Carriers bill the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight — volume converted to weight by a DIM divisor. Light, bulky freight gets billed by the space it occupies.
The example
24×18×12 in, 166 divisor, 10 lb actual.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | 5184 / 166 | ~31.2 lb DIM |
| 3 | Billable | → ~31.2 lb |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- DIM weight = (L × W × H) ÷ the DIM divisor (e.g. 166 for inches/lb domestic).
- The billable weight is the greater of actual and DIM — MAX of the two.
- Light, bulky parcels get billed on volume, not their real weight.
- A smaller divisor means a higher DIM weight — check the carrier’s number.
DIM weight prices the space, not the scale. A box of pillows weighs little but fills a lot of trailer, so carriers convert its volume to a “dimensional” weight and bill whichever is larger. The divisor sets the conversion: 166 is common for domestic inches/pounds, but contracts vary, and a lower divisor raises the billable weight. Reducing package size is often the cheapest way to cut freight cost.
Try it: interactive demo
Dimensions (in), divisor, actual weight.
Variations
DIM weight only
Volume ÷ divisor:
Cubic size
Volume:
Freight charge
Billable × rate:
Pitfalls & errors
Greater of two. Bill MAX of actual and DIM weight.
Right divisor. 166 is common domestic; carriers and units vary.
Round per carrier. Some round DIM weight up to the next pound.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate dimensional weight in Excel?
What's the DIM divisor?
Why is my light package billed heavy?
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