UPS Shipping Rate Estimator
Estimate domestic shipping costs and billable weight
Understanding UPS Shipping Costs and Dimensional Weight
Calculating the cost of shipping with UPS involves more than just putting a box on a scale. UPS uses a specific pricing model that factors in distance, speed of delivery, and "Dimensional Weight." Use our UPS shipping calculator above to estimate your costs before heading to the drop-off center.
How UPS Calculates Billable Weight
UPS calculates the shipping rate based on the Billable Weight. This is the greater of the package's actual weight or its dimensional weight. Dimensional weight reflects the package density, which is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight.
The formula for domestic dimensional weight is: (Length x Width x Height) / 139.
- Example: If your box weighs 10 lbs but is 15″ x 15″ x 15″, the dimensional weight is (15x15x15)/139 = 24.28 lbs. UPS will charge you for 25 lbs (rounding up), not 10 lbs.
UPS Shipping Zones Explained
UPS divides the United States into "Zones." Zone 2 is typically the closest to your origin, while Zone 8 represents cross-country shipping (e.g., New York to California). The further the zone, the higher the base rate for the same weight.
Service Levels and Delivery Speed
The urgency of your shipment significantly impacts the price. While UPS Ground is the most economical choice for most items, expedited services like UPS Next Day Air can cost 4 to 5 times more than standard ground shipping.
Tips to Reduce Shipping Costs
- Minimize Box Size: Use the smallest box possible to reduce the Dimensional Weight.
- Check for Surcharges: Shipping to residential addresses often incurs an additional fee compared to commercial addresses.
- Consolidate Shipments: Sending one large box is often cheaper than two medium boxes.