How To Calculate What Box Size Is Needed To Fit Multiple Varied Size Boxes

How to Mensurate a Box: Finding Your Box Size
Box Styles Explained: How Boxes Are Built
- Finding the Right Box Blazon for Your Strength and Build Requirements
Unlike Styles of Corrugated Boxes for Shipping
- Slotted Boxes
- Other Box Styles to Consider
- Mailers
Consider How Packaging Fill Impacts Box Dimensions
How to Option the Right Box Size
Measure Away!

These days, you can ship but about anything in a box.

There'southward a box for nearly any size or shape item.

Need a box for some perishable meat? No problem. A bulky mattress? That tin hands exist delivered – in a box. A fragile 18th-century chandelier? Likewise easy.

Rest assured, if you need to transport it, there's a box for you.

Let's dive right into how to measure a box, so you lot'll know how to selection the right box size and style for your specific needs.

How to Mensurate a Box: Finding Your Box Size

First off, you lot need to get the box size right.

You've probably heard that onetime proverb, "mensurate twice and cut once."

Well, it's relevant to box measurements as well. Before you place a large lodge for custom boxes , you need to brand sure you're ordering the right size. And but middle-balling your measurements isn't going to cut information technology.

If you want a jumping-off point to help gauge standard box sizes, consider the about common size shipping box is 16"x12"x12", a 1.5 cubic pes box.

The disquisitional affair to call back when measuring a box is that in that location are ii measurements – the interior and exterior . A mutual 16″x12″x12″ box? Those are the inside box measurements. Outside, that same box measures xvi 3/8×12 iii/8×12 5/8″.

Every bit you can encounter, often these box dimensions can be close, just you lot need to know which is which to avert plush mistakes. Yous'd detest to be but a ½ inch off and not be able to fit whatsoever of your products in the box.

When you lot meet the box measurements listed in a itemize or a website, they're typically referring to the interior dimensions .

Box sizes are measured by their internal dimensions, and are are listed in the order of length, width, and meridian (L x W 10 H).

If you're measuring for a custom box , you should measure to the closest i/10th of an inch. That's pretty precise, so double-bank check your numbers.

At present allow's talk most the outside measurement of the box, which will determine your shipping costs.

While shipping costs vary widely betwixt services, you can ballpark what you might expect to pay using their specific box size guidelines. FedEx and USPS offer fairly straightforward guides.

Obviously, anything that falls outside of their basic pricing guidelines could exist subject to even higher costs.

Afterwards y'all've packed upward your box and taped information technology shut, mensurate the outside, then you'll know how much volume the box will accept up on the truck. If you lot're shipping in majority, the exterior measurements will also give yous an idea of how many boxes you can fit on a pallet.

Box Styles Explained: How Boxes Are Built

So at present, you should have a good grasp size box sizes you need, but now comes the tricky function.

At that place are virtually hundreds of box styles to choose from. I know, who would have thought there could exist such a variety.

Only consider for a minute all of the different products and items and things and knick-knacks that transport on a daily basis. Recall our earlier examples? Perishable meat, beefy mattress, fragile 18th-century chandelier?

You need a lot of different boxes to ship a lot of different products. And this is the nuts and bolts of packaging.

You lot might take the prettiest looking box. You might offer the all-time possible production. But a mismatch betwixt the two can result in damaged appurtenances or a poor unboxing experience for the consumer.

Nobody wants that.

Permit's take a deep swoop into all of the possible box types and styles to ensure you have that winning combination that volition make both your customers and your brand happy.

Finding the Right Box Blazon for Your Strength and Build Requirements

The bulk of retail boxes that you'll see lining the shelves of whatsoever brick-and-mortar shop – from cereals, milk, cosmetics – come in carton boxes . While these are i of the about well-known and various box types available, they aren't intended for shipping.

For our purposes beneath, we'll be considering aircraft needs likewise. And when discussing shipping boxes , the master box blazon being referenced is the corrugated box .

Nearly oft constructed of three layers – 2 layers of fiberboard (container or linerboard) surrounding a fluted corrugated medium (a wavy piece of fiberboard) that helps give the box its strength and immovability.

Consider the departure between a cereal box (a single canvas of paperboard) versus a basic moving box (the corrugated box). It'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to come across why the latter is favored for shipping and fulfillment .

These corrugated boxes can be used for all fashion of goods – everything from toys and electronics to foods and appliances. Even hazardous materials ship in the corrugated box if afforded the correct exterior thickness and interior packing fabric.

