How to measure a box

How to measure a box

Ensuring you get the right fit.

Accurate measurements save you money on shipping and protect your products in transit. A box that is slightly too small delays your shipping, while a box that is too large increases your dimensional weight fees and risks product damage.

Here is how to measure your items to ensure a secure, cost-effective fit.

1. What the measurements mean.

There are three main measurements required for a cardboard box:

LENGTH (L) - This is the longest side of an object, typically measured horizontally from end to end along its base or opening.

WIDTH (W) - This refers to the distance extending from the front of an object to the back.

HEIGHT OR DEPTH (H) - This refers to the horizontal measurement of an object from top to bottom. It essentially measures how "deep" or thick the object is.

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW:

If you are looking at corrugate boxes online, the measurements will always refer to the inside measurements of the box. This is why it's important to measure the length, width and height internally, not externally.

The external measurements will depend on the thickness of the corrugated board that you select.

2. Measure the length

Firstly, ensure the top, or the open part of the box, is upright. Then, ensure the box is on a secure flat surface.

Take out your measuring tape or ruler and measure the LENGTH, or the longest side, on the inside wall of the box, from left to right. Record this figure.

3. Measure the width

Now measure the WIDTH, or the side of the box, from front to back, again from the inside wall of the box. Record this figure.

4. Measure the depth

Now measure the box from top to bottom to derive the DEPTH, or HEIGHT, of the box. Record this figure.

5. Double check your measurements

The best way to ensure you have the correct measurements is to measure them again.

AND FINALLY:

If you need the external measurements of the box for shipping, you can repeat the above steps, measuring the outside of the box.

Don't have a box yet?

If you don't have a box yet and are trying to buy the right size for a specific item, gather your contents together exactly how you plan to pack them. Measure the total length, width, and height of the pile.

And make sure you have a buffer: We recommend that you add at least 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch to your item's dimensions to ensure it slides into the box easily. If you also plan to use bubble wrap, packing paper, or peanuts, then add 1 to 2 inches to every side to leave room for that protective padding.

Need more help?

At Enviroflute, we help brands scale faster. If you would like to have a bigger conversation about packaging and design, then please don't hesitate to get in touch.

By guiding you through the entire design and production process, we keep your business flexible and help you bypass the supply chain pitfalls that usually stall growth.

Let's talk

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