A single inch can decide a football game. 

A single ounce can make the perfect cake.
 
And measuring every inch and ounce precisely can help ensure you get the optimal price for your parcel deliveries with USPS(R). 

So, before you ship, follow these tips on "How to Measure Your Package." 

Measuring a package is all about the dimensions and weight.  

Dimension consists of length, width and height.  

Length is the longest dimension. 

Width is the horizontal measure side-to-side; perpendicular to the length.
 
And height is the vertical dimension, measured top-to-bottom. 

For rectangular parcels, record the exterior dimensions for length, width, and height in inches -- using sewing or measuring tape.

Multiply each of these dimensions together to find the volume of your package in cubic inches.

For non-rectangular parcels, apply the same formula of length times width times height. 

And then multiply this result by 0.785 to determine your volume. 

For tubes, use the diameter of the circular base as your width and height, and the longest side for length.

Weight, measured in pounds and ounces, requires a scale. 

We offer them in our Post Office locations(TM), including at our self-service kiosks. 

Dimensional weight, or dim weight, is a pricing concept that considers both the weight of a parcel and its size.

Because it might cost more to ship a large box of feathers than a small box of rocks, dim weight is compared against the actual weight of a parcel, and the greater value is used for shipping cost adjustments.

Anything larger than one cubic foot -- or 1,728 cubic inches -- will require a dim weight calculation.

To find dimensional weight, or dim weight, measured in pounds, take your volume (length times width times height) and divide by 166. 

With your measurements, use the postage price calculator on the USPS.com(TM) website to estimate the cost of your shipment.

Now that you know how to measure your package, we hope these tips will take your shipping skills to new dimensions. 

Thanks for watching!