Length, Width, Height (LxWxH): How to Measure Box Dimensions

More times than we can count, we've had customers send us a box order with the numbers written in the wrong order, it's a very easy mistake to make! What seems like an easy concept to grasp is length-width-height (LxWxH) until you're faced with a box and don't know which side is which. It's not just a confusion, it can be a very tight box, a very loose box or shipping the wrong price. So here's the proper way to measure, read and use LxWxH when ordering custom packaging or simply sending a package.

Why Does the L × W × H Order Matter?

Length is the longest side of the bottom, width is the shorter side of the bottom, and height is the height from the bottom to the top. Regardless of the shape or size of the box, this order remains constant during shipping, packing and manufacturing.

This may seem like a minor occurrence until it's not. A box that is 20cm x 10cm x 5cm is only as easy for a designer to understand as it is for the printer and shipping coordinator if all three interpret the numbers in the same way.

Here's one thing to note: some brands and suppliers will interchange the terms “length” and "width," particularly if it is a wide or a square box and it becomes unclear which is longer. Check with the supplier before ordering the convention; don't guess.

Importance of Dimensions for Custom Boxes in the USA

Proper dimensions of the right box will ensure protection of your product, minimize costs and make storage easier. When the box is too large, the product will move in transportation, and if too small, the product will be damaged or it will be difficult to pack.

Product Protection

The appropriate box will keep the product in place and minimize product movement during shipping and handling. If it has an item that is fragile, then there should be room in the box to accommodate protective items such as cushioning or inserts.

Shipping Cost Efficiency

Dimensional weight (DIM weight) is a factor for shipping costs because it can be calculated by the amount of space a box takes up, and major carriers in the USA may use this weight to determine the shipping cost. Correct dimensions help to minimize over-sized space and over-priced shipping costs.

Storage Optimization

Custom Boxes that have the right size are easier to stack and order in the warehouse, on pallets and while in transport. This makes the businesses better utilize the storage space they have.

What does length, width, and height mean?

Each measurement is a response to a different question about the box. Shuffle them around and sizes are incorrect.

Length: The Longest Side of the Base

The longest side of the base of the box is its length and is measured horizontally. It's listed first, which is why people just call it "the long one."

Width: The Shorter Side, Front to Back

The width of the box is the width from front to back, which is perpendicular to the length. This dimension is the one you'll use to determine the depth of a box, and that is important if you're looking to see if a product will fit.

Height: The Vertical Measurement

The distance, measured directly up, from the bottom of the box to the top. This is the "depth" part of the definition others use. Retailers and shelving people say "depth." Packaging people say "height." They mean the same thing.

Box Style Examples: Are the dimensions of LxWxH the same length?

Although all box styles use the same L x W x H convention, not all of them are measured the same. Here are the changes of the method in common formats.

Mailer Box

Measured the same (y) way, length is the longest base side, width is the shorter base side, height is the vertical side. The height is typically the smallest of three dimensions in a mail box.

Folding Carton

The same is true for the standard measurement, as folding cartons are shipped flat; so it helps to define whether your measurement is for the assembled box or the flat carton it came in. When you're providing a supplier, always make sure to explain which one you are providing.

Rigid Box

Its size was measured the same way as any other box, but rigid construction implies that external dimensions are typically very close to internal, unlike the lighter board where the walls will compress and flex.

Corrugated Shipping Box

Standard dimensions of L x W x H are used, except corrugated board does have a significant difference in thickness of the internal dimensions and the external dimensions, so be sure to verify which you are required to use based on your product specification.

Telescope Box

One exception to note is: The base and lid of a telescope box have the same length and width. There's just a slight variation in height. The lid is attached to the base so you will typically only find one set of heights, not two.

Measurement Checklist

Take the time to go through this checklist before sending the Box dimensions to a supplier or plugging them into a shipping calculator to avoid making the most common mistakes that will waste your time and money.

• Measure the assembled box, rather than a flat or collapsed box.
•  Use internal dimensions for checking product fit.
•  Shipping and freight is calculated with external dimensions.
•  Always write dimensions in the order L x W x H.
• Use one system of measurement, don't use inches and centimeters together.
• Allow for additional space for protection such as foam or bubble wrap. 

Common Mistakes When Measuring Box Dimensions

There are a number of common errors that are consistently found in box sizing guide requests received, many of them avoidable with a quick second glance. Here are a few of the things to look for:

• When checking if a product fits, measure the internal dimensions, not the external one.
• Listing dimensions as width x length x height instead of the standard L x W x H order.
• Not using foam, protective inserts or padding
• Measuring a folded box, rather than the box when it's fully set up
• Combining the units of inches and centimeters in the same order or spec sheets
• Neglecting the corrugated board's thickness and therefore the inside/outside dimension of the box 

Length, Width, and Height for Custom Boxes

Length, Width and height are important factors to know when ordering custom boxes, so that you can supply the appropriate measurements and receive a box that fits your product. These dimensions vary according to the shape of the box.

Rectangular and Square Boxes

The most common custom packaging design is rectangular or square shaped boxes. The length is usually the longest side of the base of a rectangular box, the width is the shorter side of the base, and the height is measured from the bottom to the top. Use a box 10 inches x 6 inches x 4 inches. 

This means that it is 10 x 6 x 4 inches.

The length and width are the same for a square box. So a base of 6" × 6" just means that both sides are the same size 

Specialty Box Shapes

Not all custom boxes are rectangular in shape. There can be cylindrical, triangular or other special packaging designs as well. These boxes are typically measured in other ways. For instance, cylindrical packaging is measured in terms of diameter and height, while the triangle shape of packaging is measured in base, side and height.

