UPS Dimensional Weight Calculator 2019
Accurately calculate the billable weight for your UPS shipments using the 2019 dimensional weight rules. This tool helps you understand shipping costs by comparing dimensional weight to actual weight.
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.
Your Shipping Weight Results
Dimensional Weight: — kg
Billable Weight: — kg
Volume (cm³): — cm³
— kg
UPS calculates dimensional weight by multiplying the Length, Width, and Height of your package and dividing by a dimensional factor. The billable weight is the greater of the actual weight or the dimensional weight. For 2019, the UPS divisor was typically 5000 cm³ (or 166 cubic inches).
| Region | Divisor (cm³) | Divisor (in³) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic & International | 5000 | 166 |
What is UPS Dimensional Weight?
Dimensional weight, often referred to as "dim weight" or "volumetric weight," is a pricing technique used by shipping carriers like UPS to charge for the space a package occupies rather than just its actual weight. If a package is large but light, dim weight ensures that the carrier is compensated for the volume it takes up on a truck or plane. In essence, it's a way to measure how much "space" your shipment consumes.
Who Should Use It? Anyone shipping packages, especially those that are bulky but relatively lightweight, should understand and calculate dimensional weight. This includes e-commerce businesses, online sellers, small business owners, and even individuals sending larger items. Ignoring dim weight can lead to unexpected shipping costs.
Common Misconceptions:
* "It only applies to very large boxes." – While larger boxes are more affected, even moderately sized packages can incur higher charges if their volume is disproportionate to their weight.
* "It's the same as actual weight." – This is incorrect. The shipping cost is based on the *greater* of the two.
* "The divisor is always the same." – While the 2019 UPS divisor was commonly 5000 cm³, it's crucial to verify current or historical factors, as these can change.
UPS Dimensional Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation (2019)
The UPS dimensional weight calculation for 2019 is straightforward. It involves measuring the package's dimensions and applying a specific divisor. The core idea is to standardize how volume is converted into a weight-based charge.
The Formula: Dimensional Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / Dimensional Divisor
For UPS in 2019, the typical dimensional divisor for shipments measured in centimeters was 5000. If measurements were in inches, the divisor was typically 166.
Step-by-step derivation:
- Measure the Length (L), Width (W), and Height (H) of your package in centimeters. Ensure you use the longest side for Length, the second longest for Width, and the shortest for Height.
- Calculate the package volume: Volume = L × W × H. This will give you the volume in cubic centimeters (cm³).
- Divide the calculated volume by the UPS dimensional divisor for 2019. For centimeters, this is 5000.
- The result is your package's Dimensional Weight in kilograms.
- Compare the calculated Dimensional Weight to the package's Actual Weight.
- The carrier will bill you based on the *greater* of the two weights. This is known as the Billable Weight.
Variable Explanations:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length (L) | The longest dimension of the package. | cm | ≥ 1 cm |
| Width (W) | The second longest dimension of the package. | cm | ≥ 1 cm |
| Height (H) | The shortest dimension of the package. | cm | ≥ 1 cm |
| Actual Weight | The measured weight of the package on a scale. | kg | ≥ 0.1 kg |
| Dimensional Divisor | A factor set by the carrier to convert volume to weight. | cm³/kg (or in³/lb) | 5000 (for cm) / 166 (for inches) |
| Dimensional Weight | Calculated weight based on package volume. | kg | Varies based on dimensions |
| Billable Weight | The greater of Actual Weight or Dimensional Weight. | kg | Varies based on dimensions and actual weight |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Understanding the UPS dimensional weight calculator 2019 through examples makes its application clear. Here are two scenarios:
Example 1: A Bulky but Light Package
An e-commerce seller is shipping a lightweight decorative item that comes in a large box.
- Package Dimensions: 50 cm (Length) x 40 cm (Width) x 30 cm (Height)
- Actual Weight: 3 kg
- UPS Dimensional Divisor (2019): 5000
Calculation:
- Volume = 50 cm × 40 cm × 30 cm = 60,000 cm³
- Dimensional Weight = 60,000 cm³ / 5000 = 12 kg
Result:
- Dimensional Weight = 12 kg
- Actual Weight = 3 kg
- Billable Weight = 12 kg (since 12 kg > 3 kg)
Interpretation: Even though the package only weighs 3 kg, UPS will charge the seller for 12 kg because of its size. This highlights the importance of using appropriately sized packaging or consolidating items to reduce shipping expenses.
Example 2: A Dense, Heavy Package
A customer ships a small, heavy electronic component.
- Package Dimensions: 20 cm (Length) x 15 cm (Width) x 10 cm (Height)
- Actual Weight: 8 kg
- UPS Dimensional Divisor (2019): 5000
Calculation:
- Volume = 20 cm × 15 cm × 10 cm = 3,000 cm³
- Dimensional Weight = 3,000 cm³ / 5000 = 0.6 kg
Result:
- Dimensional Weight = 0.6 kg
- Actual Weight = 8 kg
- Billable Weight = 8 kg (since 8 kg > 0.6 kg)
Interpretation: In this case, the actual weight is significantly higher than the dimensional weight. UPS will charge based on the actual weight of 8 kg. The dimensional weight calculation didn't impact the billable weight because the package is dense.
