What is dimensional weight?

Dimensional weight is the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight. For each shipment, you are charged based on the dimensional weight or actual weight of the package—whichever is greater.

Why is dimensional weight important?

Three main reasons:

• Major shipping companies, including FedEx, use dimensional weight to calculate shipping prices; this is called dimensional weight pricing.
• Dimensional weight pricing may result in lower shipping costs for customers who pack more efficiently. 
• Reducing packaging can make shipments more environmentally friendly by helping lower fuel emissions, and can help you avoid overpacking, which wastes material. 

Imagine how often people ship using packaging that’s too big. To stabilize the contents, these oversized boxes must be packed with extra cushioning. These over-packed boxes fill shipping trucks with cubic feet of unneeded corrugated fiberboard, air pillows, and air cushioning. In some cases, people are literally paying to ship air.

Dimensional weight pricing can reward customers who eliminate extra, oversized packaging. By increasing the shipment density, we can often pack more products on our trucks and planes.

Determining Dimensional Weight for Your FedEx Express Package

To determine if dimensional weight applies to your FedEx Express package, follow these steps:

1. Dimensional-weight pricing is applicable on a per-package basis. To calculate the dimensional weight for your intra-Canada and international packages multiply the length by width by height of each package in inches and divide by 139 cubic inches per pound (if multiplied in centimetres divide by 5,000 cubic centimetres per kilogram). If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, FedEx will assess charges based on the dimensional weight.
   
   
2. Round dimensions of one-half inch or greater to the next whole number; round dimensions less than one-half inch down. Round the final calculation to the next whole pound (if multiplying in centimetres, round dimensions that are a fraction of a centimetre to the next whole number and the final calculation to the next whole kilogram). This is the dimensional weight of your package. If this weight exceeds the actual weight, charges will be assessed based on the dimensional weight.
   
   
3. Compare the dimensional weight of your package to the actual weight using the same unit of measurement.
   
   
4. For rating purposes, billable dimensional weight is always converted to pounds.

Determining Dimensional Weight for Your FedEx Ground Package

Dimensional weight is based on volume (the amount of space a package occupies in relation to its actual weight). If the dimensional weight of your FedEx Ground package exceeds the actual weight, you will be charged the dimensional weight. A package weighing 150 lbs. (68 kg) or less and measuring greater than 96 inches (243 cm) in length or 130 inches (330 cm) in combined length and girth will be classified by FedEx Ground as an “Oversize” package. Oversize packages will be rated based on the greater of the package’s actual rounded weight or dimensional weight, subject to a 90-lb. (41 kg) minimum billable weight. In addition, an oversize charge will apply; see the FedEx Ground Rate Guide. All packages must have a combined length and girth of no more than 165 inches (419 cm).

To determine if dimensional weight applies to your FedEx Ground package, follow these steps:

1. Dimensional-weight pricing is applicable on a per-package basis. To calculate the dimensional weight for your intra-Canada and U.S.-bound packages multiply the length by width by height of each package in inches and divide by 139 cubic inches per pound (if multiplied in centimetres divide by 5,000 centimetres per kilogram). If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, charges may be assessed based on the dimensional weight.
   
   
2. Compare the dimensional weight of your package to the actual weight using the same unit of measurement.

How can you right-size your packaging and save?

Here are some tips: 

• Choose packaging to match the size and fragility of your item.
• Explore other options like padded or poly mailers.
• Ensure your packaging is up to par with the FedEx^® Packaging Lab.* The engineers at the Packaging Lab will offer options that can help you:    
  • Improve packaging efficiency, which may mean less waste.
  • Prevent damage to your product.
  • Potentially reduce shipping supplies costs.

Additional information

For additional information on the best way to optimize your packaging, check out our How to pack basics and guides page.