Zone 1 (Local / <50 miles)
Zone 2 (51-150 miles)
Zone 3 (151-300 miles)
Zone 4 (301-600 miles)
Zone 5 (601-1000 miles)
Zone 6 (1001-1400 miles)
Zone 7 (1401-1800 miles)
Zone 8 (1801+ miles)
Zone 9 (Territories/Freely Assoc. States)
Standard Parcel/Box
Large/Oversized Package
Actual Weight:–
Dimensional Weight:–
Billable Weight:–
Base Postage (Retail):–
Surcharges (Size/Non-std):–
Total Estimated Cost:–
Note: This is an estimation tool based on standard Retail Ground Advantage rates. Prices may vary based on exact origin/destination zip codes, commercial pricing, or holiday surcharges.
USPS Ground Advantage™ is the consolidated ground shipping service that replaced First-Class Package Service, Parcel Select Ground, and Retail Ground. It offers an affordable way to ship packages within the U.S. in 2-5 business days. Understanding how rates are calculated can help you optimize your packaging and save money.
Key Factors That Influence Your Shipping Cost
Several variables determine the final price tag on your shipping label:
Weight: Rates are tiered. Packages under 15.999 oz (1 lb) are priced in 4 oz increments (4oz, 8oz, 12oz, 15.999oz). Packages over 1 lb are rounded up to the next full pound.
Zone (Distance): USPS divides the U.S. into Zones 1 through 9 based on the distance between the origin and destination zip codes. Zone 1 is local, while Zone 8 is cross-country. The further the package travels, the higher the rate.
Dimensions (Dimensional Weight): For lightweight but bulky packages (like pillows or large plastic toys), USPS applies "Dimensional Weight" (DIM weight). If your package exceeds 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches), you may be charged based on size rather than actual weight.
How to Calculate Dimensional Weight
If you are shipping a large box, the calculator above automatically checks for Dimensional Weight. The formula used by USPS is:
(Length × Width × Height) ÷ 166
If the result is higher than the actual scale weight of the package, the postage price is calculated using this DIM weight.
Non-Standard Length and Volume Fees
Be aware of surcharges for exceptionally long or large packages:
Length > 22 inches: A surcharge of approximately $4.00 is applied.
Length > 30 inches: A surcharge of approximately $15.00 is applied.
Volume > 2 cubic feet: A surcharge of approximately $25.00 is applied.
Tips for Reducing Ground Shipping Costs
Use the smallest box possible: Avoid paying for "air" inside the box to prevent Dimensional Weight charges.
Stay under 1 lb if possible: Rates jump significantly once you cross the 1 lb threshold.
Commercial Pricing: The calculator above estimates Retail rates (what you pay at the Post Office counter). Using online shipping platforms (like Pirate Ship, Stamps.com, or eBay labels) can give you access to Commercial rates, which are often 20-40% cheaper.
function calculateShipping() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var lbsInput = document.getElementById('pkgWeightLbs');
var ozInput = document.getElementById('pkgWeightOz');
var zoneSelect = document.getElementById('shippingZone');
var lenInput = document.getElementById('pkgLength');
var widInput = document.getElementById('pkgWidth');
var hgtInput = document.getElementById('pkgHeight');
var errorDiv = document.getElementById('errorDisplay');
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('results');
// Parse values
var lbs = parseFloat(lbsInput.value) || 0;
var oz = parseFloat(ozInput.value) || 0;
var zone = parseInt(zoneSelect.value);
var length = parseFloat(lenInput.value) || 0;
var width = parseFloat(widInput.value) || 0;
var height = parseFloat(hgtInput.value) || 0;
// Reset display
errorDiv.style.display = 'none';
resultDiv.style.display = 'none';
// 2. Validation
if (lbs === 0 && oz === 0) {
errorDiv.innerText = "Please enter a valid weight (Lbs or Oz).";
errorDiv.style.display = 'block';
return;
}
if (length <= 0 || width <= 0 || height 1 cubic foot (1728 cubic inches)
if (cubicInches > 1728) {
dimWeight = Math.ceil(cubicInches / 166);
}
// Determine Billable Weight
// For packages 1lb, we compare Actual vs DIM (if applicable), then round up to next lb.
var billableWeight = 0; // stored in lbs
var isUnderOneLb = (totalLbs < 1 && dimWeight = 1 || dimWeight > totalLbs) {
// Over 1lb logic
billableWeight = Math.max(Math.ceil(totalLbs), dimWeight);
isUnderOneLb = false;
} else {
// Under 1lb logic
billableWeight = totalLbs; // Keep exact for oz tier calculation
}
// 4. Rate Calculation (Simulated Retail Ground Advantage Rates 2024)
// Note: These are mathematical approximations of the zone charts, not live API calls.
var basePrice = 0;
if (isUnderOneLb) {
// Tiered pricing for < 1lb
// Tiers: 4oz, 8oz, 12oz, 15.99oz
// Base approx: $5.00 + (Zone * small_factor) + (WeightStep * cost)
var ozTier = 0;
if (totalOz <= 4) ozTier = 1;
else if (totalOz <= 8) ozTier = 2;
else if (totalOz <= 12) ozTier = 3;
else ozTier = 4;
// Matrix simulation for < 1lb
// Zone 1 start ~5.00, Zone 9 start ~5.60
// Tier adds ~$0.60 per step
basePrice = 4.75 + (ozTier * 0.60) + (zone * 0.15);
} else {
// Over 1lb pricing
// Base price for 1lb ranges from ~$7.00 (Zone 1) to ~$10.00 (Zone 9)
// Each additional lb adds ~$1.20 (Zone 1) to ~$2.80 (Zone 9)
var zoneBaseMap = [0, 6.90, 7.50, 7.90, 8.40, 8.90, 9.60, 10.20, 10.80, 15.00]; // Base for 1lb
var zonePerLbMap = [0, 0.50, 0.70, 0.90, 1.30, 1.80, 2.30, 2.70, 3.20, 4.00]; // Cost per additional lb
var lbsOverOne = billableWeight – 1;
if (lbsOverOne 30) {
surcharges += 15.00;
} else if (longestSide > 22) {
surcharges += 4.00;
}
// Cube Surcharge (> 2 cu ft)
if (cubicFeet > 2) {
surcharges += 25.00;
}
var totalPrice = basePrice + surcharges;
// 6. Update UI
document.getElementById('resActualWeight').innerText = totalLbs.toFixed(2) + " lbs (" + totalOz.toFixed(1) + " oz)";
if (dimWeight > 0) {
document.getElementById('resDimWeight').innerText = dimWeight + " lbs";
} else {
document.getElementById('resDimWeight').innerText = "N/A (Under 1 cu ft)";
}
var displayBillable = isUnderOneLb ? totalOz.toFixed(1) + " oz" : billableWeight + " lbs";
document.getElementById('resBillableWeight').innerText = displayBillable;
document.getElementById('resBasePrice').innerText = "$" + basePrice.toFixed(2);
if (surcharges > 0) {
document.getElementById('resSurcharges').innerText = "$" + surcharges.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resSurcharges').style.color = "#d32f2f";
} else {
document.getElementById('resSurcharges').innerText = "$0.00";
document.getElementById('resSurcharges').style.color = "#333";
}
document.getElementById('resTotal').innerText = "$" + totalPrice.toFixed(2);
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
}