The advantages of corrugated boxes for shipping include:

High durability
Lightweight
Relatively depression aircraft costs
Reusable
Good protection by itself, outstanding when paired with void fill up
Comes in practically whatever shape and size imaginable

Corrugated boxes come in four different builds. They include:

Single Face: A single sheet of fiberboard is glued to a unmarried fluted corrugated medium. Nigh oft, this form is utilized as a heavy-duty packing material and not in the construction of an actual box.
Single Wall: This grade is your basic everyday corrugated box – the 2 layers of fiberboard glued on either side to the fluted corrugated medium. Single wall corrugated boxes are the standard for the vast majority of shipping needs.
Double Wall: With an additional layer of protection – three sheets of fiberboard alternated with 2 fluted corrugated mediums – double wall boxes significantly increment a box's durability and protection. Although it offers increased protection for bulky or heavy items like electronics, it likewise adds to your shipping costs.
Triple Wall: As you lot might accept guessed, a triple wall corrugated box is some heavy-duty stuff. It adds another layer of fiberboard and a corrugated medium to the build. The force is on par with wooden crates. Do y'all need to ship industrial or medical equipment, big appliances, or large panes of glass? This is what you use to practise information technology.

Taking the construction a step further, in that location are 5 different fluted corrugated mediums. The flute variances are based on flutes per square foot and thickness. You tin can combine dissimilar flute styles in custom packaging to adjust the thickness and immovability based on what y'all're shipping.

A-Flute: 33 flutes per square foot and 3/16 inch thickness. Ideal for shipping fragile items.
B-Flute: 47 flutes per foursquare foot and 1/8 inch thickness. Ideal for items such every bit canned goods or for use as interior packing dividers.
C-Flute: 39 flutes per square foot and 5/32 inch thickness. Ideal for basic shipping needs and is the most common flute size.
E-Flute: 90 flutes per square human foot and 1/16 inch thickness. Ideal for smaller delicate items and high-quality press (call back cosmetics packaging or for pocket-sized glass products).
F-Flute: 125 flutes per square foot and one/32 inch thickness. Platonic for small retail packaging items.

Different Styles of Corrugated Boxes for Shipping

So that'south how boxes are built. What about the box sizes and forms they can take?

As nosotros noted earlier, information technology tin can be a taxing matter to count all of the ways you can shape a box.

Depending on where yous await, y'all can choose from between 1,500 and ii,000 unlike options. That's assuming you don't accept any custom packaging needs.

We'll wait while yous quietly utter "wow" to yourself.

In an try to continue the details elementary, allow's focus our attending on the nearly mutual box forms. Trust us, it's still a lot.

At that place are actually six basic box styles – Slotted, Telescope, Rigid, Folders, Self-Erecting, and Interior Forms. Here'southward a breakup of some of the virtually widely used box styles :

Slotted Boxes

Constructed from one single piece of corrugated fiberboard, these boxes are "slotted to let for easy folding and assembly. This style of box is the about popular and widely used.

Regular slotted container (RCS): Regular slotted containers are the near unremarkably used corrugated shipping box . They have 2 sets of flaps, each being half the width of the box, which meet in the middle. You'll demand record to close it.
Half slotted container (HSC): Like to the regular slotted option except that there's only i fix of flaps instead of two.
Overlap slotted container (OSC): This box resembles the regular slotted box, merely the two sets of flaps are of equal length, that provides an overlapping enclosure (roughly well-nigh an inch to an inch and a one-half more than the regular slotted box) instead of ones that meet in the middle. You'll usually run across these boxes fastened with staples instead of record.
Full overlap slotted container (FOL): Like the overlap box, all flaps have an equal length merely measure the entire width of the box. Not only are these boxes more secure, but they stack easier due to a seamless apartment bottom when closed. Both the overlap and full overlap are more expensive to procure.

Slotted boxes also feature centre slotted varieties with inner flaps that meet and other flaps with various degrees of overlap. The snap-lock lesser or 1-two-3 bottom offer a quicker set up-up than a regular slotted container and tin feature a top tuck or regular slotted enclosure.

There's also a bellow manner top that includes a folding height instead of flaps to secure the box'south top portion.

Other Box Styles to Consider

While slotted boxes are the most popular form of shipping box, the other styles we mentioned garner plenty of use. These include:

