CargoKit

Dimensional Weight Calculator

Calculate DIM weight from a versioned divisor — not one global UPS number.

Dimension unitDimensions
Weight unitWeight
L (cm)W (cm)H (cm)

DIM / volumetric

480.00kg

Actual

420.00kg

Chargeable

480.00kg

DIM weight governs billing in this scenario. Your cargo weighs 420.00 kg but will be charged as 480.00 kg due to its low density.

Standard industry convention

Rule: International Standard (5,000 cm³/kg)

Effective from: 2000-01-01

Last verified: 2026-08-01 · IATA ULD Regulations / General cargo industry convention

How it was calculated
Total actual weight42 kg × 10420.000 kg
Total volume1 item type(s)2.4000 m³
Dimensional / volumetric weight2400000 cm³ ÷ 5000480.000 kg
Chargeable weightmax(actual, DIM) = max(420.00, 480.00)480.00 kg

Next calculation

Volumetric Weight Calculator

Air freight volumetric weight using the 6,000 divisor (1 CBM ≈ 167 kg).

Chargeable Weight Calculator

The higher of actual and DIM weight — the figure carriers bill.

CBM Calculator

Calculate cubic meters (CBM) from carton dimensions and quantity.

Actual vs DIM Weight

Side-by-side actual and DIM weight, with a clear who-governs result.

Freight Density Calculator

kg/m³ and lb/ft³ with an indicative density class — not official NMFC.

How it works

Enter carton dimensions, actual weight, and select a DIM divisor. The calculator shows DIM weight, actual weight, and chargeable weight (whichever is higher).

Formula

DIM weight = (L × W × H cm³) ÷ divisor. Chargeable = max(actual, DIM)

Worked example

80×60×50 cm × 10 cartons = 2,400,000 cm³ ÷ 5,000 = 480 kg DIM. Actual 420 kg. Chargeable: 480 kg.

Frequently asked questions

What is dimensional weight?

Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a pricing technique used by carriers where the billable weight is calculated from the package volume rather than actual weight. If DIM weight exceeds actual weight, you pay for the DIM weight.

What is the standard DIM divisor?

The most common divisors are 5,000 (metric, international freight), 6,000 (air freight), and 139 (imperial, US parcels). The divisor depends on your carrier and service type.

How do I reduce DIM weight charges?

Use packaging that fits tightly around your product, minimising void space. Consolidate shipments, and compare carriers whose DIM divisors favour your cargo type.