DIM Divisor Chart
Every major carrier’s dimensional-weight factor in one table — metric divisor, kg/m³ equivalent, imperial divisor and billing rule. Last verified: July 2026.
| Carrier | Service | Metric divisor | kg per m³ | Imperial | Billing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | International | ÷ 5,000 | 200 | ÷ 139 in³/lb | Per piece | Calc → |
| UPS | International | ÷ 5,000 | 200 | ÷ 139 in³/lb | Per piece | Calc → |
| UPS | US domestic | — | — | ÷ 139 in³/lb | Per piece | Calc → |
| FedEx | International | ÷ 5,000 | 200 | ÷ 139 in³/lb | Per piece | Calc → |
| FedEx | US domestic | — | — | ÷ 139 in³/lb | Per piece | Calc → |
| TNT | International Express | ÷ 5,000 | 200 | ÷ 139 in³/lb | Per piece | Calc → |
| TNT | Domestic (Australia) | ÷ 4,000 | 250 | — | Per piece | Calc → |
| Aramex | International | ÷ 5,000 | 200 | ÷ 139 in³/lb | Per piece | |
| USPS | Domestic (parcels > 1 ft³) | — | — | ÷ 166 in³/lb | Per piece |
| Carrier | Service | Metric divisor | kg per m³ | Imperial | Billing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air cargo (IATA standard) | General air freight | ÷ 6,000 | ≈167 | ÷ 366 in³/kg | Per shipment | Calc → |
| Australia Post / eParcel | Domestic cubic weight | ÷ 4,000 | 250 | — | Per piece | Calc → |
| StarTrack | Domestic (AU) | ÷ 4,000 | 250 | — | Per piece | Calc → |
| Toll | Domestic (AU) | ÷ 4,000 | 250 | — | Per piece | Calc → |
| European road groupage | LTL (commonly) | ÷ 3,000 | ≈333 | — | Varies by forwarder | |
| Sea freight LCL | W/M revenue ton | 1 CBM vs 1,000 kg | 1,000 | — | Per shipment | Calc → |
Divisors vary by service level, route and contract — negotiated accounts often carry custom factors. Treat this chart as the standard published rules and confirm against your rate card. Found an outdated value? Tell us.
Every divisor above is preloaded in our free calculators — result as you type.
What is a DIM divisor?+
The DIM (dimensional) divisor converts a package’s volume into a billable weight: L × W × H ÷ divisor = volumetric weight. A lower divisor produces a higher billable weight for the same box — ÷4,000 (Australia) is stricter than ÷5,000 (international express), which is stricter than ÷6,000 (air cargo).
Why do carriers use different divisors?+
The divisor reflects each network’s cost of space. Aircraft belly space is scarcest, so express couriers price volume aggressively (÷5,000). Freight-forwarded air cargo uses the IATA standard ÷6,000. Ground networks in Australia standardized on 250 kg/m³ (÷4,000). Sea freight has abundant space, so 1 CBM is rated against a full tonne.
Is the divisor negotiable?+
Yes — high-volume shippers routinely negotiate custom DIM divisors (e.g. ÷6,000 instead of ÷5,000 on an express contract). If you ship consistently light, bulky goods, the divisor is one of the most valuable lines in your rate negotiation.
How do I convert a divisor to kg per cubic metre?+
Divide 1,000,000 (the cm³ in a cubic metre) by the divisor: ÷5,000 → 200 kg/m³, ÷6,000 → 166.7 kg/m³, ÷4,000 → 250 kg/m³. Both notations describe the same rule.
Which weight am I actually billed — actual or volumetric?+
Always the greater of the two, called the chargeable (billable) weight. Express couriers compare per piece and sum the results; IATA air cargo compares shipment totals — the same boxes can produce different bills under each rule.