Handbook 44 – 2009 5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices 

Section 5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices 

A. Application 

A.1. General. – This code applies to dimension and volume measuring devices used for determining the dimensions 

and/or volume of objects for the purpose of calculating freight, storage, or postal charges based on the dimensions and/or 

volume occupied by the object. A multiple dimension measuring device: 

(a) is generally used to measure hexahedron-shaped objects; and 

(Added 2008) 

(b) may be used to measure irregularly-shaped objects. 

(Added 2008) 

(Amended 2008) 

A.2. Insofar as they are clearly applicable, the provisions of this code apply also to devices designed to make multiple 

measurements automatically to determine a volume for other applications as defined by General Code paragraph G-A.1. 

Commercial and Law-Enforcement Equipment. 

A.3. In addition to the requirements of this code, multiple dimension measuring devices shall meet the requirements of 

Section 1.10. General Code. 

A.4. This code does not apply to: 

(a) devices designed to indicate automatically (with or without value-computing capabilities) the length of fabric 

passed through the measuring elements (see Section 5.50. for Fabric-Measuring Devices); 

(b) devices designed to indicate automatically the length of cordage, rope, wire, cable, or similar flexible material 

passed through the measuring elements (see Section 5.51. for Wire- and Cordage-Measuring Devices); or 

(c) any linear measure, measure of length, or devices used to measure individual dimensions for the purpose of 

assessing a charge per unit of measurement of the individual dimension (see Section 5.52. for Linear Measures). 

A.5. Type Evaluation. – The National Type Evaluation Program will accept for type evaluation only those devices that 

comply with all requirements of this code. 

S. Specifications 

S.1. Design of Indicating and Recording Elements and of Recorded Representations.

S.1.1. Zero or Ready Indication.

(a) Provision shall be made to indicate or record either a zero or ready condition. 

(b) A zero or ready condition may be indicated by other than a continuous digital zero indication, provided that 

an effective automatic means is provided to inhibit a measuring operation when the device is in an 

out-of-zero or non-ready condition. 

S.1.2. Digital Indications. – Indicated and recorded values shall be presented digitally. 

S.1.3. Negative Values. – Except when in the tare mode, negative values shall not be indicated or recorded. 

S.1.4. Dimensions Indication. – If in normal operation the device indicates or records only volume, a testing mode 

shall be provided to indicate dimensions for all objects measured. 

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5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices Handbook 44 – 2009 

S.1.5. Value of Dimension/Volume Division Units. – The value of a device division “d” expressed in a unit of 

dimension shall be presented in a decimal format with the value of the division expressed as: 

(a) 1, 2, or 5; or 

(b) a decimal multiple or submultiple of 1, 2, or 5; or 

(c) a binary submultiple of a specific inch-pound unit of measure. 

Examples: device divisions may be 0.01, 0.02, 0.05; 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5; 1, 2, or 5; 10, 20, 50, or 100; 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 

0.0625, etc. 

S.1.5.1. For Indirect Sales. – In addition to the values specified in S.1.5. Value of Dimension/Volume Division 

Units, the value of the division may be 0.3 inch and 0.4 inch. 

S.1.5.2. Devices Capable of Measuring Irregularly-Shaped Objects. – For devices capable of measuring 

irregularly shaped objects, the value of the division size (d) shall be the same for the length axis (x) and the 

width axis (y) and may be different for the height axis (z), provided that electronic rotation of the object to 

determine the smallest hexahedron is calculated in only a two-dimension horizontal plane, retaining the stable 

side plane as the bottom of the hexahedron. 

(Added 2008) 

S.1.6. Customer Indications and Recorded Representations. – Multiple dimension measuring devices or systems 

must provide information as specified in Table S.1.6. Required Information to be Provided by Multiple Dimension 

Measuring Systems. As a minimum, all devices or systems must be able to meet either column I or column II in 

Table S.1.6. Required Information to be Provided by Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems. 

