> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.kivaro.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Product & Variant Dimensions
> Set accurate product and variant dimensions in Shopify to improve package selection, reduce packaging waste, and avoid overpaying postage.
export const supportEmail = "support@kivaro.io";
## Product & Variant Dimensions
## Before you start (required)
To use this feature, first turn on **Use product or variant dimensions for package determination** in the app settings.
This setting must be enabled before product/variant dimension metafields are used for package determination.
This feature is available for paid plan users only.
### How to turn it on
In the app, go to **Settings** under Packages tab.
Turn on **Use product or variant dimensions for package determination** and save.
### About package dimension metafields
The app reads product and variant dimension metafields (length, width, and height) from Shopify only after this setting is enabled. If the setting is off, those metafield values are not used during package determination.
Accurate dimensions (length, width, and height) help the app make better packaging decisions before you buy labels.
Enter all dimension values in **centimeters (cm)** to ensure accurate package selection and postage calculations.
When dimensions are set correctly, the app can choose a more suitable package, which helps you:
* Reduce packaging waste
* Avoid paying extra postage for oversized or poorly matched parcels
* Lower the chance of manual rework at dispatch time
* Ship unusual or bulky products with more confidence
## Why this matters for your store
This feature is not only for everyday parcels. It is especially useful if you sell:
* Large products
* Long or awkwardly shaped products
* Items that vary a lot by variant size
For these stores, accurate dimensions help prevent underestimating parcel size and selecting packaging that is too small, too large, or unnecessarily expensive.
## How the app uses product and variant dimensions
The app reads dimensions from Shopify metafields and uses them during shipment preparation to improve package matching.
### Priority used by the app
1. **Variant dimensions first** (best when variants have different sizes)
2. **Product dimensions as fallback** (used when variant dimensions are not set)
This means you can set base dimensions at product level, then override specific variants only where needed.
## Where to set dimensions in Shopify Admin
You can set values in two ways:
* Individual editing (single product or single variant)
* Bulk editing (many products at once)
### Option 1: Set product-level dimensions
Use this when all variants share similar physical size.
Go to **Products** and open the product you want to update.
Scroll to the **Metafields** section.
Fill in the dimension fields (length, width, height) in **centimeters (cm)**.
Click **Save** so the app can use these values as the product fallback.
### Option 2: Set variant-level dimensions
Use this when variant sizes differ (for example Small vs XL, or different lengths).
In Shopify Admin, open the product and choose a variant to edit.
Scroll to the variant's **Metafields** section.
Add length, width, and height in **centimeters (cm)** for that specific variant.
Click **Save**. Repeat for other variants that need unique dimensions.
### Option 3: Bulk update product dimensions
Use this when you need to update many products quickly.
Go to **Products**, select multiple items, then choose **Bulk edit**.
Add the relevant dimension metafield columns to the bulk editor view.
Enter dimensions in **centimeters (cm)** across rows for all selected products.
Save your bulk edits so dimensions are available to the app.
## Best practices
* Use **centimeters (cm)** for all dimension values
* Set variant-level values for size-dependent products
* Use product-level values as a baseline fallback
* Review dimensions for top-selling and large/irregular items first
## Merchant impact
After dimensions are set, you can expect better package fit decisions and more predictable postage outcomes.
For many merchants, this means:
* Less void space and filler
* Fewer mismatched packages
* Better cost control on shipping
* A smoother fulfillment workflow for non-standard product shapes
## Need help?
If you want help mapping your catalog to the best setup strategy (product-level vs variant-level), contact us at {supportEmail}.