator for UPS or DHL?
While the principle of dimensional weight is similar across carriers, the divisors and specific rules differ. This calculator is specifically tailored for FedEx's 2018 guidelines. For other carriers, you would need a different calculator or consult their official guidelines.
Q7: How does dimensional weight affect international shipping costs?
Dimensional weight is a significant factor in international shipping due to longer transit times and the need to maximize space utilization on aircraft. Bulky, light international shipments are particularly prone to high dim weight charges.
Q8: Is it possible to reduce shipping costs by optimizing packaging for dimensional weight?
Yes. By using appropriately sized boxes, minimizing void fill that adds bulk without significant weight, and considering how items can be consolidated or packed more efficiently, businesses can often reduce their dimensional weight and, consequently, their shipping costs.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore these related resources to further optimize your shipping strategy: