Measuring the sizes of shipping boxes is an important step to ensure that your product reaches the customer safely and intact. In addition, this is how manufacturers estimate delivering costs in advance, thereby having appropriate savings adjustment options.
Let’s explore the steps to measure and choose the right size of boxes in the article below with Khang Thanh.
How to measure the size of boxes
The delivery cardboard is a suitable packaging solution for various products, from electronics, furniture, clothing, and household appliances. Therefore, you must accurately identify the goods to measure the standard shipping box sizes.
Steps to measure sizes of shipping boxes
The standard boxes sizes include 3 parameters:
- Measure the length (L): Use a ruler to measure the longest edge according to the surface of the cardboard.
- Measure the width (W): Measure the shorter edge of the shipping box. However, if the basic size of the cardboard is square, the width can be equal to the length.
- Measure the height (H): This is the depth of the box, measured from the bottom to the lid or the highest point of the box. In other words, this is the size of the edge perpendicular to the length and width.
After having the 3 basic parameters above, apply the following formula to calculate the standard cardboard box sizes: Length X Width X Height = Volume (Unit).
There are 5 standard units used in the production of shipping boxes applied globally: millimetres (mm), centimetres (cm), meters (m), inches (in), or feet (ft). You must ensure these 3 basic parameters are in the same unit.
Notes to choose the correct box size
In addition to determining the 3 parameters of length, width and height, the following notes will cover the selection of cardboard shipping boxes to optimize the protective role while saving costs.
- Add 0.25 – 0.5 cm for a convenient unboxing experience
- Calculate extra space for inserting materials such as paper strips and shrink film to protect products
- Choose the suitable material and wave of corrugated distribution to avoid wasting storage space
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Standard box sizes for shipping
The standard cardboard box sizes are the common dimensions used for mass production in large quantities and are widely used by packing shipping, or manufacturing companies.
Basic small sizes of shipping boxes
Small snap-lid cardboard boxes, also known as mailer boxes, are basic sizes for storing compact, light items and delivering within a close radius, such as clothes, cosmetics, jewellery, notebooks, and books.
The sizes of small shipping boxes that you can easily order in large are:
- 4 x 4 x 2 inch
- 6 x 4 x 2 inch
- 8 x 6 x 2 inch
- 9 x 6 x 3 inch
- 12 x 9 x 4 inch
- 14 x 10 x 4 inch
Popular medium standard size boxes
For items like kitchenware, small electronics, toys, and shoes, or sports equipment, medium sizes of boxes are the ideal choice. In addition to the popular rectangular shape, medium shipping boxes come in various shapes, such as square boxes, long cardboard, or flat boxes for delivery.
Refer to common standard box sizes such as:
- 14 x 10 x 10 inch
- 16 x 12 x 8 inch
- 12 x 12 x 12 inch
- 18 x 14 x 6 inch
- 20 x 16 x 4 inch
Big shipping and packing boxes
Giant cardboard box sizes are essential for transporting bulky and oversized products such as household items, large kitchen appliances, electronics or furniture.
Thanks to its durability, the spacious design of the shipping box will help the transportation process, as well as the opening and closing of big goods, become smooth and avoid collisions and losses.
You can buy big cardboard packaging available in the following standard size boxes:
- 24 x 18 x 18 inch
- 30 x 20 x 20 inch
- 24 x 24 x 24 inch
- 36 x 24 x 6 inch
- 36 x 18 x 18 inch
Custom size of boxes on request
If the standard boxes sizes does not fit the items, then the step of customizing the sizes of shipping boxes on request will be the perfect choice. In addition to meeting the manufacturer’s specific requirements, customizing the standard cardboard box sizes will improve the delivery experience for both customers.
However, it should be noted that the cost of customizing the standard box sizes is relatively high for oversized or extra large cardboard boxes. In addition, you should choose a packaging company specializing in producing shipping boxes with full modern machinery and human resources to meet the customization requirements.
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Where to buy cardboard shipping boxes?
When looking for a place to buy cardboard boxes for shipping, the essential points to consider are price, quantity, quality, and specific needs.
• Buy ready-made standard size boxes in small quantity
For small businesses or individuals who need boxes quickly in small quantities, the following locations are suitable:
- Local packaging stores
- Stationery store
- Wholesale clubs such as Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Target
- E-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, Alibaba
The common advantage of these retailers is that they are available and you can buy standard size shipping boxes immediately in urgent need. However, they only sell popular sizes, medium and small cardboard boxes at high prices.
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• Order and produce shipping boxes in bulk at affordable prices
So, for large businesses and manufacturers who need specific packaging solutions and get discounts when buying in bulk, which option is suitable?
Choose an OEM/ODM cardboard packaging supplier to order large shipping boxes to optimize costs and finished products that meet export packaging quality and domestic needs.
At Khang Thanh, we not only provide comprehensive packaging solutions from design, prepress, printing, and finished products but also focus on cost efficiency, customizing suitable delivery packaging, and quality control.
Choosing the right sizes of shipping boxes not only helps protect the product but also saves costs and improves customer experience. Hopefully, the information and instructions in this article will help you choose the suitable boxes for shipping to pack and transport the goods.
Do not hesitate to contact Khang Thanh for advice on comprehensive and cost-saving packaging solutions:
KHANG THANH – HOUSE OF PACKAGING
Tel: +84 (0) 77 8878 222
Email: info@khangthanh.com