UPS dimensional weight calculator
UPS bills a package on the greater of its actual weight and its dimensional weight. In the US, Daily Rates divide by 139 and Retail Rates by 166. Each side is rounded up to a whole inch and the weight up to a whole pound.
- Divisor
- 139 in³/lb for Daily Rates, 166 for Retail Rates (US)
- Each side
- Rounded up to the next whole inch
- Weight
- The greater of actual and dimensional weight, up to the next whole lb
- Per
- Package; contracts can set another divisor
- Not covered
- Large Package and Additional Handling surcharges, fuel, prices
- Source
- UPS 2026 Daily Rates guide, p. 19
The UPS rule, step by step
- Measure the longest side (length), then width and height, on the outside of the package.
- Round each one up to the next whole inch: UPS gives 1.01 to 1.99 inches as 2.
- Multiply them and divide by 139 for Daily Rates, or 166 for Retail Rates.
- Round any fraction of a pound up, and bill the higher of the dimensional weight and the scale weight.
One FAQ answer on the same UPS page still says to round each side to the nearest whole number. The measuring instructions above it and the 2026 Daily Rates guide both round up, so this calculator rounds up. The two only differ when a side is less than half an inch over a whole number.
Daily Rates vs Retail Rates
| Package | Sides rounded up | Daily ÷ 139 | Retail ÷ 166 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 × 12 × 10 in, 9 lb | 16 × 12 × 10 = 1,920 in³ | 13.81 → 14 lb | 11.57 → 12 lb |
| 12.2 × 10.5 × 8.1 in, 3 lb | 13 × 11 × 9 = 1,287 in³ | 9.26 → 10 lb | 7.75 → 8 lb |
| 24 × 18 × 18 in, 20 lb | 24 × 18 × 18 = 7,776 in³ | 55.94 → 56 lb | 46.84 → 47 lb |
| 10 × 8 × 6 in, 6 lb | 10 × 8 × 6 = 480 in³ | 3.45 → 6 lb | 2.89 → 6 lb |
The same carton can bill a few pounds less at Retail Rates because the divisor is larger; the price per pound is a separate table. A dense package (the last row) bills its scale weight under both. Account contracts often set their own divisor: use the one on your agreement if it differs.
Cartons measured in centimetres
Convert first, then round up: 40 × 30 × 25 cm is 15.75 × 11.81 × 9.84 in, billed as 16 × 12 × 10 in = 1,920 in³ ÷ 139 = 13.81 lb, so 14 lb against 4 kg (8.82 lb) on the scale. Rounding the centimetres before converting, or reading them as inches, gives a different answer.
What this does not cover
- Large Package and Additional Handling surcharges, which depend on length, girth and weight, and are charged on top.
- Minimum billable weights for large packages, fuel surcharges and prices.
- UPS services outside the US, which publish their own guides.
Several packages?
The multi-carton calculator applies the UPS rule to every carton line, converts centimetres and kilograms, and compares the shipment under other divisors. FedEx uses the same 139 and the same rounding (FedEx rule); cartons going to an Amazon warehouse are covered in Amazon FBA dimensional weight.
Sources
UPS package dimensions and weight (measuring and rounding); UPS 2026 Daily Rates guide, page 19. Checked 28 October 2026.
Related
Last updated: 28 October 2026. Billable weight only: surcharges, minimum charges and your negotiated rates are not included.