Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for measuring the dimensions of a parcel. The method comprises a series of steps utilizing the apparatus for determining each of the relevant dimensions of the parcel. The steps begin with the placing of a parcel on a flat surface in a field of measurement; the flat surface can be the weighing surface of a scale for calculating the parcel weight. A laser scanner is positioned and then rotated within its position so as to locate the lead and trail edges of the parcel, the left and right sides, and the top and bottom edges. The positioning data is then transmitted to a data processor which calculates the length, width, and height of the parcel. A conveyor belt for transporting the parcel to the measurement field can be utilized. A laser beam is transmitted toward a mirror so that the parcel must pass the mirror while the parcel is on the conveyor belt.