Measuring Packaging Dimensions

How to measure box and packaging dimensions?

When discussing box dimensions, terms like length, width, height, and depth can be interpreted differently. To ensure clear communication and a standardized understanding of which sides these measurements represent, we've established the following size guidelines for referencing dimensions.

Please note: box dimensions are recorded as length, width, height, always in this order.

• Length: Measured from one side of the box to the other.
• Width: Measured from the front of the box to the back.
• Height: Measured from the top of the box to the bottom.

For more information, feel free to contact us or explore our detailed guide on how to accurately measure box dimensions.

Why exact sizes matter

A box that is a little too small will not close. A box that is a little too big lets the product move around. Measuring well at the start saves you time and the cost of a sample that does not fit.

What you need

• A ruler or tape measure, in inches or millimeters.
• Your finished product, or your best sample of it.
• The product wrapped or filled the way it will be packed, if it has a wrapper, a bag or an insert.

How to measure your product

• Measure the product at its longest, widest and tallest points, in that order: length, width, height.
• Allow a little room if the product has to slide in and out of the box. A few millimeters (about 1/8 inch) is a common starting point. We can advise on the right amount.
• Tell us whether your sizes are for the product or for the finished box.
• Always give the sizes in the same order, so there is no doubt which side is which.
• Measure twice, and write the sizes down with their units.

Product size or box size?

The product size is how big your item is. The box size is how big the packaging is. The box needs to be a little bigger than the product, and thicker board takes up more space. If you give us the product size, we work out the box size for you. If you give us a box size, tell us if it is the inside or the outside size.

Using our dieline templates

The dieline templates use the same terms: length, width and height. A few boxes use depth for the front-to-back measurement, such as pillow boxes and counter display trays, and the template says so.

The templates do not compensate for board thickness, so check the size on a sample before a full order. We confirm the final dieline with you.

Common mistakes

• Mixing up the order of length, width and height.
• Measuring the product but not its wrapper, bag or insert.
• Forgetting to leave a little room for the product to slide in.
• Giving a size without saying whether it is the inside or the outside of the box.
• Mixing inches and millimeters.

Want to go deeper?

Our guide how to measure the dimensions of a box correctly covers inside and outside dimensions, board thickness and clearance in more detail.

What to do next

Send us your sizes with your quote request. If you want to be sure the box fits, order a $49 structural sample, an unprinted prototype that lets you check the size, shape and fit.