(Amended 2004) 

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Handbook 44 – 2009 5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices 

Table S.1.6. Required Information to be Provided by Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems 

Column I1 Column II1 Column III 

Provided by 

device 

Provided by invoice or 

Information other means 

Customer present Customer not 

present 

Provided by 

invoice or other 

means as specified

in contractual 

agreement 

1. Device identification2 D or P P P P or A 

2. Error message (when applicable) D or P P N/A N/A 

3. Hexahedron dimensions3 D or P P P P or A 

4. Hexahedron volume (if used)3 D or P P P P or A 

5. Actual weight (if used)3 D or P P P P or A 

6. Tare (if used)3 D or P N/A N/A N/A 

7. Hexahedron measurement statement4 D or P or M P P P or G 

A = AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST BY CUSTOMER5

D = DISPLAYED 

G = PUBLISHED GUIDELINES OR CONTRACTS 

M = MARKED 

N/A = NOT APPLICABLE 

P = PRINTED or RECORDED IN A MEMORY DEVICE and AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST BY CUSTOMER5

Notes:

1

 As a minimum all devices or systems must be able to meet either column I or column II. 

2

 This is only required in systems where more than one device or measuring element is being used. 

3

 Some devices or systems may not utilize all of these values; however as a minimum either hexahedron dimensions 

or hexahedron volume must be displayed or printed. 

4

 This is an explanation that the dimensions and/or volume shown are those of the smallest hexahedron in which the 

object that was measured may be enclosed rather than those of the object itself. 

5

 The information “available upon request by customer” shall be retained by the party having issued the invoice for at 

least 30 calendar days after the date of invoicing. 

(Amended 2004) 

S.1.7. Minimum Lengths. – Except for entries of tare, the minimum length to be measured by a device is 

12 divisions. The manufacturer may specify a longer minimum length. 

S.1.8. Indications Below Minimum and Above Maximum. – When objects are smaller than the minimum 

dimensions identified in paragraph S.1.7. Minimum Lengths or larger than any of the maximum dimensions plus 9 d, 

and/or maximum volume marked on the device plus 9 d, or when a combination of dimensions for the object being 

measured exceeds the measurement capability of the device, the indicating or recording element shall either: 

(a) not indicate or record any usable values, or 

(b) identify the indicated or recorded representation with an error indication. 

(Amended 2004) 

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5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices Handbook 44 – 2009 

S.1.9. Operating Temperature. – An indicating or recording element shall not indicate nor record any usable 

values until the operating temperature necessary for accurate measuring and a stable zero reference or ready 

condition has been attained. 

S.1.10. Adjustable Components. – Adjustable components shall be held securely in adjustment and, except for a 

zeroing mechanism (when applicable), shall be located within the housing of the element. 

S.1.11. Provision for Sealing.

(a) A device shall be designed with provision(s) for applying a security seal that must be broken, or for using 

other approved means of providing security (e.g., data change audit trail available at the time of inspection), 

before any change that detrimentally affects the metrological integrity of the device can be made to any 

measuring element. 

(b) Audit trails shall use the format set forth in Table S.1.11. Categories of Devices and Methods of Sealing for 

Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems. 

Table S.1.11. Categories of Devices and Methods of Sealing 

for Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems

Categories of Devices Methods of Sealing

Category 1: No remote configuration. Seal by physical seal or two event counters: one for 

calibration parameters and one for configuration parameters. 

Category 2: Remote configuration capability, but 

access is controlled by physical hardware. 

Device shall clearly indicate that it is in the remote 

configuration mode and record such message if 

capable of printing in this mode. 

The hardware enabling access for remote communication 

must be at the device and sealed using a physical seal or two 

event counters: one for calibration parameters and one for 

configuration parameters. 

Category 3: Remote configuration capability access 

may be unlimited or controlled through a software 

switch (e.g., password). 

An event logger is required in the device; it must include an 

event counter (000 to 999), the parameter ID, the date and 

time of the change, and the new value of the parameter. A 

printed copy of the information must be available through 

the device or through another on-site device. The event 

logger shall have a capacity to retain records equal to 

10 times the number of sealable parameters in the device, 

but not more than 1000 records are required. (Note: Does 

not require 1000 changes to be stored for each parameter.) 

S.2. Design of Zero and Tare.

S.2.1. Zero or Ready Adjustment. – A device shall be equipped with means by which the zero reference or ready 

condition can be adjusted, or the zero reference or ready condition shall be automatically maintained. The zero 

reference or ready control circuits shall be interlocked so that their use is prohibited during measurement operations. 

