Estimate UPS Shipping Cost – Free Calculator
Use this free tool to estimate UPS shipping cost instantly. Enter your package details, origin, and destination to get an accurate price estimate for UPS Ground, 2nd Day Air, and Next Day Air services.
UPS Shipping Cost Calculator
Maximum: 150 lbs
Length
Width
Height
Insurance adds ~1% of declared value (min $2.50)
How to Estimate UPS Shipping Cost
When you need to estimate UPS shipping cost, there are four key factors that determine your final price: package weight, package dimensions, shipping distance (zones), and service level. Understanding these factors helps you make smarter shipping decisions and potentially save money.
Weight and Dimensions: UPS charges based on whichever is greater — your package's actual weight or its dimensional weight. Large, lightweight packages often cost more than you'd expect because UPS needs to account for the space they take up in trucks and planes.
Distance and Service: UPS divides the country into shipping zones. The further your package travels, the higher the zone number and cost. Faster services like Next Day Air cost significantly more than Ground shipping, but may be worth it for time-sensitive deliveries.
UPS Shipping Zones Explained
UPS uses a zone-based pricing system that divides the United States into 8 zones. Zone 2 represents local shipments (typically within 50-150 miles), while Zone 8 covers coast-to-coast deliveries.
| Zone | Distance | Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 2 | Local (0-150 mi) | 1.0x (baseline) |
| Zone 3 | 150-300 mi | 1.1x |
| Zone 4 | 300-600 mi | 1.2x |
| Zone 5 | 600-1000 mi | 1.4x |
| Zone 6 | 1000-1400 mi | 1.5x |
| Zone 7 | 1400-1800 mi | 1.7x |
| Zone 8 | 1800+ mi | 2.0x |
Use this calculator to estimate UPS shipping cost across any zone. Simply enter your origin and destination ZIP codes, and we'll determine the appropriate zone automatically.
Dimensional Weight vs Actual Weight
One of the most important concepts when you estimate UPS shipping cost is understanding billable weight. UPS charges based on whichever is greater: your package's actual weight or its dimensional weight.
Formula: Dimensional Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 139
Example: A 20" × 15" × 12" box weighing 5 lbs has a dimensional weight of 26 lbs (20 × 15 × 12 ÷ 139 = 25.9, rounded up). You'd be charged for 26 lbs, not 5 lbs.
Pro tip: Use the smallest box possible for your items to minimize dimensional weight charges. Don't ship air — it costs you money!
UPS Shipping Methods Compared
UPS offers several service levels, each with different delivery speeds and price points. Choose the right service based on how urgently your package needs to arrive:
UPS Ground
5-7 business days • Most economical option for non-urgent shipments. Ideal for e-commerce and regular deliveries.
UPS 3 Day Select
3 business days • Good balance of speed and cost. Great for moderately urgent shipments.
UPS 2nd Day Air
2 business days • Faster than ground, delivered by end of second business day.
UPS Next Day Air
1 business day • Premium overnight service. Best for urgent, time-critical shipments.
Related Shipping Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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