How To Measure a Box for Shipping: Accurate Dimensions

Preparing your packages for shipping for the first time can be troublesome—especially when you, as a business owner, want to complete your orders quickly. You must be wondering what box size is ideal for shipping products. You would also be thinking of the shipping rates based on dimensional weight charged by different freight companies. Interesting!

Knowing dimensions numbers is good for securing reasonable shipping charges. But what if you know nothing about the right box dimensions for shipping? Fret not!

This blog will teach you how to measure box for shipping. You will also learn about various apps that can measure a box. Plus, you need to avoid mistakes when measuring the box dimensions. Let's begin!

How to Measure a Box for Shipping

It’s not a daunting task to measure a box for shipping. With a little understanding of measurements, you can determine the right dimensions of the box. Wait!

Before jumping into measuring the box for shipping, you must know what can make you feel confident to measure the box. You are advised to use some tools to make the correct measurement.

Recommended Tools to Correctly Measure a Box for Shipping:

The tools to measure the accurate dimensions of the box from the outside are:

• Measuring tape/Ruler
• Pencil
• Paper
• Caliper (Optional)

Below are the steps to measure the exact dimensions of the shipping box. 

1. Measuring the Length of the Box:

Use the measuring tape or ruler to measure the longest side of the box that has a flap. Stretch the ruler from one edge to another and measure its length.

The actual length of the box, based on how small or large it is, can vary. Note down this measurement on a piece of paper.

2. Measuring the Width of the Box:

The flap on the width side is shorter than the length side. Turn the box at 90 degrees. Hold your ruler to measure the width from one end to the other end. It can help you measure its correct width. Keep a record of this width.

3. Measuring the Height of the Box:

The last step - height measurement. Take a ruler or measuring tape to measure the height from top to bottom. Make sure the flaps of the box are closed. Write down this height measurement of the box.

Tip: If the package you want to ship in a box is different, treat it like a rectangular-shaped box. Measure its length, width, and height from each outermost point.

Also Read: What Are the Dimensions of a Box? How to Measure Width, Length, and Height

How to Calculate the Volume of a Box for Shipping

Calculating the volume is a very important factor. Understanding the volume of the packages can make your shipping and warehousing comfortable.

It is easy to calculate the volume. You just need to multiply the length by width by height. This can help you get the exact volume. The formula to make the calculation is:

• Volume = Length x Width x Height

For instance, if you want to calculate the rectangular box volume and the dimensions of the box are as:

• Length: 20"
• Width: 16"
• Height: 12"

The volume calculation of the box following the formula will be:

• Volume = 20 x 16 x 12 = 3,840 (cubic inches)

How to Measure the Dimensional Weight of a Box for Shipping

To find dimensional weight, divide the volume by the divisor of shipping carriers. Several top shipping companies use dimensional weight to determine the shipping cost. Every shipping carrier has its divisor. You need to divide the volume by the divisor set by your desired shipping carriers.

• FedEx and UPS —- 139 Divisor
• DHL —- 166 Divisor
• USPS: 166 Divisor if the volume is over 1,728 (for local shipment)

The formula to do this calculation is:

Dimensional Weight = Volume ÷ Dim Factor

For instance, if you are shipping a package through FedEx, you must follow the formula to determine the dimensional weight.

Volume = 3,840

Dim Factor= 139

• Dimensional Weight = 3,840 ÷ 139 = 27.62

Avoid the Most Common Box Measuring Mistakes

To error is human, and mistakes occur. When you are shipping boxes packed with the product inside, keep certain things in mind. The most common mistakes you need to avoid are:

• Measuring the Box from Inside

Calculating the box measurement from the inside leads to incorrect measurement. Don’t measure this way. Instead, measure the box from the outside.

• Measuring the Uneven Surface of the Box

Uneven surfaces of the box do not help in getting accurate measurements. Avoid it. Make sure the surfaces are flat.

• Measuring the Smallest Points

Not all the boxes are rectangular. Measure the box from the widest points to see if they are irregularly shaped.

3 Best Known Apps to Measure a Box for Shipping

The most popular Apps are available to help you get the accurate dimensions of the boxes for shipping. They are here as:

1. Moasure App

A well-developed digital tape measure app that allows you to measure the dimensions of the package. You can use this app on your smartphone to determine the dimensions from one edge of the box to the other.

2. Air Measure App

You can choose this online 3D Cube tool to measure a box for shipping quickly. It can help you get the length, width, and height of the box in no time.

3. AR Ruler App

An advanced digital measure app. It measures a box using your smartphone's camera to give accurate dimensions of the box using augmented reality (AR) technology. Good App to measure furniture, rooms, or other items without any need for physical measuring tools.

Why is It So Important to Measure A Box For Shipping Accurately?

Measuring the boxes for shipping in accurate size is essential from many aspects. It can lower your shipping costs which can help you get the ideal shipping rates. Incorrect box measurements can go nowhere. It can result in additional unwanted shipping costs.

Final Statement

Learning how to measure box for shipping is essential. The right dimensions of the box (length, width, and height) determine the appropriate shipping rates while ensuring content safety during transit.

Getting your boxes ready in the correct sizes not only facilitates efficient shipping but also helps avoid potential issues related to size restrictions set by different shipping carriers. This can eliminate extra shipping costs.

To get the right-sized packaging boxes for shipping your products, look no further than Custom Product Packaging. Write us a short email at orders@customproductpackaging.com to discuss your packaging requirements in the exact dimensions you want.