How to Use This UPS Dimensional Weight Calculator 2019
Using our UPS dimensional weight calculator 2019 is simple and designed to provide instant results. Follow these steps to accurately determine your billable shipping weight:
- Measure Your Package: Carefully measure the Length, Width, and Height of your package in centimeters. Ensure you identify the longest dimension as Length, the second longest as Width, and the shortest as Height.
- Enter Dimensions: Input these measurements into the "Length (in cm)", "Width (in cm)", and "Height (in cm)" fields in the calculator.
- Weigh Your Package: Place your package on a reliable scale and record its Actual Weight in kilograms.
- Enter Actual Weight: Input the Actual Weight into the corresponding field.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate" button.
-
Review Results: The calculator will instantly display:
- Dimensional Weight: The weight calculated based on your package's volume.
- Billable Weight: The greater of the Actual Weight or the Dimensional Weight. This is the weight UPS will use for pricing.
- Volume: The total volume of your package in cubic centimeters.
- Understand the Formula: Read the explanation provided to understand how the results were derived using the standard 2019 UPS divisor.
- Use the Chart: The dynamic chart visually compares your actual weight against the calculated dimensional weight, offering a quick understanding of which factor dominates.
- Reset or Copy: Use the "Reset" button to clear fields and start over, or the "Copy Results" button to easily transfer the key figures to another document or system.
Decision-Making Guidance: By understanding your billable weight, you can make informed decisions about packaging, potentially consolidating shipments, or choosing alternative carriers if cost is a major concern. Use the calculator regularly to estimate shipping costs accurately for your customers.
Key Factors That Affect UPS Dimensional Weight Results
Several factors influence the final billable weight calculated by the UPS dimensional weight calculator 2019, impacting shipping costs significantly. Understanding these elements is crucial for effective logistics management.
- Package Dimensions (L x W x H): This is the most direct factor. Larger dimensions result in greater volume and, consequently, a higher dimensional weight. Even a few extra centimeters can push a package over the threshold where dimensional weight becomes the billable weight.
- Dimensional Divisor: The specific divisor used by UPS (5000 cm³ for 2019) directly determines how volume translates into weight. A smaller divisor would result in a higher dimensional weight for the same package size, and vice versa. Carriers may adjust these divisors annually or by region.
- Actual Weight: While dimensional weight is critical for bulky items, the actual weight remains paramount for dense, heavy items. If the actual weight is greater than the calculated dimensional weight, the actual weight becomes the billable weight. Efficient packing to minimize weight is still important.
- Packaging Material and Design: The choice of boxes and packing materials can influence the final dimensions. Using smaller, more appropriately sized boxes can reduce billable weight. Avoiding excessive void fill that increases external dimensions is also key. For instance, shipping flat items in thin mailers versus bulky boxes dramatically alters the dim weight calculation.
- Service Level: While the dimensional weight *calculation* method is generally consistent across UPS services, the final *cost* per kilogram varies significantly depending on the chosen service level (e.g., UPS Ground, UPS Next Day Air). A higher billable weight on a premium service will be much more expensive than on a standard service.
- Carrier Policies and Updates: Shipping carriers like UPS frequently update their pricing, dimensional factors, and policies. The "2019" in our calculator specifies the rules for that year. It's vital to stay informed about current UPS guidelines, as changes to the divisor or weight limits can affect shipping costs. Relying on outdated information can lead to budget miscalculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the UPS dimensional weight divisor for 2019?
- For UPS shipments measured in centimeters in 2019, the standard dimensional divisor was 5000. For shipments measured in inches, it was typically 166. This means for every 5000 cubic centimeters of volume, the package was considered to weigh 1 kg.
- How do I measure my package dimensions correctly for UPS?
- Measure the Length (longest side), Width (second longest side), and Height (shortest side) of the package. Ensure measurements are taken from the outside dimensions of the box, excluding any overhangs. Always use consistent units (e.g., all centimeters or all inches).
- What if my package dimensions are not whole numbers?
- It's best practice to round your measurements to the nearest whole centimeter or inch before calculation, depending on the units required by the carrier. Most systems will accept decimal inputs, but consistency is key. Our calculator accepts decimal inputs.
- Does dimensional weight apply to all UPS shipping services?
- Yes, dimensional weight rules generally apply to most UPS domestic and international shipping services, including UPS Ground, UPS Air Cargo, and UPS Express services. However, specific exceptions might exist for very large freight shipments or certain specialized services.
- How does UPS handle irregular-shaped packages?
- For irregular-shaped packages (e.g., cylinders, spheres, bags), UPS typically measures the package's maximum length, width, and height. For example, for a cylinder, length would be the height of the cylinder, and width would be the diameter of the circular base multiplied by two.
- Can I use this calculator for other carriers like FedEx or DHL?
- While the concept of dimensional weight is similar across carriers, the dimensional divisors often differ. This calculator is specifically tailored for UPS 2019 rules. For other carriers or different years, you would need to use their specific dimensional divisors. For example, FedEx and DHL might use different factors.
- What happens if my package is very large but weighs very little?
- This is precisely the scenario where dimensional weight has the most significant impact. If your package's calculated dimensional weight is greater than its actual weight, UPS will charge you based on the higher dimensional weight. This encourages efficient packaging.
- Are there any minimum size or weight requirements for dimensional weight calculation?
- UPS typically applies dimensional weight rules to packages exceeding certain size thresholds. For instance, packages exceeding 84 cubic inches (or a similar metric volume) are often subject to this calculation. Packages also have maximum size and weight limits; exceeding these may result in additional fees or require freight services.