How to Figure Out Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight refers to how much space a package takes up in relation to its weight. For example, you'll be charged more for shipping an oversize box of bricks than you would the same size box of feathers. Different shipping companies have different policies concerning dimensional weight: FedEx charges by dimensional weight for packages over 3 cubic feet whose dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight; USPS charges dimensional weight for shipments to Zones 5-8 that exceed 1 cubic foot, and UPS has different requirements for charging by dimensional weight, depending on the service selected (for example, Ground, Worldwide or Import Shipments). However, the basic formula for calculating dimensional weight is the same for all three services and is calculated in inches per pound cubed (in/lb^3).
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Instructions
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1
Measure the length of your package in inches. If it's an irregular package, measure at the longest point.
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2
Measure the width of your package in inches. If it's an irregular package, measure at the widest point.
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3
Measure the height of the package in inches. If it's an irregular package, measure at the highest point.
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4
Multiply Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3 together. This is your cubic size. For example, if the length (Step 1) is 20 inches, the width (Step 2) is 10 inches, and the height (Step 3) is 10 inches, cubic size is 20x10x10=2000 inches cubed.
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Divide Step 4 by 166. This is your package's dimensional weight. For example, 2000/166=12.0481928 inches per pound cubed (in/lb^3).
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your packages as small as possible to avoid being charged by dimensional weight.
Check the mailing service's guidelines before heading out to the mailing center; all services have size restrictions on packages and may refuse to mail your item if it is too large and/or heavy.