S.2.2. Tare. – The tare function shall operate only in a backward direction (that is, in a direction of underregistration) with respect to the zero reference or ready condition of the device. The value of the tare division or 

increment shall be equal to the division of its respective axis on the device. There shall be a clear indication that tare 

has been taken. 

S.3. Systems with Two or More Measuring Elements. – A multiple dimension measuring system with a single 

indicating or recording element, or a combination indicating-recording element, that is coupled to two or more measuring 

elements with independent measuring systems, shall be provided with means to prohibit the activation of any measuring 

element (or elements) not in use, and shall be provided with automatic means to indicate clearly and definitely which 

measuring element is in use. 

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Handbook 44 – 2009 5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices 

Note: This requirement does not apply to individual devices that use multiple emitters/sensors within a device in combination to 

measure objects in the same measurement field. 

(Amended 2004) 

S.4. Marking Requirements. (See also G-S.1. Identification, G-S.4. Interchange or Reversal of Parts, G-S.5.2.5. 

Permanence, G-S.6. Marking Operational Controls, Indications, and Features, G-S.7. Lettering, G-UR.2.1.1. Visibility of 

Identification, and G-UR.3.1. Method of Operation.) 

S.4.1. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices, Main Elements, and Components of Measuring Devices. – 

Multiple dimension measuring devices, main elements of multiple dimension measuring devices when not contained 

in a single enclosure for the entire dimension/volume measuring device, and other components shall be marked as 

specified in Table S.4.1.a. and explained in the accompanying notes, Table S.4.1.b. Multiple Dimension Measuring 

Systems Notes for Table S.4.1.a. 

Table S.4.1.a. Marking Requirements 

for Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems

Multiple Dimension Measuring Equipment 

To Be Marked With ∴

Multiple 

dimension 

measuring device 

and indicating 

element in same 

housing 

Indicating element 

not permanently 

attached to 

multiple 

dimension 

measuring element

Multiple 

dimension 

measuring element 

not permanently 

attached to the 

indicating element

Other 

equipment

(1) 

Manufacturer’s ID x X x x 

Model Designation x X x x 

Serial Number and Prefix x X x x (2) 

Certificate of Conformance Number (8) x X x x (8) 

Minimum and Maximum Dimensions 

for Each Axis (3) x X x 

Value of Measuring Division, d 

(for each axis and range) x X x 

Temperature Limits (4) x X x 

Minimum & Maximum speed (5) x X x 

Special Application (6) x X x 

Limitation of Use (7) x X x 

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5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices Handbook 44 – 2009 

Table S.4.1.b. Multiple Dimension Measuring Systems 

Notes for Table S.4.1.a.

1. Necessary to the dimension and/or volume measuring system, but having no effect on the measuring value, 

e.g., auxiliary remote display, keyboard, etc. 

2. Modules without “intelligence” on a modular system (e.g., printer, keyboard module, etc.) are not required to have 

serial numbers. 

3. The minimum and maximum dimensions (using upper or lower case type) shall be marked. For example: 

 Length: min _______ max _______ 

 Width: min _______ max _______ 

 Height: min _______ max _______ 

4. Required if the range is other than -10 °C to 40 °C (14 °F to 104 °F). 

5. Multiple dimension measuring devices, which require that the object or device be moved relative to one another, shall 

be marked with the minimum and maximum speeds at which the device is capable of making measurements that are 

within the applicable tolerances. 

6. A device designed for a special application rather than general use shall be conspicuously marked with suitable words 

visible to the operator and the customer restricting its use to that application. 

7. Materials, shapes, structures, combination of object dimensions, speed, spacing, minimum protrusion size, or object 

orientations that are inappropriate for the device or those that are appropriate. 

8. Required only if a Certificate of Conformance has been issued for the equipment. 

(Amended 2004 and 2008) 

S.4.2. Location of Marking Information. – The required marking information shall be so located that it is readily 

observable without the necessity of the disassembly of a part requiring the use of any means separate from the device. 

N. Notes 

N.1. Test Procedures.

N.1.1. General. – The device shall be tested using test standards and objects of known and stable dimensions. 

N.1.2. Position Test. – Measurements are made using different positions of the test object and consistent with the 

manufacturer’s specified use for the device. 

N.1.2.1. Irregularly-Shaped Test Object Placement. – Irregularly-shaped test objects must be measured while 

placed on a stable side. The rotation of the object to determine the smallest hexahedron should be calculated in a 

two-dimensional plane, retaining the stable side plane as the bottom of the hexahedron. 

