How to Measure Box Dimensions
Always measure the inside of the box. Outside measurements cost you the wall thickness on every side.
The Order Is Always L × W × H
Length is the longer side of the opening. Width is the shorter side of the opening. Height is the depth from the base to the opening. Written in any other order, a box comes back the wrong shape.
Step by Step
1. Place the box on a flat surface with the opening facing up. 2. Measure the longest opening edge — that is length. 3. Measure the shorter opening edge — width. 4. Measure from base to opening — height. 5. Record as L × W × H and note the unit.
Allow for the Product
Add roughly 1/8 inch of clearance around the product so it slides in without forcing. If you are adding an insert or void fill, add its thickness too.
Volume and Girth
Volume is Length × Width × Height. Girth, which couriers use for dimensional weight, is 2 × (Width + Height). Both matter when you are comparing shipping quotes.
Common Mistakes
Measuring outside dimensions, mixing units mid-order, ignoring the flute thickness on corrugated, forgetting the lid depth on two-piece boxes, and measuring a flat-packed box rather than an assembled one.
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