Before ordering, it will be best to verify these dimensions with your Custom Box USA supplier if you are uncertain of the dimensions of an unusual box shape. Taking accurate measurements from the beginning helps ensure that your product will fit into the packaging as required.

Box Dimension Examples by Industry

Sometimes it helps to see real numbers of a product that you are familiar with from a product category. The table below provides a general idea of the length, width, and height ranges for various industries.

These are general guidelines only. Always make your product size and packaging around your actual item and not a category average.

Inches to Centimeters Conversion Table

This handy table converts between imperial and metric or, for double checking a supplier's spec sheet, the most common measurements.

Authoritative Standards Behind Packaging Testing

The accurate dimensions have implications beyond just fit and shipping cost; they help directly with the testing of packaging in practical handling situations. Two groups establish industry benchmarks that most of the industry follows.

The drop, vibration and compression tests are based on the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). General distribution is covered by ISTA 3A. ISTA 6-Amazon is dedicated to e-commerce fulfillment compliance.

A Real Sizing Example

It's easier to believe numbers when you see them in action. Suppose you have two boxes of candles that are the same size lined up in one larger box.

When each candle box is 6" wide, try to have approximately 12.5" inside the outer box. This provides just enough space for both boxes to slide in and out without being pushed, yet is still tight enough to prevent movement when being shipped.

Measuring Irregular or Bulging Boxes

Not all boxes are rectangular. If it doesn't, it works a little differently when it comes to measuring.

Measure the widest, the longest, and the tallest measurements, including any bulges. Use the highest possible number for each dimension. In case of complicated shapes, it can be useful to visualize the box as many smaller rectangular boxes and work out the volume for each component individually and then sum the volumes.

Special Cases: Round and Irregular Objects

Some things don't always come in a rectangular package, and round things call for a slightly different technique.

If the product is round or cylindrical, use a diameter measurement taken across the center of the product. Even if the packaging is a square or rectangle around the base, the box must be able to fit a diameter that big.

Why This Matters More for Custom Packaging

Custom boxes are more than just about fitting. It also concerns the right dimensions of L x W x H so that the box will look exactly how you want your brand to look. You will also want to make sure it aligns with your dieline and artwork area, your logo size and positioning, as well as any finishes you may be considering such as foil stamping, embossing, debossing, or spot UV.

Once you've set the dimensions incorrectly, they are transferred from there to the print layout, the thickness of the material that your supplier will be printing it on, even how it's packed. Structures, material and printing are protected prior to the initial sample. However, if the measurements are correct, then your supplier is more secure.   

LxWxH Quick Reference

While the details are provided above, this table should be bookmarked for a quick reference the next time you order or read a spec sheet.

How to Measure Custom Boxes?

The overall size and volume of a box is determined by length, width, and height. When custom packaging is required, the sizes are usually listed in the following order:

Length × Width × Height (L × W × H)

1. Identify the Dimensions

Length (L): This is the longest side of the box that is the base of the box.

Width (W): The small base of the box (the shorter side).

The height (H) of the box is the distance from the base of the box to the top.

2. Calculate the Volume

Volume of a rectangular box is the space inside the box.

Volume = L × W × H

A 12 × 8 × 4-dimensional box has:

12 × 8 × 4 = 384 cubic inches

This calculation will determine if your product and protective material will fit with in the box.

3. Calculate the Surface Area

Surface area of rectangular box is the sum of the areas of six faces. It may be advantageous when determining the amount of material to use in making the packaging.

Surface Area = 2(LW + LH + WH)

For a 12 × 8 × 4-inch box:

2[(12 × 8) + (12 × 4) + (8 × 4)] = 352 square inches

The precise dimension calculation allows you to order custom-made boxes which are suitably dimensioned for your product; you can also easily plan your material, storage and transport needs.

The Issue of External Box Dimensions 

Measuring interior dimensions of a box is usually straightforward, but exterior dimensions may be a bit more challenging.Not all boxes are either the same shape or the same size, either. Some are simple box shapes while others have folds, flaps, etc., that alter the way you measure them.

When it comes to custom packaging design and/or ordering, all dimensions matter. Just a small measurement mistake can impact the overall fit, look, longevity, and shipping productivity of packaging. Therefore, care must be taken in deciding on the length, width and height of your box before ordering them.

Final Thoughts

An accurate size measurement of a box is essential to packaging manufacturing. This guide has provided information on how to measure the width, length and height of your box, how to calculate the volume of your box, and the difference between internal and external measurements.

When it comes to packaging retail products, shipping or creating branded packaging for your business, the right dimensions can make a huge difference.

Looking for boxes that are custom sized in USA? Custom Box USA can supply your company with boxes which are tailored to the requirements of your product boxes. You also consider the size of packaging, dimensions and select the right packaging designs, then you are sure that you package your products to the right level, protect and present your products professionally.

FAQs

What would be the correct size of each box?

Always measured in length x width x height (LxWxH). The length is the most important dimension, next the width and then the height.

What is WxDxH and where is it?

It is the width x depth x height (Some suppliers use this, it's not standard). Always check with your supplier to ensure you have the right format, to avoid confusion.

Are the terms height and depth the same?

In most cases, yes. In retail and shelving, more often, people use the term “depth” and with packaging and shipping, more often, people use the term “height”.

What are the measurements used for shipping boxes?

It's almost always external dimensions that are used to measure shipping boxes as that is how much space they take up in the real world.

What would you use inches or centimeters to measure?

Either works. Math is typically easier with metric, but just choose one and use it throughout the order. 

How to measure an irregular-shaped or bulging box?

Measure the length, width, and height of shapes (measurements taken to maximum – including bulges) and partition larger rectangle-shaped shapes into smaller rectangular parts to determine the volume.