How To Measure Corrugated Boxes (And Why It Matters)

Whether you’re new to shipping or a seasoned pro, knowing how to measure corrugated boxes correctly matters. It saves you money on shipping, keeps your products safe, and makes your customers happy. At Whitebird, as a top Canadian supplier of corrugated boxes, it is part of our job to help you get it right. Follow these simple steps to measure your corrugated boxes accurately and improve your packaging game.

Inside or Outside?

When selecting a box, measure the interior dimensions to ensure it fits your contents, as this is the industry standard. For example, a box listed as 12x12x12 inches refers to the inside measurements, while the exterior might be slightly larger (e.g., 12.25x12.25x12.25 inches). When shipping, use the exterior dimensions to calculate volume for accurate shipping costs.

How Do I Measure a Box?

It sounds straightforward, but precision is key. Grab a ruler or measuring tape and your box. Here’s what to do:

• Measure the length: Find the longest side with a flap.
• Measure the width: Look for the shorter side with a flap (it might be equal to the length).
• Measure the height: Close the flaps and measure from top to bottom.

Add Some Protection

Your products need to arrive in perfect shape, whether it’s a smartphone or a pair of socks. Think about padding. Kraft counter rolls might work for lightweight items, but fragile goods may need something sturdier, like Instapak Foam. Plan for this when measuring to ensure everything fits.

Checking the Volume of a Box

Why Volume Matters

Calculating a box’s volume helps you make the most of your delivery trucks, estimate bulk shipping costs, and plan warehouse storage. It’s a simple step that can save you time and money.

How to Calculate It

To calculate the volume of your shipping boxes, you just multiply the length, width and height. That gives you the volume in cubic inches, centimeters, or whatever unit you’re using.

Get What Your Business Needs

At Whitebird, we don’t just share tips like these—we’ve got everything your business needs to succeed. From corrugated boxes to packaging equipment and janitorial supplies, we’re here to help you deliver the best results. Want to talk packaging? Call our experts at 800-263-2128.