What is Dimensional Weight?
Dimensional weight (also known as volumetric weight) is a value adopted by carriers worldwide for calculating shipping rates. It uses a formula of length multiplied by width and height, divided by shipping factor (LxWxH)/SF, which can vary from carrier to carrier.
See how the Dimensional Weight feature overcomes Shopify shipping limitations
Shipping rates in Shopify are based on weight or a single default package
Get carrier real-time rates from major carriers or calculate own rates at Shopify checkout based on cart's dimensional weight
Shopify shipping rates do not consider product dimensions and volume
Set product dimensions or product volume with Shopify metafields, map them with the Calcurates app and get high-accurate shipping rates based on cart's dimensional weight
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Dimensional Shipping Rates from Major Carriers for Shopify
Connect your own Carrier accounts and apply Dimensional Weight for UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, Canada Post, Australia Post and other major carriers.
When Do You Need Volumetric or Dimensional Weight for Shopify?
By applying Dimensional Weight you may significantly increase the accuracy of shipping rates calculated and displayed at Shopify checkout especially when you sell large items. All you need is the regular weight of a product, product dimensions or volume set in your Shopify catalog with metafields.
How to Use Dimensional Weight for Shopify
Increase the accuracy of Shopify shipping rates
1. Add Product Dimensions to Shopify
Use Shopify metafields to add dimensions length x width x height) or volume to each product in your Shopify catalog and map those product parameters with Calcurates.
2. Choose a Dimensional Weight Algorithm for Shopify
Choose one of three Dimensional Weight algorithms (separate dimensions, volume, or volumetric weight) depending on the product data set in your Shopify catalog.
3. Activate Dim Weight for Shipping Options set with Calcurates
Set the dim factor and enable the Dimensional Weight algorithm for configured Carriers or Table Rates Shipping options in your Calcurates account for Shopify.
4. Get Shipping Rates Based on Dim Weight for Shopify
The app calculates cart's Dim Weight in real-time and compares it with actual cart's weight. The higher value is applied when requesting real-time shipping rates or calculating your own rates. This highly increases accuracy of Shopify shipping rates.
Turn on Dimensional Weight Algorithms for your Shopify Store
Let's check if Calcurates meets your shipping needs!
How Shopify Shipping Rates Accuracy Grows
depending on the data and Calcuartes Shopify app features you use
low accuracy
Actual Weight
(No Features)
(No Features)
Real-time rates from carriers based on the actual weight of an order. Requires product weights.
medium accuracy
Volumetric / Dimensional Weight
Real-time rates based on Dimensional (volumetric) weight. Requires products weights and one of the following parameters: product dimensions (length x width x height), volume, or volumetric weight. Limitation: ignores stacking products into a single package.
high accuracy
Smart Packaging & Packaging Rules
Real-time shipping rates based on the packaging result: weight and dimensions of the packages in an order. Requires a list of available package sizes, product weights, product dimensions (length x width x height). Packaging might be customized with packaging rules.
Dimensional Shipping Calculator for Shopify
Use a dimensional shipping calculator for Shopify checkout. Carriers worldwide use dimensional shipping factors to calculate the shipping cost of every package. Dimensional weight is used when the shipment takes more space in the vehicle than its actual weight.
Compare shipping of packages based only on weight to the dimensional weight shipping and see which one helps you save on shipping cost more.
Use a dimensional weight calculator for Shopify to calculate dimensional weight for the major carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, Canada Post, and DHL.
Compare shipping of packages based only on weight to the dimensional weight shipping and see which one helps you save on shipping cost more.
Use a dimensional weight calculator for Shopify to calculate dimensional weight for the major carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, Canada Post, and DHL.
Volumetric or Dimensional Weight for Shopify — FAQ
Popular questions answered
Set product dimensions or volume using Shopify metafields and map them with the Calcurates app in its Volumetric Weight settings.
Shipping Factor is generally provided by the shipping side and it varies from carrier to carrier. Please get in touch with your carrier to learn more about the Shipping Factor or check shipping factors for major carriers here.
It uses a formula of length multiplied by width and height, divided by shipping factor: (LxWxH)/Shipping Factor. The Calcurates app takes product dimensions or volume from Shopify catalog, while SF is specified for each Shipping Option in your Calcurates account settings.
What is dim weight? Dim 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.
How to Set Up Dimensional Weight with Calcurates app for Shopify
Volumetric or Dimensional Weight is a feature included with Calcurates app for Shopify. Manage the volumetric weight algorithm for Shopify shipping methods through a simple interface with the help of a step-by-step guide.
CHECK USER GUIDE →
Volumetric or Dimensional Weight is a feature included with Calcurates app for Shopify. Manage the volumetric weight algorithm for Shopify shipping methods through a simple interface with the help of a step-by-step guide.
CHECK USER GUIDE →
USER GUIDE
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