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Dimensional Weight
If your package has a large size-to-weight ratio, you may need to consider your package's dimensional weight when calculating your shipping rates.

Learn about Dimensional Weight
Determining which weight to use in calculating your rate requires that you determine which rule applies. Different rules apply depending on the service selected.

Dimensional weight considers density, which is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight, to determine billable weight. Calculations of dimensional weight are based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) volumetric standards (subject to change without notice).

UPS uses two different dimensional weight calculations for your domestic and international shipments.

Packages that exceed UPS weight and size limits are not accepted for transportation. If found in the UPS system, they are subject to an Additional Handling Service charge.

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How To Measure the Cubic Size of Your Package
Calculate the cubic size of your package by multiplying the height in inches or centimeters (number 1 in the diagram), by the length in inches or centimeters (number 2 in the diagram), by the width in inches or centimeters (number 3 in the diagram). Round each measurement to the nearest whole inch or centimeter. The resulting total is the cubic size of your package.
Measuring Cubic Size



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How To Calculate Dimensional Weight
Calculating Dimensional Weight for Domestic Shipments
If your package weighs less than 33.1 lbs. (15 kgs.), but measures more than 78.8 in. (200 cm.) in length and girth combined, your rate is equal to the rate charged for a 33.1 lb. (15 kg.) package.

Calculating Dimensional Weight for International Shipments
 

  • Determine Actual Weight: Use any standard scale to determine the actual weight of your package.
  • Determine Dimensional Weight: Divide the cubic size by 166 to determine the dimensional weight in pounds. Any fraction of a pound will be calculated at the next highest rate. For the dimensional weight of your package in kilograms, divide the cubic size of your package in centimeters by 6000. Any fraction of a kilogram will be calculated at the next highest rate.
  • Determine Billable Weight: Compare each package´s/shipment´s actual weight to its dimensional weight. The larger of the two weights is the billable weight and should be used to calculate the rate.
Calculating International Dimensional Weight



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