Telescope Boxes: Telescope boxes include two divide pieces – a top and a bottom – with 1 plumbing fixtures over the other. The main styles include a full telescope design fashion container (FTD) option formed from two slotted pieces that serve as trays that fit inside each other. The box design style container with cover is similar to the above. Simply the summit portion or comprehend of the box does not extend all the way down the bottom portion of the container. Imagine a traditional two-slice shoebox. Other variations include the double encompass container (DC), interlocking double cover container (IC), and the full telescope half slotted container (FTHS).
Rigid Boxes: Rigid boxes, also called bliss boxes, feature two same size end panels and a torso that folds around to create ii side panels and a seamless bottom. Once the joints of the box are sealed, the box is considered rigid.
Folders: Folders are just that, single pieces of corrugated fiberboard that fold to create a seamless bottom with flaps coming together at the acme of the box. 2 variants include the jumpsuit folder (OPF) and 5-console binder (FPF). Another type of folder includes trays that fold and bring together together to create sturdy containers featuring both a embrace or an open top. Other folders feature air cells (flaps that fold over to create boosted protection), wraparounds that fit directly around a product, or a high wall or display tray.
Self-erecting: Self-erecting boxes feature top panels typical of a regular slotted container with a pre-glued machine bottom. At that place'southward as well a self-erecting six corner tray that features a telescope meridian.
Interior Forms: Finally, interior forms are corrugated pieces that serve as interior packing forms. Styles include dividers, liners, pads, partitions, or tubes. Interior forms help further strengthen corrugated boxes and protect and absorber fragile products. Although the added materials can increase costs, custom interior forms can also enhance your packaging presentation and provide customers a wow-worthy unboxing feel.

Phew. Bet you lot didn't know there were so many choices for a lowly box. And the listing could go on and on. Nosotros haven't fifty-fifty touched on packaging design . But this gives you an idea of some of your options.

When deciding on which box size is best for your products, the cost of custom boxes is important , simply also keep in mind how long information technology takes to gather boxes .

You lot may pay more upfront for already assembled boxes, simply it might be worth it if you don't have fourth dimension to devote to folding the boxes together.

Mailers

Before moving on to how to choose the right box size , nosotros would be doing you a disservice if we didn't include a quick note on mailers.

Yep, boxes are the principal vessel for shipping the vast majority of products to your customers. However, mailers are a good alternative if the product – or your packaging presentation – may non warrant a full-blown box.

Call up items that don't crave the protection a box provides (t-shirts) or flat products that would be swallowed upward in a box (smartphone cases, screen protectors, or books).

Solutions such equally bags, Tyvek envelopes, and padded mailers are cracking box alternatives. If you can't package a number of small products together or have singular items that need little protection, a mailer might be the style to go. In some cases, they can testify considerably cheaper to ship also.

Consider How Packaging Fill up Impacts Box Dimensions

Boxes and aircraft are more than just, well, boxes and shipping.

Rarely is an detail but flung in a box and shipped off. What goes inside your box is also important. And we're not talking about the products y'all transport. Non straight anyway.

Void or infill is an integral function of the box-sizing process. Non accounting for how you plan to pad and protect the products y'all ship can lead to ordering improperly sized boxes, utilizing more materials than is necessary, or increased packaging and aircraft costs.

Haphazardly piecing together your packaging may also result in dissatisfied consumers either from a less than desirable unboxing feel or damaged appurtenances. Having packaging that's social media shareworthy is one of your strongest marketing tools, don't chance losing it with damaged products.

Let's explore a scattering of pop options for void fill and how they can impact the box dimensions and style that yous choose.

Packaging Paper: Arguably, the almost widely used void make full material, packaging paper is excellent for filling infinite and general product protection during shipping. The ii principal types of paper include Newsprint and Kraft. Because both are ultimately but a sturdier form of newspaper, neither option will accept a significant impact when bookkeeping for box sizes . You lot tin can as well use recyclable paper options.
Bubble Wrap: A go-to for many brands, bubble wrap is great because, like to packaging newspaper, it'south perfect for filling voids and keeping items safe. It does prove burdensome to store (and DIY options require the purchase of a $4,000 air filling machine). It isn't the most environmentally-friendly selection for packaging . But it won't alter your box measuring requirements.
Corrugated Newspaper: The environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bubble wrap, corrugated newspaper is what'southward left of the corrugated box making process. That excess makes for superior packaging material both as basic void fill up and protection or for a more highly-seasoned battle presentation. Supremely flexible, modest amounts won't have an bear on on your box measurements . Withal, comprise it as a stylish brandish in smaller packaging (it'south fantabulous for creating a "nest" to cradle items), and yous might need to increment your box size.
Inflatables: No, nosotros're not talking balloons here. Instead, inflatables, also called air pillows, offering some of the all-time shipping cushioning available. The downside, though, is that due to their looseness within a box, it tin pb brands into buying ane size fits all boxes. Not great if your aim is to closely friction match your production, boxing and aircraft needs. In addition, while they offering a small storage footprint (they come uninflated), they do require a pricey air filling automobile.
Custom Inserts: Although it might add to your packaging and shipping costs , customized inserts are excellent for protecting and enhancing the unboxing feel. It volition take some extra leg piece of work to get your box measurements and manner just right. Y'all'll need to account for the size of the product, how information technology will fit within the insert, and how the insert will fit inside the box. Information technology tin can exist time-consuming and requires some planning, but it'due south well worth the effort.
Crinkle Newspaper: Yep, information technology'due south basically shredded paper that's crinkled up. Although it'southward a flake messy, this form of custom packing makes for a fancy presentation, offers acceptable protection for pocket-size or moderately fragile items, and volition work within practically any box dimensions you choose. That said, we'll reiterate, it can create a mess, and then it's all-time used in smaller boxes and doses.
Packing Peanuts: Speaking of messes, packing peanuts is a stalwart of the shipping business. They will work for any size box, especially big ones with a lot of void to fill up, but they're not at all good for the surround. We suggest you steer clear of these.
Biodegradable Starch Peanuts: If, all the same, you like the thought of peanuts and packing and filling whatever box size you want with them, nosotros suggest you become green. Biodegradable starch peanuts are essentially the same as regular packing peanuts, only eco-friendly. These are awesome and will exist appreciated by your customers. Because, seriously, who wants to drive to a UPS store to recycle quondam styrofoam peanuts?
Double Boxing: Similar to custom inserts, double battle creates a package within a package effect. In theory, this does aid in protecting items inside the product box. Still, you lot will demand to account for securing the smaller product box within the larger shipping box. Unless information technology's role of a specific presentation, this approach volition increment your costs and double your box measurement and mode considerations.
Instapak: Instapak is an expanding foam that conforms to the shape of the item yous're shipping and the box it's shipped in. Information technology offers practiced protection, especially for heavy or frail equipment, and is usable in most box sizes . But it's not eco-friendly and can exist expensive.
Molded Pulp: Molded pulp, on the other hand, is eco-friendly since its recycled newsprint or cardboard that acts as a superb and attractive buffer for frail products (call back bottled vino). Information technology is a scrap more pricy than basic packaging, and it works best customized to fit your outer shipping box.

