UPS ServicesUPS dimensional weight
Why a big, light box can cost more than you'd expect with UPS, and how to keep it in check.
Updated 1 min read
UPS bills the greater of a package's actual weight or its dimensional weight, for every package regardless of size. Dimensional weight is length × width × height (in inches, each rounded up to the next whole inch) divided by 139.
Example: a 16 × 12 × 12 in box is 2,304 cubic inches. Divided by 139 that's 16.6, so it's billed as 17 lb — even if it only weighs 4 lb.
Keeping dim weight down
- Use the smallest box that safely fits your product.
- Cut down tall boxes along the corners to reduce height.
- Compare with USPS, which only applies dim weight above 1 cubic foot.
Also keep an eye on packaging that bulges: UPS measures the package as it arrives, so an overstuffed box can measure an inch bigger than the preset you used.
Was this helpful?
Your vote steers what we write next.
