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How to Measure Box Dimensions For Shipping

Last Updated on November 22, 2024 by Steve Harsh

Are you a business owner in the packaging world? If yes, you may want to ensure your boxes are the perfect size before sending them to your clients. This would also work if you were someone looking to make a box your customers are interested in receiving. The point is that you must ensure your boxes are the size you need to offer.

Shipping requirements significantly impact how your boxes are delivered and the cost you spend on them. If your boxes are heavier, you may have to pay more for shipping. The same goes when you want to send a high-end box with precision that makes it stylish.

This guide will provide you with all the measuring methods and box styles you need to know to improve your customer experience. Let’s start it!

Why Is Proper Measuring of Box Important?

Before we dive deep into how to measure your boxes before you send them off to your customers, you need to know its importance. Being sure that you measure them right helps you against multiple issues, like:

• You need to know the measurements of your boxes to determine the shipping costs
• Space efficiency can help improve the transit of boxes, which you need to keep in mind.
• You need to meet customs and import/export regulations, and that is where you need to keep the measurement in mind.
• Also, you have to follow them for the safety of the goods that you are shipping
• Measuring your boxes also helps in efficient inventory management
• The use of right-sized boxes also helps with better customer satisfaction
• You also have to be compliant with trade agreements that are required for shipment

When To Use Packaging Fill?

You can try packaging fill when you are looking to transport fragile products. Packaging fill is a type of material that you can add to a package to ensure it does not get damaged. It fills the space between a product packed and the box’s walls.

This way, you can get better protection by covering up the space and avoiding bumps during transit and transportation. So, here is when to use them:

• If your box has empty spaces to bump around
• It would work well for irregularly shaped items.
• Also, it can help when you want to stack multiple items on each other.
• If your products have delicate surfaces, you can use the fill.
• Using them for electronics prone to issues with vibration and shocks can be helpful.
• Always make sure to use them when the products inside are high-value.

How To Measure Box Dimensions For Shipping?

When it comes to measuring your equipment, you need to ensure you get it with the most appropriate tools.

Choose Your Tools Right

You can do this with the help of the following tools:

• You need to carry a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your box.
• It should be long enough to provide you with the complete measurement.
• Be sure that you have a straight ruler to ensure you get straight lines and to measure smaller dimensions.
• Find a flat place to place the box. You can try using any flat surface.

Measure The Length

When it comes to the procedure of measuring the length, you should follow these steps:

• Start by finding out the longest side of your box, which you can call the length of the box.
• You can place the tape measure or a ruler on one side of the box corner. You can align it with the edge of the box.
• Then, extend the tape measure or ruler to the opposite corner. Make sure to follow the contour of the box for the right measurement.
• Next, you need to measure where it aligns with the opposite corner.
• You can record the measurement in any unit.
• Repeating the measurement will be a good practice to ensure you make things more accurate.
• Once you have the measurement, you know the longest side of the box.
• Also, record by rounding up the nearest whole inch or centimeter.
• Ensure you include handles, flaps, or any other protruding elements.

Measure The Width

The next step will be to measure the width of your box:

• Find out the width of your box; the side will be shorter.
• Next, you should place the tape measure on the corner of your box at the edge.
• Make sure you measure it by taking it to the opposite side.
• Also, you should read the measurements to find the width.
• Once done, measure the width in any units you want to use and make sure you repeat the process for better accuracy.

Measure The Height

In this step, you must measure with a ruler and ensure it is flat against one corner. Also, you should place the tape measure at the base of your box. Ensure you measure the vertical part of the box to get the exact measurement.

Then, you can measure the top of the box where the tape measure intersects with the edge of the box.

Measure The Girth

You can measure the circumference to ensure your boxes can be shipped best. For instance:

• You can locate the shorter sides of the box, which you can call the width and height.
• Make sure you add both the width and height together.
• Next, multiply this sum by 2. This will allow you to measure both sides of your box.

Determine the Total Dimensions Of Your Boxes

Once you have all three different dimensions of your boxes, you can have the complete box.

• Once you have the measurements, you can add them together.
• One thing to keep in mind is that you measure these with the units you used for the initial measurements.
• Ensure you add the measurement label to the boxes after completing the measurement.

Consider Irregular Shapes

When measuring your boxes, you must ensure you get all the measurements right. This goal can be challenging, so be aware of irregular shapes.

• Ensure you do not forget to measure the parts that deviate from the shape.
• You may have to measure your boxes’ widest width or length.
• Make sure you measure the distance between these two points.
• At the same time, you should record any irregularities in the boxes to ensure better results.
• You should also know the perimeter of these irregular shapes.
• Once you have all the measurements you have to add labels to indicate the right measurements for you.

How To Find The Best Box Type For Your Product?

Now that we know the importance of measuring your box size and shape for shipping, you should also learn how to choose the best one. This section offers tips to help you find the best boxes for your product types.

Measure Your Products

This one is more obvious, but we should mention it again. It is important to know the right dimensions of your boxes.

Choosing The Right Material

You should be clear about the fragility levels and weight of your products. You need to know the weight to protect your products properly. Make sure you use sturdy and stronger materials for more weight products.

If the product is delicate, a sturdy box is needed to ensure it stays safe and protected.

Know Your Packaging Goals

When it comes to packaging goals, here are some things you need to keep in mind:

• When it comes to packaging, you must ensure that it offers enough protection for your products.
• Make sure that your product packaging has the right type of brand identity.
• Try to add a consumer appeal to your product.
• Also, you should consider whether the packaging will provide the functionality you need for the product.