When planning out your boxing and void fill options, information technology'due south always a good idea to stick to eco-friendly packaging if you tin can.

Ecommerce, as convenient as information technology is, does generate its share of waste. When planning out your ecommerce packaging box needs, stay cognizant of using only what's necessary to protect your goods and offer the all-time unboxing experience possible.

Additionally, using boxes and other packaging made of mail service-consumer waste may cost y'all a piddling more than money upfront but can raise your reputation by showing that you intendance about the environment.

How to Choice the Right Box Size

Of grade, the number one deciding gene on which box size you need comes down to the products you lot're packaging.

First off, you need a box size that physically fits your items. Know the dimensions of your products. Yes, this involves more measuring (length, width, and tiptop).

Y'all'll as well have to decide the almost efficient fashion to fit your production in a box.

If y'all're shipping something similar a carpet, yous may determine to roll it up and put information technology in a long, narrow box. But there'southward not a one box fits all – even for similar products.

Instance in point, I ordered a carpeting that was thin plenty to exist folded and put in a mailer. Information technology arrived in perfect status – all the fashion from Turkey. Then play around and discover the best box size and mode for your unique products.

You know that you won't exist able to squeeze a football into a flat box. But, also make sure your box isn't too big. Packing a single mug in an extra-big box makes cypher sense. Who wants to pay to send air? The correct box size should provide a snug fit, so your product isn't rattling effectually in there.

When possible, it'due south a good thought to combine products as part of your aircraft strategy .

If you're shipping multiple products at one time, you tin fit them together. Be sure to wrap them individually or use corrugated inserts to protect them from crashing into each other during transit.

Likewise, continue in mind that retail boxes usually aren't strong enough to exist shipped by themselves, as nigh retail packaging uses some variety of carton boxes . so yous'll take to utilize a close-fitting outer box for shipping – the double boxing method.

If the product is brittle, y'all'll take to take some actress steps to secure it. You tin use void fill like air pillows, crinkle newspaper, or biodegradable peanuts to cushion it.

Attempt several drop tests to make certain your products are rubber. Information technology's besides a good idea to practice a trial run with your packaging to see if information technology survives any shipping corruption and arrives safely at its destination.

Many shippers recommend at least two inches of padding around fragile items. Be sure to attach to any requirements your shipper has. You'd hate for your insurance claim to exist denied considering your item was improperly packed.

Measure Abroad!

No matter what size, or odd-shaped item you need to send to a customer, y'all tin can bet at that place'due south a box that will go it there in one piece and in fashion.

Same every bit you would with any other aspect of your business, carefully program out what your boxing and shipping needs will exist before making whatever material purchases.

Remember, information technology'southward non merely a matter of what you ship that determines the box size and style you need.

It'southward likewise vital to figure out how much protection an item volition need, whether you lot're trying to impress with the unboxing experience or simply want to stay within a budget.

So, measure away and find the correct boxes for your unique products.

If you need assist measuring your products to find the right box size, the custom packaging specialists at Refine Packaging tin can help. Request a free consultation to speak with our team of highly-talented graphic artists and engineers, who volition guide you lot through the packaging process step-by-step to accept your packaging to the next level.

Terminal Updated: Apr 6, 2022