> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.jetpack3pl.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # About Dimensional Weight > Learn how carriers calculate dimensional weight (DIM weight) for shipments and how it affects your fulfillment costs.

Dimensional weight is a pricing technique used by carriers to account for both the weight and size of a shipment. Understanding how DIM weight works helps you accurately estimate shipping costs and optimize your packaging strategy. This guide explains the formula, key components, regional variations, and step-by-step calculations.

## What is Dimensional Weight? Dimensional weight (DIM) is a pricing method used for commercial freight transfer, including courier and postal services, that considers both a shipment's actual weight and the space it occupies during transit. Carriers use DIM weight to ensure that charges reflect the amount of room a package takes up, which is especially useful for lightweight but bulky items. Jetpack calculates the order's DIM weight (with the exception of US domestic shipments under 1 lb) and compares it to the actual weight. The larger of the two weights is used to determine the fulfillment cost. *** ## Key Components of Dimensional Weight Understanding these four components is essential for calculating DIM weight accurately: | Component | Description | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Dimensions** | The length, width, and height of the packaging, as shown in the Jetpack dashboard under the Shipment Breakdown | | **DIM Divisor** | A value (cubic inches per pound) that varies based on the shipment type and fulfillment center location | | **Rounding** | When calculating DIM weight, carriers require rounding up to the nearest whole number | | **Units of Measure** | The Jetpack dashboard uses inches and pounds. When estimating actual weight, include the weight of dunnage and packaging materials, not just the product | *** ## DIM Divisor by Region and Shipment Type The DIM divisor varies based on where your shipment originates and its destination. Use this table to identify the correct divisor for your shipments: | Region | Shipment Type | DIM Divisor | When DIM Weight Applies | | ------------------ | -------------------------- | ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **United States** | US Domestic | 166 |

Orders weighing **1 lb (0.45 kg) or heavier**
Orders under 1 lb use actual weight only
Fulfillment cost determined by larger weight between actual and DIM weight

**All shipments** from US to any international destination
DIM weight calculated regardless of actual weight
Fulfillment cost determined by larger weight between actual and DIM weight

**Every shipment** originating in Australia
No weight, dimension, or destination exceptions
Fulfillment cost determined by larger weight between actual and DIM weight

**Every shipment** originating in Canada, the EU, or the UK
No weight, dimension, or destination exceptions
Fulfillment cost determined by larger weight between actual and DIM weight

| *** ## Steps for Calculating DIM Weight Follow these steps to calculate dimensional weight for your shipments: Check the DIM Divisor by Region table above to determine if your shipment is subject to DIM weight pricing and note the appropriate DIM divisor. **Exception:** US domestic shipments under 1 lb (0.45 kg) are always billed based on their actual weight. If the shipment type is not subject to DIM weight, use your pricing plan based on the actual weight. Locate the shipment's length, width, and height from the Shipment Breakdown in the Jetpack dashboard. Shipment Breakdown showing package dimensions in Jetpack dashboard

Shipment Breakdown showing package dimensions in Jetpack dashboard

Multiply the dimensions to find the cubic size: **Formula:** Cubic Size = Length × Width × Height **Example:** For a shipment measuring 17" × 13" × 7": 17 × 13 × 7 = **1,547 cubic inches** Divide the cubic size by the DIM divisor for your region: **Formula:** DIM Weight = Cubic Size ÷ DIM Divisor **Example:** With a cubic size of 1,547 cubic inches and a DIM divisor of 166 (for US domestic shipments): 1,547 ÷ 166 = **approximately 10 pounds** or **160 ounces** If your pricing plan uses ounces by default and you prefer pounds, adjust the units accordingly in your dashboard. Fulfillment Cost Estimate showing Units of Measure dropdown with Ounces and Pounds options

Fulfillment Cost Estimate showing Units of Measure dropdown with Ounces and Pounds options

If needed, multiply the DIM weight (in pounds) by 16 to convert it to ounces. **Example:** 10 pounds × 16 = **160 ounces** *** ## Understanding the Formula The dimensional weight formula ensures carriers charge appropriately for both weight and space: **DIM Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ DIM Divisor** Dimensional weight formula showing Length x Width x Height (in inches) divided by DIM Divisor equals DIM weight in pounds

Dimensional weight formula showing Length x Width x Height (in inches) divided by DIM Divisor equals DIM weight in pounds

**Real-World Example:** A package measuring 17" × 13" × 7" shipping domestically within the US: 1. **Cubic Size:** 17 × 13 × 7 = 1,547 cubic inches 2. **DIM Divisor:** 166 (US domestic) 3. **DIM Weight:** 1,547 ÷ 166 = 9.3 pounds → **rounds up to 10 pounds** 4. **Actual Weight:** 3 pounds 5. **Billable Weight:** 10 pounds (DIM weight is higher, so it's used for billing) In this example, even though the package only weighs 3 pounds, you'll be charged for 10 pounds because the package takes up significant space during transit. *** ## Let's Dive Deeper Understand carrier restrictions and packaging guidelines Learn how to package items safely while managing size Explore packaging options that affect dimensional weight Manage order fulfillment timing and priorities Review how dimensional weight affects your fulfillment costs Back to the main tools guide

Questions? Contact Jetpack Care.

If you have questions about your dimensional weight calculation, please use Slack or contact Jetpack Care for further support. Our team is always here to assist via Slack, phone, or email!