(Added 2008) 

N.1.3. Disturbance Tests, Field Evaluation. – A disturbance test shall be conducted at a given installation when the 

presence of disturbances specified in T.6. has been verified and characterized if those conditions are considered 

“usual and customary.” 

N.1.4. Test Object Size. – Test objects may vary in size from the smallest dimension to the largest dimension 

marked on the device, and for field verification examinations, shall be an integer multiple of “d.” 

N.1.4.1. Test Objects. – Verification of devices may be conducted using appropriate test objects of various 

sizes and of stable dimensions. Test object dimensions must be known to an expanded uncertainty (coverage 

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Handbook 44 – 2009 5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices 

factor k = 2) of not more than one-third of the applicable device tolerance. The dimensions shall also be checked 

to the same uncertainty when used at the extreme values of the influence factors. 

The dimension of all test objects shall be verified using a reference standard that is traceable to NIST (or 

equivalent national laboratory) and meet the tolerances expressed in NIST Handbook 44 Fundamental 

Considerations, paragraph 3.2. (i.e., one-third of the smallest tolerance applied to the device). 

(Added 2004) 

N.1.4.2. Irregularly-Shaped Test Objects. – For irregularly-shaped test objects, at least one angle shall be 

obtuse and the smallest dimension for an axis shall be equal to or greater than the minimum dimension for that 

axis. 

(Added 2008) 

N.1.4.3. Test Objects with Protrusions. – If the device is marked with a minimum protrusion dimension to be 

measured, a test object with protrusion shall be used to verify the marked limitation during type evaluation. 

(Added 2008) 

N.1.5. Digital Zero Stability. – A zero indication change test shall be conducted on all devices which show a digital 

zero. After the removal of any test object, the zero indication shall not change. (Also see G-UR.4.2. Abnormal 

Performance.) 

T. Tolerances 

T.1. Design. – The tolerance for a multiple dimension measuring device is a performance requirement independent of the 

design principle used. 

T.2. Tolerance Application.

T.2.1. Type Evaluation. – For type evaluations, the tolerance values apply to tests within the influence factor limits 

of temperature and power supply voltage specified in T.5.1. Temperature and T.5.2. Power Supply Voltage. 

T.2.2. Subsequent Verification. – For subsequent verifications, the tolerance values apply regardless of the 

influence factors in effect at the time of the verification. (Also see G-N.2. Testing with Nonassociated Equipment.) 

T.2.3. Multi-interval (Variable Division-Value) Devices. – For multi-interval devices, the tolerance values are 

based on the value of the device division of the range in use. 

T.3. Tolerance Values. – The maintenance and acceptance tolerance values shall be ± 1 division. 

(Amended 2004) 

T.4. Position Tests. – For a test standard measured several times in different positions by the device all indications shall 

be within applicable tolerances. 

T.5. Influence Factors. – The following factors are applicable to tests conducted under controlled conditions only. 

T.5.1. Temperature. – Devices shall satisfy the tolerance requirements under the following temperature conditions. 

T.5.1.1. Temperature Limits. – If not marked on the device, the temperature limits shall be -10 °C to 40 °C 

(14 °F to 104 °F). 

T.5.1.2. Minimum Temperature Range. – If temperature limits are specified for the device, the range shall be 

at least 30 °C or 54 °F. 

T.5.1.3. Temperature Effect on Zero Indication. – The zero indication shall not vary by more than one 

division per 5 °C (9 °F) change in temperature. 

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5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices Handbook 44 – 2009 

T.5.2. Power Supply Voltage. 

T.5.2.1. Alternating Current Power Supply. – Devices that operate using alternating current must perform 

within the conditions defined in paragraphs T.3. through T.6., inclusive, from –15 % to +10 % of the marked 

nominal line voltage(s) at 60 Hz, or the voltage range marked by the manufacturer, at 60 Hz. 

(Added 2004) 

T.5.2.2. Direct Current Power Supply. – Devices that operate using direct current shall operate and perform 

within the applicable tolerance at any voltage level at which the device is capable of displaying metrological 

registrations. 