Logistics And Storage

When it comes to logistics and storage of your products, you need to ensure perfect things for them. Logistics are an essential thing that applies to shipping processes. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

• You need to create the boxes that are easy to stack in your stores.
• At the same time, you need to use the boxes that are easy to handle in every way.
• Make sure that you optimize your box size according to your needs.
• Also, you need to keep in mind that transportation needs can make a huge impact on your shipping.

Regulatory Compliance

You also need to ensure that you comply with all the laws and regulations of the regions in which you work. This could also relate to the international laws that apply during transit trade. You must also ensure that safety and health regulations are kept in mind.

Box Style

Your box style has a huge impact on the boxes you choose for a certain shipping. It affects the space they occupy and the product type you pack inside. Also, adding inserts and dividers can have a huge impact.

If you do not add inserts or dividers, you may not get the same functionality, which can have a huge negative impact. Here are some options when it comes to shipping your products:

• Full overlap carton (FOL)
• Half slotted container (HSC)
• Regular slotted container (RSC)
• Die-cut boxes
• Custom shapes
• Mailers

Regular Slotted Container

These boxes offer cost-effectiveness and versatility, allowing you to pack multiple products inside. They would work for products that need easy assembly.

You can try RSC boxes for books, stationery, and electronics. You can also get clothing and apparel that would work for you. These products can also be used for home goods and e-commerce shipments.

The most common and impressive advantage it offers is the ability to store it easily. They are quite stackable, which makes them exceptional for shipping requirements. This way, you can make things easy to stack, an essential procedure during and before shipment.

Full Overlap Carton (FOL)

So, this type of box is perfect if you want extra strength. At the same time, you get secure closure and versatility when packing multiple types of products. Here are some products you would like to pack in these boxes:

• You can try using them for glassware and ceramics.
• Also, it is a good choice for heavy machinery parts.
• Its use is also helpful when you want to ship power tools, hand tools, and heavy equipment.
• Then, there are nuts, bolts, and dense materials can be shipped with these boxes.

Half Slotted Container

These boxes carry one-sided flaps with the opposite part left open. This way, you can quickly load things in them, and the box’s opposite part is a separate cover or lid. Here are some suitable products you can ship in these boxes:

• They can be used for products that are shipped in bulk and do not need dividers, such as fruits and vegetables.
• Also, you can use them for irregularly shaped items that need flexibility.
• These also work for retail displays, where you can use their open side as a display window.
• You can use them for lightweight products as well.
• Their use is also helpful for pastries, bread, and cakes.

Die-Cut Boxes

In this kind of box, you can have custom packaging with a specific shape that you can have with the help of a die. Here are some pros they offer when you are looking to use them for shipping:

• If you are looking for boxes you can use with custom shapes, you can try them out.
• You can also have a window for them when you want to display a specific part to your customers.
• At the same time, they work on branding elements and improved aesthetical elements.
• They are also quite versatile and can offer space for multiple products.
• Also, they offer ease of packaging and shipping, making them perfect.

Products to Pack in them:

• Specialty foods
• Gift items
• Electronics packaging
• Luxury items
• Cosmetics and beauty products
• Customized promotional products
• Personalized Stationery
• Boutique clothing
• Handcrafted or artisanal goods
• High-end chocolates and confections

We talked about box measurements for shipping that you can also use for this type of shipping.

Mailer Boxes

Regarding mailer boxes, they offer a typical style with a self-locking system. So you do not need additional tape for easy assembly. Their various sizes offer efficiency for space and help reduce costs.

Their sturdiness offers protection against issues during transit and transportation. These boxes also have a better printable surface, perfect for better branding. Their self-locking design offers ease of packing for your business.

At the same time, they offer better branding opportunities, as you can add logos and other elements. Here are some common products you can pack inside them.

• T-shirts
• Activewear
• Makeup products
• Skincare items
• Small beauty accessories
• Socks
• Phone Accessories
• Underwear
• Jewelry
• Scarves
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Earphones
• USB drives

Pros Of Using Folding Cartons

Folding cartons are flat boxes that can be packaged and shipped. They are pre-glued for retail packaging or specific shipping purposes.

Their space allows you to offer a good level of advantage for better visibility it provides. This space will enable you to improve brand visibility for your added branding factors. Here are the products you can pack inside them:

• Clothing
• Electronics
• Toys and games
• Stationery items
• Food products
• Gifts and souvenirs
• Small appliances
• Home décor items
• Cosmetics and beauty products
• Pharmaceuticals

FAQs

How to measure the length, width, and height of a box?

Length:

• You should start by finding the opposite sides of boxes called lengths. You can measure them, put them in one corner, and extend them to the other.
• Once you have this measurement, you can write it down.

Width:

• This measurement is on the perpendicular side of the length. Then, you can measure it from one side to the other.
• Once you have the measurement, you can read it and write it down.

Height:

• You can look at this perpendicular to both length and width and use a tape or ruler to measure it.
• Make sure you measure it from one corner to the other and write down the measurement you get.

How to read package dimensions?

The length is the longest side of a package that you can measure from one end to the other. On the other hand, width is the shorter side that you can measure from the perpendicular to length.

How are box measurements written?

The primary method of measuring your boxes is their length, width, and height.

How to label box measurements?

You can do this by expressing with the format of length by width by height. Then, you can use unit measurements like inches, centimeters, or others for this purpose. Make sure you use a consistent separator for each dimension and label it clearly and legibly. Also, you can specify a view of your dying side or the outside of the boxes as dimensions. Make sure that you follow the order of the box dimensions.

Packaging Hub Makes Things Easier!

This guide was created to help you find the best solutions for measuring boxes before shipping them. We at Packaging Hub have been delivering the best boxes for your needs. Our mission is to help improve your results for all your box needs, whether as a company or an individual.

Order your boxes; you will love the fantastic results you get with the perfection you get with them.