Whether you sell in-store retail products or run an ecommerce business, product shipping is an important task. The right size of a shipping box leads to customer satisfaction by allowing you to deliver products in pristine condition.
You also need to consider some important product-related considerations before customizing shipping boxes for your valuable products. Measuring box packaging is an important task that can be done by considering useful considerations such as inside and outside box dimensions.
In this blog, we will discuss how to measure a box for shipping accurately. Read on to learn more about box dimensions and important considerations!
How to Measure a Box for Shipping?
Shipping boxes need to be measured accurately to ensure safe product delivery to customers. The following steps help you get the answer to how to measure the dimensions of a box for shipping:
Measure the Length
Start by measuring the length of the shipping box. It is the longest side of the box that has flaps that tuck inside the box for a secure closure. Take a ruler and a measuring tape to get the exact number of length. Taking dimensions in inches makes the measurement process easier. For example, a standard 1.5 cubic shipping box has a length of 16”.
Measure the Width
Now turn the box to a 90-degree angle and take measurements of its width. This side of the box also has flaps but these flaps are shorter than the flaps of the longer side. Place the measuring tape from one end to the other and note the width. Taking the above example of a standard shipping box, the width will be 12”.
Measure the Height
The height means how tall a shipping box is. Take measuring tape and a ruler to place them from top to bottom of the box. Before this, close the flaps of the box securely and measure the height. The height of the box can also be considered as its depth. A standard shipping box has a height of 12”.
Calculate the Volume
The overall volume of a shipping box matters a lot as it affects the shipping costs. The higher volume of a box means it occupies more space during shipping and storage.
Measuring volume helps you get an estimate of the shipping costs. Apply the volume formula after taking the measurements of a box’s length, height, and width.
Let’s take the example of a standard shipping box again.
Volume = L x w x H
Length =16”
Width= 12”
Height= 12”
Volume = 16 x 12 x 12 = 2,304 cubic inches
Consider Internal Dimensions
You should consider the box’s internal dimensions especially when shipping fragile items that need to be cushioned.
Standard Sizes for Shipping Box Packaging
A few standard shipping boxes can be used according to your product requirements. These boxes are designed considering the dimensions of a shipping box, which are (L x w x H). Each standard size is further categorized into three subcategories used for various products for shipping.
Small Shipping Boxes
6”x6” x6”: These small box measurements are suitable for shipping lightweight small items.
8”x6”x 4”: Ideal for small electronic and cosmetic products.
10”x7”x4”: This size is ideal for packing books and magazines.
Medium Shipping Boxes
12”x9”x6”: Some clothes and toys are shipped in these boxes.
14”x10”x4”: Larger books, magazines, shoes, and electronic items are packed in these boxes.
16”x12”x 8”: Small household items can be shipped in these boxes.
Large Shipping Boxes
18”x 14”x 12”: These boxes are suitable for moderate to heavier retail items.
20” x16”x10”: Pack and ship household and retail items in these boxes.
22” x18” x16”: Pillows, blankets,and small quits can be shipped in these boxes.
Extra-Large Shipping Boxes
20”x20”x 18”: Bulkier retail and household items can be shipped in these boxes.
30” x 20” 20”: Heighted and bulkier items shipped in these boxes.
Why Box Thickness Matters for Safe Shipping?
When measuring a box for shipping, considering its thickness helps determine which items the box is suitable for. Higher thickness results in higher product protection and safe shipping. You can use normal or solid cardboard boxes for shipping lightweight and small items. However, corrugated boxes are ideal for shipping due to their strong construction and higher thickness.
Important Consideration Before Customizing Box
Know the important considerations before digging into the details of how do you measure a box. You need to understand the products before packing them into shipping boxes. The following are a few product-related factors that help you understanding your products:
- Size
- Shape
- Weight
- Nature (Fragile/Coarse)
Consequences of Inaccurate Box Measurements
Various major industries rely on shipping boxes. This is why they need to be accurately measured before shipping. Between 2023 and 2027, U.S. shipments of corrugated boxes are projected to increase to 427 BSF in 2027. Paying no attention to the measurements of shipping boxes can lead to the following consequences for your business:
- Delayed Shipping
- Damages Products
- Shipping Surcharges
- Higher Shipping Costs
- Poor Customer Experience
Conclusion
Taking the right dimensions of your products, shipping box, and material thickness helps you ship products confidently. You should also make important considerations about your products like their nature (fragile or coarse), size, weight, and shape. This will help you get a box that offers a snug fit to products and prevents products from falling apart during shipping.
