How to Measure the Length x Width x Height of Shipping Boxes (2024)

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Calculate your box’s dimensions to estimate shipping cost

Co-authored byGrace Imson, MAand Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: May 14, 2024Fact Checked

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Regardless of which postal service you choose, the cost associated with shipping a package will vary depending on its size. To make sure you’re paying the right amount for shipping, it’s important to know the exact dimensions of the box you’re sending your item in. Use a ruler or measuring tape to find the length, width, and height of the box. You can then use these measurements to calculate other metrics like total size and dimensional weight, which might contribute to the package’s shipping cost.

Things You Should Know

  • Measure the longest side of the package that has a flap attached to it for the length. Measure the other side that has a flap to find the width.
  • To find the height of the package, measure the box from top to bottom.
  • To get the volume, or cubic size, of the box, multiply the length, width, and height of the box in inches or centimeters.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Measuring the Dimensions of a Package

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  1. 1

    Measure the longest side of the package that has a flap to find the length. Identify the longest side of the package that has a flap attached to it. Hold a ruler or tape measure up to the edge and read the length of the box from one end to the other. Round your measurement to the nearest 1in (2.5cm) or 12in (1.3cm).[1]

    • Jot down the measurements on a scrap piece of paper so you can refer to them later.
    • Many shipping services only handle packages up to a certain size, which is typically noted in whole inches or centimeters.
    • The actual length of your package might vary by 18in (0.32cm).
  2. 2

    Measure the other side with a flap to find the width. The width is the distance from one “wall” of the shortest side of the box to the opposite wall. Stretch your ruler or tape across the package from edge-to-edge, then round to the nearest 1in (2.5cm) or 12in (1.3cm).[2]

    • The actual width of your package might vary by 18in (0.32cm).

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  3. 3

    Measure the side of the box that you don’t close up for the height. Measure the standing side of the box that doesn’t have a flap attached to one side to record the height. Round the box’s height dimension to the closest 1in (2.5cm) or 12in (1.3cm).[3]

    • The actual height of your package might vary by 18in (0.32cm).

    Tip: If your package has an irregular shape, measure it the same way you would as if it were in a rectangular box, taking the length, width, and height from each of the box’s extreme points.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Calculating Volume & Dimensional Weight

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  1. 1

    Multiply the length, width, and height of the box to find its volume. Volume is the same as cubic size, which indicates the amount of space inside the box. If you have a package with a length of 12 inches (30cm), a width of 8 inches (20cm), and a height of 4 inches (10cm), its volume, or cubic size, would be 384 cubic inches (6,290cm3).[4]

    • Or if you have a box with a length of 12 inches (30cm), a width of 3 inches (7.6cm), and a height of 17.5 inches (44cm), its volume would be 630 cubic inches (10,300cm3).
  2. 2

    Divide the volume by the shipping carrier’s divisor to find its dimensional weight. Many major shipping companies use the dimensional (dim) weight to calculate shipping costs.[5] The dimensional weight is based not only on the package’s size but its destination and shipping carrier.

    • Contact your preferred shipping carrier to find out their specific divisor. Here are the divisors (for Imperial measurements) for a few of the common carriers in the U.S.:
      • FedEx: For U.S., Puerto Rico, or international shipments, divide the cubic size by 139.[6]
      • UPS: Divide the cubic size by 139 for Daily Rates and 166 for Retail Rates.[7]
      • USPS: If the volume of the package goes over 1,728 cubic inches (28,320cm3), divide the cubic size by 166 and round up to the next whole number.[8]
    • For example, if the volume of your box is 384 cubic inches (6,290cm3) and you’re shipping with FedEx (139), its dimensional weight is 2.76 cubic inches (45.2cm3).
    • To find the dimensional weight of an irregularly-shaped package, multiply the volume by an adjustment factor of 0.785, then divide the answer by the shipping carrier’s divisor.[9]
    • Keep the dimensional weight exact to give you a rough estimate of the box’s shipping costs—try to avoid rounding.
  3. 3

    Weigh your package on a postage scale to determine its actual weight. Place your package on the scale and wait for it to display a reading. Record the weight without rounding it up because you’ll compare it with the package’s dimensional weight to see how much you can expect to pay for shipping.[10]

    • You can request to have your package measured at the post office if you don’t own a postage scale.

    Tip: Having your own postage scale can save you valuable time and energy if you’re a frequent shipper. It’s possible to buy a good postage scale online for as little as $20-30.