(Added 2004) 

(Amended 2004) 

T.6. Disturbances, Field Evaluation. – The following requirements apply to devices when subjected to disturbances 

which may normally exist in the surrounding environment. These disturbances include radio frequency interference 

(RFI), electromagnetic interference (EMI), acoustic changes, ambient light emissions, etc. The difference between the 

measurement indication with the disturbance and the measurement indication without the disturbance shall not exceed one 

division “d” or the equipment shall: 

(a) blank the indication, or 

(b) provide an error message, or 

(c) the indication shall be so completely unstable that it could not be interpreted, or transmitted into memory or to a 

recording element, as a correct measurement value. 

UR. User Requirements 

UR.1. Selection Requirements. – Equipment shall be suitable for the service in which it is used with respect to elements 

of its design, including but not limited to, its maximum capacity, value of the division, minimum capacity, and computing 

capability. 

UR.1.1. Value of the Indicated and Recorded Division. – The value of the division recorded shall be the same as 

the division value indicated. 

UR.2. Installation Requirements.

UR.2.1. Supports. – A device that is portable and is being used on a counter, table, or the floor shall be so 

positioned that it is firmly and securely supported. 

UR.2.2. Foundation, Supports, and Clearance. – The foundations and support of a device installed in a fixed 

location shall be such as to provide strength, rigidity, and permanence of all components, and clearance shall be 

provided around all live parts to the extent that no contacts may result when the measuring element is empty, nor 

throughout the performance range of the device such that the operation or performance of the device is adversely 

affected. 

UR.2.3. Protection From Environmental Factors. – The indicating and measuring elements of a device shall be 

adequately protected from environmental factors such as wind, weather, and RFI that may adversely affect the 

operation or performance of the device. 

UR.3. Use Requirements.

UR.3.1. Minimum and Maximum Measuring Ranges. – A device shall not be used to measure objects smaller 

than the minimum or larger than the maximum dimensions marked on the device. 

UR.3.2. Special Designs. – A multiple dimension measuring device designed and marked for a special application 

shall not be used for other than its intended purpose. 

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UR.3.3. Object Placement. – If the object being measured must be transported (e.g., shipped) on a stable side, that 

irregularly-shaped object must be measured while placed on that stable side. The electronic rotation of the object to 

determine the smallest hexahedron shall be calculated in a two-dimensional horizontal plane, retaining the stable side 

plane as the bottom of the hexahedron. 

(Added 2008) 

UR.4. Maintenance Requirements. 

UR.4.1. Zero or Ready Condition. – The zero-setting adjustment of a multiple dimension measuring device shall 

be maintained so that, with no object in or on the measuring element, the device shall indicate or record a zero or 

ready condition. 

UR.4.2. Level Condition. – If a multiple dimension measuring device is equipped with a level-condition indicator, 

the device shall be maintained in a level condition. 

UR.4.3. Device Modification. – The measuring capabilities of a device shall not be changed from the 

manufacturer’s design unless the modification has been approved by the manufacturer and the weights and measures 

authority having jurisdiction over the device. 

UR.5. Customer Information Provided. – The user of a multiple dimension measuring device or system shall provide 

transaction information to the customer as specified in Table UR.5. Customer Information Provided. 

(Added 2004) 
5.58. Multiple Dimension Measuring Devices Handbook 44 – 2009 

Table UR.5. Customer Information Provided 

No Contractual Agreement Information 

Customer Present Customer not Present 

Contractual 

Agreement 

1. Object identification N/A P P or A 

2. Billing method (scale or dimensional weight if 

used) 

D or P P P or A 

3. Billing rate or rate chart D or P or A P or G or A P or A 

4. Dimensional weight (if used) P P P or A 

5. Conversion factor (if dimensional weight is used) D or P or A P P or G 

6. Dimensional weight statement1 (if dimensional 

weight is used) 

D or P P P or G 

7. Total price P P P or A 

A = Available upon Request by Customer2

D = Displayed 

G = Published Guidelines or Contracts 

M = Marked 

N/A = Not Applicable 

P = Printed 

Notes: 

1

 This is an explanation that the dimensional weight is not a true weight but is a calculated value obtained by applying a 

conversion factor to the hexahedron dimensions or volume of the object. 

2

 The information “available upon request by customer” shall be retained by the party having issued the invoice for at 

least 30 calendar days after the date of invoicing. 

(Added 2004) 

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