Cargo Dimensional Weight Calculator
Enter width, length and height in cm, pick a divisor and see the parcel's dimensional weight (desi). Add the actual weight to see the chargeable weight.
Enter width, length and height in cm to see the desi.
This tool is for information only. Ask your carrier for exact shipping charges.
What Is Dimensional Weight (Desi) in Shipping and Why Is It Calculated?
A vehicle's (truck, plane) load capacity is limited by its internal volume as well as by kilograms. A very light but very large box can fill a vehicle and leave the carrier at a loss. To prevent this and price fairly, carriers use 'volumetric weight', also called dimensional weight.
Dimensional Weight vs. Physical Weight (Kg)
Physical weight is the kilogram (kg) value the package shows on a scale. Dimensional weight is calculated from the box dimensions. When a carrier accepts a package, it checks both and bills the higher one.
How Does the Dimensional Weight Formula Work?
Dimensional weight follows a standard formula used in domestic and international transport. Multiply the three dimensions (length, width, height) and divide the volume by a fixed divisor set by the transport mode (road or air).
Domestic Cargo Dimensional Weight Divisor (3000)
Standard domestic road transport within Turkey uses a divisor of 3,000. Formula: (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 3,000. Take all measurements in centimetres (cm).
International and Air Cargo Dimensional Weight Divisor (5000 or 6000)
International and air shipments usually use a divisor of 5,000 (6,000 at some carriers) instead of 3,000. The larger divisor gives the same package a lower dimensional weight than road transport, but space in an aircraft hold costs more, so the rate per unit is higher.
Step-by-Step Dimensional Weight Examples
Below are two worked examples with real measurements, one domestic and one international.
Domestic Shipping Example (Divisor 3,000)
Take a parcel measuring 40 cm × 30 cm × 25 cm with an actual weight of 2 kg. Volume = 40 × 30 × 25 = 30,000 cm³. Dimensional weight = 30,000 ÷ 3,000 = 10 desi. The carrier compares the actual weight (2 kg) with the dimensional weight (10) and charges for the higher figure, 10 desi. Cutting the box height to 15 cm brings the dimensional weight down to 6, a significant difference in cost.
International / Air Freight Example (Divisor 5,000)
Sent abroad with DHL, the same parcel gives: dimensional weight = 30,000 ÷ 5,000 = 6 desi. The larger divisor lowers the figure, but air freight rates are far higher than road rates. For small packages, actual weight often decides the price; for large parcels, dimensional weight does.
3 Practical Tips to Reduce Dimensional Weight Costs
1. Choose a box sized to your product
A common mistake is packing the product in the largest or nearest box. Every extra centimetre raises the dimensional weight. The smallest box that fits the product lowers both packaging and shipping costs.
2. Use void fill sparingly
Fragile items need padding, but too much bubble wrap or foam makes the box bigger and heavier than it needs to be. Form-fit foam inserts or crinkled paper fill shaped to the product reduce both volume and empty space.
3. Negotiate the divisor in carrier contracts
High-volume shippers can often negotiate custom rates with carriers. A divisor of 4,000 or 5,000 instead of 3,000 makes a large cost difference on big shipments. If you plan significant annual volume, ask for the divisor as a separate item in contract talks.