How to measure a box and order the right size
Most box ordering mistakes come from one thing: measuring the outside instead of the inside, or listing the dimensions in the wrong order. Two minutes with a tape measure fixes both.
Use the inside dimensions
Box makers quote inside dimensions because that is the space your product actually gets. The board itself takes up a few millimetres on every side, more for double wall, so outside measurements are always a bit bigger.
Always in this order: length, width, depth
- Length is the longer side of the opening.
- Width is the shorter side of the opening.
- Depth (or height) is the distance from the opening to the bottom.
A 12 × 10 × 8 box has a 12 by 10 opening and stands 8 tall. A 12 × 8 × 10 box is a different box, so the order matters.
How much room to leave
For a snug retail carton, a millimetre or two on each side is enough. For a shipping box with no insert, leave a little more so the product goes in easily without rattling. If you use bubble wrap or paper, add room for it on every side. Fragile items do best with an insert rather than extra space.
Measuring a product, not a box?
Measure the product at its widest points in all three directions, including caps, handles and anything that sticks out. Send us those numbers along with how you plan to pack it, and we will size the box for you.
Ready for a price? Send us your box size and quantity and we will reply with options and a production date.