  4. 4

    Compare your package’s actual weight to its dimensional weight. If the dimensional weight is greater than the actual weight, you’ll pay the dimensional weight price. Most shipping carriers charge whichever of the two weights is greater to maximize their profits per shipment.[11]

    • It’s important to know the actual weight of your package as well as its dimensional weight since the dimensional weight is only an estimate, not a precise measurement.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Finding the Girth and Total Size of a Package

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  1. 1

    Double the width and height and add them together to find the girth. After you find the length, width, and height of the package, multiply the width and height dimensions by 2. Then, add the doubled width and doubled height together. The number you get is the girth of the box.[12]

    • If your box is 12 inches (30cm) long, 4 inches (10cm) wide, and 6 inches (15cm) tall, doubling the width and height would give you 8 inches (20cm) and 12 inches (30cm).
      • When you add 8 inches (20cm) and 12 inches (30cm), the girth is 20 inches (51cm).
    • The term “girth” refers to the total distance around the thickest part of the box.[13] This only applies to the area encircling the shortest side of the package, so the length isn’t required.
  2. 2

    Add the combined length and girth to get your total package size. When shipping ground packages, you might be asked to provide the overall size of the package. To do this, simply add the length and girth measurements together.

    • If you add a length of 12 inches (30cm) to a girth of 20 inches (51cm), you’d get a total size of 32 inches (81cm).
    • If the package you’re shipping is larger than 105 inches (270cm) in combined girth and length, you may be charged an additional special handling fee.[14]
      • The maximum size for most packages is 130 inches (330cm). The maximum weight is 70 pounds (32kg) for international packages and 50 pounds (23kg) for U.S. ground packages.[15]
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  • Question

    How do I calculate the volume of an object whose dimensions are L=320, b=160, and h=110?

    How to Measure the Length x Width x Height of Shipping Boxes (15)

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    Multiply the length by the base (or width) by the height.

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  • Question

    How do I find the length, breadth and height of a tank?

    How to Measure the Length x Width x Height of Shipping Boxes (16)

    Community Answer

    Height is the ground to the top, length is the diameter and breadth is the distance around the tank.

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  • Question

    How do I know what size shipping box I need?

    How to Measure the Length x Width x Height of Shipping Boxes (17)

    Community Answer

    Measure the item length, width and height of the item you wish to ship. Find a box that is large enough to fit the object in.

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      Tips

      • On regular slotted cartons (RSCs), the most common type of shipping box, both horizontal surfaces are identical, meaning either end could be used as the top or bottom.[16]

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      • If you’re packing your item in a specialty box provided by a manufacturer or shipping company, look for visual clues like logos and text to determine its correct orientation.

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      • Different shipping services have different guidelines and restrictions in terms of size and weight. Check the pricing policies of each shipping service to find which one will work best for your budget.

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      References

      1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-juice-box-geometry/
      2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-juice-box-geometry/
      3. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-juice-box-geometry/
      4. https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/articles/z3jrxfr
      5. https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/packaging/what-is-dimensional-weight.html
      6. https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/packaging/what-is-dimensional-weight.html
      7. https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-dimensions-weight.page
      8. https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/123.htm?_gl=1*1dnx4zo*_gcl_au*MTU0MjczNjY3Ny4xNzA2MDUzOTg4*_ga*NDQwNDExNjQ4LjE3MDYwNTM5ODk.*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTcwNjA1Mzk4OC4xLjEuMTcwNjA1NDAxOS4wLjAuMA..#a_1_3
      9. https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/123.htm?_gl=1*1dnx4zo*_gcl_au*MTU0MjczNjY3Ny4xNzA2MDUzOTg4*_ga*NDQwNDExNjQ4LjE3MDYwNTM5ODk.*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTcwNjA1Mzk4OC4xLjEuMTcwNjA1NDAxOS4wLjAuMA..#a_1_3

      More References (7)

      About This Article

      How to Measure the Length x Width x Height of Shipping Boxes (34)

      Co-authored by:

      Grace Imson, MA

      Math Teacher

      This article was co-authored by Grace Imson, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Grace Imson is a math teacher with over 40 years of teaching experience. Grace is currently a math instructor at the City College of San Francisco and was previously in the Math Department at Saint Louis University. She has taught math at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels. She has an MA in Education, specializing in Administration and Supervision from Saint Louis University. This article has been viewed 722,312 times.

      2 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 22

      Updated: May 14, 2024

      Views:722,312

      Categories: Postal System | Business Shipping and Delivery

      Article SummaryX

      To measure the dimensions of a shipping box, start by measuring one of the long sides of the package from one end to the other with a measuring tape, measuring stick, or ruler. This measurement will be the length. Write down the number so that you don’t forget. Next, turn your measuring tool 90 degrees and measure along one of the short sides of the package to find the width. Finally, hold the tool vertically and measure from the top of the box to the bottom to find the height. If you need to find the girth of the package, multiply the width and the height times 2 and add both of the resulting numbers together. For instance, if your package is 6 inches (15 cm) high and 4 inches (10 cm) wide, the girth would be 20 inches (51 cm). Add the length to the girth to get the total package size. For instance, if your package is 12 inches (30 cm) long, and the girth is 20 inches (51 cm), then the total size would be 32 inches (81 cm). If you need to find the volume, or cubic size, of the package, multiply length times width times height. In our example, the package would have a volume of 288 cubic inches (4719 cubic cm). If you need to find out the package’s dimensional weight, divide the volume by 166 (if you’re shipping within the US) or 139 (if you’re shipping internationally). If you can, weigh the package on a scale to check its actual weight against the dimensional weight. Your shipping costs will likely be based on whichever number is bigger. Read on to learn how to measure the dimensional weight of your packages!

