Measurements of custom boxes are necessary to ensure the boxes are right for your products. The customization based on perfect box dimensions prevents your product from running inside the boxes and avoids delivering them in clumsy packaging.  The oversized or undersized boxes for your product packaging not only affect the appearance of the custom boxes but also affect the cost. But you can cut the cost of shipping.  

The logistical companies use the dimensional weight factor as an element to drive the cost of shipping. In case of higher costs, it will shrink your profit margins decisively. Don’t overspend on shipping when you can control the size, shape, and design of your boxes from every aspect that is important for your product and branding.  

What is Dimensional Weight? 

Dimensional weight is also termed as volumetric weight. The factor is used by shipping companies for charging, where space and actual weight define how much you must pay for your package. Space means the size of boxes needs to be precise and accurate to the product; otherwise, you will be penalized in the form of higher costs by the logistical companies.  

What Kind of Dimensions of Boxes Need to be Measured? 

There are two different types of dimensions in a box: inside dimensions and outside dimensions. When it comes to product packaging, the inside dimension comes into the spotlight. You just require a simple ruler or a tape to begin the measuring process of the length, width, and height of a box. The sequence of expressing the dimension always remains as L x W x H.

Length x Width x Height = Volume

Three Box Dimensions

• Length: It’s the longest dimension of a box that is commonly measured horizontally from left to right. For square boxes, the length and width of the boxes will be the same.  

• Width: It’s the second largest side of the box that has a flap and is measured from front to back.  

• Height: It’s measured from top to bottom on a box, and is usually the shortest side unless the box is a telescopic box.   

Note: Height and depth can be used interchangeably, so the dimension in the case will be Length x Width x Depth (L x W x D) .

Calculating the Volume of a Custom Box (L x W x H)

Volume is a determining factor for easier warehousing, shipping, and distribution. Cost optimization and the size of material for manufacturing a box are also related to the volume. The good news is you don’t need another formula to get the end result, but the same L x W x H is enough, when multiplied together provides you a number called volume. 

Difference Between Inside and Outside Box Dimensions

Custom boxes and shipping boxes are measured by their inside dimensions. You don’t need to worry about the thickness of box material when you’re dealing with packaging companies. The outside dimensions are mostly used by logistical companies like UPS, FedEx, and more. The outside dimensions of the box become important to figure out accurately how much space your package will occupy during the transit process. 

Why Packaging Companies Prefer Inside Custom Box Dimensions? 

The ultimate purpose of the packaging is to hold your valuable products safely. It will be easy when your products fit precisely inside the boxes. Here is what the inside packaging gains more attention to ensure that there is minimal room for movement inside the package. The precise inside measurement guarantees product safety during the transit and handling process. 

Calculating the Girth of a Custom Box 

If your boxes are not of the regular shape, you need to use girth as a measuring factor. For cylindrical boxes, measure the circumference of a box. 

Girth = 2 (W + H) 

For instance, if your box has a width of 13 and a height of 10 inches, the girth will be:

2(13” + 10”) = 46” 

Common Sizes of Mailer Boxes 

When it comes to Custom mailer boxes, there are three standard sizes used for them.  
 

• Small Mailer Box Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 12” 

• Medium Mailer Box Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 12” 

• Large Mailer Box Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 24”  

Avoid Common Mistakes When Measuring Box Dimensions 

• Don’t mistake internal dimensions with external dimensions. Otherwise, you will receive the loose-fitting boxes for your products.  

• Always leave a finger-sized room for your boxes so you can easily place your products inside rather than punching them down or dropping them into the boxes.  

• Be careful about the thickness of your packaging boxes. It will provide the required durability and change the external box dimensions, affecting the shipping cost and stackability on the retail shelf.  

• The style of the boxes changes the traditional understanding of dimensions. The longest one is always length but it’s not the case for taller boxes used in Retail packaging.  

• Mention your box sizes in the L x W x H wise while placing an order for your custom boxes.  

• Take the most stable measurement for your product if they are heat sensitive, like soap shrinks in size after the manufacturing process.  

• For fragile products, you need cushioning options for your packaging. It can be achieved through using void fillers or packing like air cushions, styrofoam, tissue paper, crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap, expandable foams, and more. 

Keep Your Shipping Cost Low 

• Use Appropriate Size: Use the accurate size for your product rather than a smaller or larger size. If your products are smaller, you can go for Poly mailers instead of boxes.  

• Take advantage of Seasonal Discount: Most packaging companies offer discount offers in certain seasons. Grab the opportunity to get the packaging boxes for the whole year in bulk. 

• Repurpose Old Packaging: If you already have boxes, make them specific for your product by using custom labels and stickers.  

Inspiring Shapes of Boxes

The best thing about customization is that you will have a huge choice of styles of boxes, including: 

• Cube Boxes: They’re perfect for shipping and retail environments where the length, width, and height of boxes will be identical.  

• Sleeve and Tray Boxes: Slide to reveal option gives a surprise to your customers when they see your product.  

• Two Piece Boxes: Use these boxes for shipping and presenting your product safely and elegantly due to crafting with durable rigid material.  

• Gable Boxes: Easy to assemble and carry. If your product needs extra caution while carrying, these boxes have handles on top.  

Important Takeaways

• Packaging companies use internal box dimensions as the primary factor to craft the precise packaging for your products.  
• Logistics companies use dimensional weight, so they use the outer dimensions of the boxes alongside their weight.  
• The box dimensions are measured in Length x Width x Height, L x W x H, where Height can be used interchangeably with depth.  
• If your boxes are irregular or cylindrical in shape, use girth as a measuring tool:  G= 2 (W + H).  
• Box Dimensions play a crucial role in determining the exact space necessary for the warehouse, shipping cost, and fit on the retail shelf.  

When you have the accurate sizes for your Custom boxes, you will never see a situation like busted edges or sloppy interiors. Your boxes will reach the customers’ doorsteps safely. Get the high quality and most accurate sizes of boxes from The Packaging World and save a lot of time and money for your brand to flourish.