GlossaryRates and surcharges
Dimensional weight
A pricing weight calculated from a package's length, width and height, used by carriers when a box is large for its weight.
Dimensional weight, also called DIM weight or volumetric weight, is a weight that carriers calculate from the size of a package rather than from the scale. The formula multiplies length, width and height and divides the result by the carrier's DIM divisor.
Carriers charge for the space a package takes up in a truck or plane. A large, light box can cost far more than its actual weight suggests, because the dimensional weight becomes its billable weight.
Right-sizing boxes, reducing void fill, and measuring packages accurately are the main ways sellers keep dimensional weight charges under control.
Learn more in our Multi-carrier shipping articles.
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