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      How to Measure the Length x Width x Height of Shipping Boxes (2024)

      FAQs

      How to Measure the Length x Width x Height of Shipping Boxes? ›

      The dimensions of a box formula is pretty straightforward: length x width x height. This format is also what your product packaging provider will use when creating your containers. The length of the box is the longest side when looking at it from the top.

      What is length x width x height in box? ›

      The dimensions of a box formula is pretty straightforward: length x width x height. This format is also what your product packaging provider will use when creating your containers. The length of the box is the longest side when looking at it from the top.

      What is the length width and height of a shipping box? ›

      The first size is the length, the second size is the width, and the third size is the height. For the Length: Measure at the opening of the box from left to right. For the Width: Measure from front to back. For the Height: Measure from top to bottom of the box.

      What is the formula for length x width x height? ›

      Length×Width×Height

      The volume of a cuboid is equal to the multiplication of its length, breadth, and height. In other words, if we multiply all three dimensions together, we get the volume of a cuboid or any rectangular box. Mathematically, Volume of a Rectangular Prism (cuboid) or a Box = Length × Width × Height.

      How do you read length x width x height? ›

      When you see the dimensions of an object listed as “length x width x height,” it is referring to the measurement of that object in three-dimensional space. The length is always the longest side, the width is always the middle side, and the height is always the shortest side.

      Which comes first, length or width? ›

      These dimensions are always expressed in the order where the length comes first, followed by the width and then the height. This means if the dimensions of a box are to be measured they are expressed in the order of length, width and height.

      What are the 3 measurements of a box? ›

      Length: The longest side when looking at the top of the box. Width: The shorter side when looking at the top of the box. Depth (Height): The side perpendicular to the length and width.

      How do you size a shipping box? ›

      Measure the length, width and depth of the product you're shipping, as well as any packaging material you have. Add 1/8 to 1/4 inch to each dimension to account for wiggle room.

      How to measure a box for shipping UPS? ›

      For each measurement, start at the longest point, rounding each measurement to the nearest whole number. Multiply the package length (longest side of the package) by the width by the height. The result is the cubic size in inches.

      How do you measure length width and height for shipping? ›

      Length is always the longest side of the box that has a flap. The next dimension is width. The width side also has a flap, but is always the side shorter than the length. Measure the height of the package.

      How do you find the height of a box given the length and width? ›

      If the box given is a rectangular box or a cuboid we can simply find out its height by dividing the volume of the box by-product of length and breadth. As the volume formula for cuboids is length × breadth × height.

      What is the length vs width vs height of a package? ›

      The length of a box is always the longest dimension. The width is perpendicular to the length and shares the same plane. The depth is the measurement from top to bottom. Important: Box bulge needs to be accounted for when referencing a box's outside dimensions.

      What is volume length x width x height example? ›

      You can calculate the volume of a box by multiplying length x width x height. Using the example of the single wall box this will be 102 x 102 x 102 which equals 1,061,208 cubic millimeters (㎣). In metric units volume is usually expressed in millimetres and litres.

      Is it written length x width x height? ›

      What is the standard? What comes first? The Graphics' industry standard is width by height (width x height). Meaning that when you write your measurements, you write them from your point of view, beginning with the width.

      What are the measurements X by X by X? ›

      The dimensions for a standard 3D box are written as three numbers separated by the multiplication symbol “x“. These are your length x width x height measurements, in that order.

      What is the multiply length x width x height? ›

      Volume Formula for a Rectangular Prism in Terms of Length, Width, and Height: The volume of a rectangular prism is found by multiplying the lengths of its three separate dimensions (length, width, and height) together. Thus, one volume formula for rectangular prisms is: V = lwh.

      Is it LxWxH or lxhxw? ›

      Keep in mind that different companies use depth and height interchangeably. However, the industry standard order of dimensions when recording or reading measurements remains the same: Length x Width x Depth (LxWxD) or Length x Width x Height (LxWxH).

      What is length x width x height cubic units? ›

      Its volume depends on its length, width, and height. Multiplying these three linear measurements gives us a cubic measurement. Volume refers to the space occupied by an object or a three-dimensional figure. It is measured in cubic units.

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