Avoid unexpected dimensional weight surcharges. Supports both Metric (cm/kg) and Imperial (in/lbs) units with customizable dimensional divisors (5000, 6000, 139, 166) and side-by-side courier rate comparison highlighting the cheapest option.
Shipping Cost Calculator
Calculate volumetric weight, chargeable billable weight, and compare up to 3 courier quotes.
Marketplace note: Estimate only. Verify rates in your own Courier Rate Schedules (DHL, FedEx, UPS, TCS, Leopards) account. Fee schedules and tax regulations are updated periodically by each platform.
Unit Standard:
Divisor Presets:
cm
cm
cm
kg
Editable courier divisor
Billable Chargeable WeightVolumetric Applied
2.63 kg
Max of actual (2.5 kg) vs dim (2.63 kg)
Calculated Dimensional WeightFormula Dim Weight
2.63 kg
(L × W × H) / 5000
Cheapest Carrier OptionBest Rate
Standard Courier: $14.19
Lowest rate across evaluated quotes
Compare Up to 3 Carrier Rates
Total = Base Fee + (Chargeable Weight × Rate/kg)
Cheapest
$
$
Estimated Total:$14.19
$
$
Estimated Total:$15.60
$
$
Estimated Total:$15.35
Dimensional Weight & Courier Rate Formulas
1. Volumetric (Dimensional) Weight
Dim Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / Divisor
Calculates the space-equivalent weight. Standard metric divisor is 5000 (express) or 6000 (domestic); standard imperial divisor is 139 (US domestic) or 166 (retail).
Couriers bill based on whichever value is larger between scale weight and cubic dimensions.
3. Carrier Total Quote
Carrier Cost = Base Flat Fee + (Chargeable Weight × Rate per Unit Weight)
Total invoice charge for courier freight delivery.
Worked Example: Bulky Pillow Shipment (Metric)
You ship a lightweight orthopaedic pillow in a 45 × 30 × 20 cm box. Actual scale weight is 3.0 kg. The courier uses an international express divisor of 5,000.
Input Values
Parcel Dimensions:
45 × 30 × 20 cm
Scale Weight:
3.0 kg
Dimensional Divisor:
5,000
Calculated Output
Volumetric Dimensional Weight:
5.40 kg
Billable Chargeable Weight:
5.40 kg
Dimensional Surcharge Status:
Volumetric weight applied (dim > actual)
Cheapest Carrier Quote:
Economy Postal: $24.12
Breakdown: Cubic volume is 45 × 30 × 20 = 27,000 cm³. Dividing by 5,000 yields a dimensional weight of 5.40 kg. Because 5.40 kg exceeds the scale weight of 3.0 kg, the carrier bills for 5.40 kg. Across evaluated quotes, Economy Postal is cheapest at $24.12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dimensional (volumetric) weight?
Dimensional weight reflects the amount of space a package occupies rather than its actual scale weight. Couriers charge based on the greater of actual weight versus dimensional weight.
How is dimensional weight calculated?
Dimensional Weight = (Length × Width × Height) / Divisor. In the metric system, standard divisors are 5,000 (international express) or 6,000 (domestic ground). In the imperial system (inches/lbs), 139 is standard for US domestic and 166 for retail.
Can I mix metric and imperial units?
No. To maintain accurate mathematical modeling, dimensions and weight must use the same unit standard: either cm and kg for Metric, or inches and lbs for Imperial.
How does the carrier rate comparison work?
You can enter up to 3 carrier quotes (with base flat fees and per-weight rates). The calculator evaluates total cost against the chargeable weight and automatically highlights the cheapest option.