FedEx rounds fractional dimensions up
FedEx rounds each fractional measurement up to the next whole inch or centimeter across all regions. A small increase in sealed dimensions can raise DIM weight; use the units required by your service.
Our read
Rounding up sounds like a fraction of an inch, but rounding all three sides adds up. An 11.2 × 8.3 × 4.1 in box is measured as 12 × 9 × 5, so its volume goes from about 381 to 540 cubic inches, 40% more. Pick packaging that stays just under whole inches rather than just over.
Key dates
- Published
- Takes effect
- We checked the official text
Who is affected
- Sellers using their own packaging on services billed by the higher of actual and dimensional weight need to round each fractional dimension up in the service’s required unit. Dimensional weight converts occupied space into a billing weight.
- Apparel parcels in bulging cartons or mailers deserve a fresh measurement. Measure the outside of the packed mailer, not its empty dimensions.
- Packaging already measuring whole units does not gain calculated volume solely from this rounding change. Shipments with other carriers follow those carriers’ rules.
Run the numbers
| Sealed size (in) | Rounded size (in) | Dimensional weight | Billable weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11.2 × 8.3 × 4.1 | 12 × 9 × 5 | 540 ÷ 139 ≈ 3.8849 lb, rounded up to 4 lb | 4 lb |
| 11 × 8 × 4 | 11 × 8 × 4 | 352 ÷ 139 ≈ 2.5324 lb, rounded up to 3 lb | 3 lb |
What to do
- Measure sealed dimensions and actual weight for frequently shipped products, including bulges, then update the warehouse packaging records.
- Confirm whether your service bills in inches or centimeters before comparing packages in the billable weight tool. Do not choose whichever unit gives a lower result.
- Trial a smaller package when a dimension barely exceeds a whole unit. Remeasure it and ask your carrier for the rate only after confirming a lower billable weight.
What the official text says
FedEx will round every fraction of an inch/centimeter up to the next-higher inch/centimeter.
This rounding up will change for all regions.