What does the desi calculator show?
The tool finds the desi from the parcel dimensions, compares it with the actual weight and gives the value the shipping company will charge, per parcel and in total. It uses a single formula:
Desi = Width × Length × Height (cm) ÷ Divisor. Chargeable weight = the greater of the desi and the actual weight × number of parcels.
In the result you see four values: chargeable weight, desi per parcel, actual weight per parcel and volume in cubic meters. The parcel drawing shows the proportions of the dimensions, the bar chart shows desi against kilograms, and the line chart shows how the chargeable value falls as the height decreases.
The desi calculation guide explains in detail what desi is, how to take measurements and ways to reduce the desi.
Which divisor should I choose?
Choose the divisor stated in your shipping agreement. In Turkey, 3000 is common for domestic shipments and 5000 is most often used for international air freight; the larger the divisor, the smaller the desi of the same parcel.
| Divisor | Desi of a 50 × 40 × 30 cm parcel |
|---|---|
| 3000 | 60.000 ÷ 3000 = 20 |
| 4000 | 60.000 ÷ 4000 = 15 |
| 5000 | 60.000 ÷ 5000 = 12 |
| 6000 | 60.000 ÷ 6000 = 10 |
If you sell abroad, try both divisors: the same product can be charged by desi domestically and by actual weight internationally.
Example: what is the total desi for a shipment of three parcels?
In a multi-parcel shipment each parcel is charged separately; the tool multiplies the per-parcel value by the number of parcels.
You can see what the desi amounts to on a shipping invoice, company by company, with shipping cost calculation.
How should you enter the desi on product cards?
Calculate each product's desi from the dimensions of the parcel it is packed in as sold, and enter it on the product card. The shipping cost shown to the customer in the cart on your own e-commerce site is calculated from this information; a missing desi eats into your profit, an excess desi costs you sales.
- Choose your parcel set with the tool. Try your best-selling products in turn and settle on a few standard parcel sizes.
- Measure variants separately. If different size or quantity options go into different parcels, enter a separate desi for each.
- Don't forget campaign bundles. The parcel for products shipped together is larger than that of a single product.
In Faprika you can define the desi and weight of products and set the shipping cost by desi or at a fixed price. The steps for making shipping free on orders above a certain amount are explained in the shipping settings tutorial.
How do you choose a parcel size with the tool?
Measure your best-selling product in its packed state, look at the height chart and find the point where the desi falls to the actual weight. A parcel lower than that point does not reduce the shipping cost; it only squeezes the product.
- Measure the product in its current parcel, enter it in the tool and note the chargeable value.
- On the chart, look for the height at which the line flattens; this is the limit beyond which the charge is determined by weight.
- Compare the smallest size the product fits into with this limit and ask your parcel supplier for the size closest to it.
- Repeat the same test for your product groups and settle on a few standard parcel sizes.
The tool also guides you with the message below the results: if the desi is clearly above the actual weight, it says the parcel is large for the product; if it is below, it says that shrinking the parcel will not change the price.
Updated: · Calculations are for information only; consult your accountant for official transactions.