How to Take Box Measurements: Length, Width, Height Explained!

To measure the right size of a box is important for the safety of the inside-packed product. Although box measurement is not rocket science, measuring a box for custom packaging needs attention to detail. 

Box dimensions are a significant part of any box as they influence what materials are required, production, shipping, and warehousing costs. The less space for product movement in the box means less chance for damage and a reduction in your overall costs. Hence, it is crucial to get accurate measurements for box. 

To do this correctly, this blog has been written with a detailed guide for measuring a box with dimensions: height width and length of a box. Let’s dive deep into that: 

Why Measuring the Right Dimensions of Boxes Matters?

Determining the right dimensions of the box is crucial to customising the boxes’ sizes accurately. It will not only help you pack your products efficiently to reach your customers. Boost customer experience by choosing exact-fit size packaging for your boxes. Explore multiple benefits you can get by precisely measuring the sizes of boxes to customise them:

• Optimize Product Placement 

With exact size measurement, you are able to place your products in a better and efficient way inside shipping containers. This exact size measurement also helps you get rid of extra shipping charges with the proper placement of your inside-packed contents. 

• Reduce Significant Damage

Measuring the right size of the box minimises damage during rough handling or moving your inside-packed contents within the packaging boxes. By producing well-thought-out designs with precise size, build trust and confidence in your brand. 

• Manage Space Effectively

Use space inside your boxes effectively without putting constraints on your budget. Leverage the available space to organise your products packed in these boxes properly. Doing so will help you to use minimum space with maximum results. 

• Save Sufficient Cost 

Utilise your resources intelligently by assessing the market share and your budget cost. Avoid extra space occupancy and unorganised products of your brand to control your overhead on shipping. Hence, measuring the right dimensions of boxes helps streamline and organise your items efficiently. 

How to Measure a Box?

The foremost step to create a perfect packaging size is to determine and measure the three dimensions inside your box rather than outside. You can measure these three dimensions: length, width, and height, with the help of a ruler or tape measure. But firstly, you should know the details of these dimensions for your box measurements. 

Length Width Height Box

There is a particular industry standard order of dimensions that has been used when measuring the internal size of a box. This order is Length x Width x Depth (L x W x D) or Length x Width x Height (L x W x H). 

Note that many companies use depth and height interchangeably. Hence, you can use both orders while reading measurements remain similar. Have a look at the length width and depth or height width and length of a box:

• Length 

The longest side of the box is basically the “length.” It is the measurement from one end to the other of the longest dimension of the box. You can identify length by looking from above at the box, the long side you see. 

• Width 

The next dimension is width, which is the shorter side than the length. You can identify the shortest side, “width,” by looking at the top of your box. To determine width, ensure you place your scale straight across from one edge to the other on the shorter side. 

• Height 

Depth or height is simply perpendicular to the longer side (length) and shorter side (width). In other words, you can say the vertical distance from the base to the top is “depth or height.” You can measure it by placing a measuring tape from the top down to the base of a box. 

How to Take Measurements Width Height Depth

Since you have explored three dimensions for box measurements, let’s explore in detail the height length width of box measurement. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: First, take a measuring tape or ruler. Then, identify the longer side by looking from above at the box. Then, measure from one outside edge to the opposite outside edge to determine the length.
• Step 2: After measuring length, turn your box 90 degrees from the length measurement. Then, identify the shorter side from the top of the box. Measure this shorter side from one outside edge to the opposite outside edge.
• Step 3: Measure the vertical distance from the base of the box to the top, including any flaps that are folded down. This process will help you determine height or depth.
• Step 4: Measure each dimension at least two times to ensure accuracy and account for any irregularities, and eliminate ambiguities. 

Important Tips for Accurate Measurements of Box 

By considering the tips mentioned below, you can accurately share the length, width, and height of the box. Let’s explore them: 

• Use a consistent unit: Ensure all measurements are in the same unit (e.g., inches, millimeters, centimeters).
• Measure on a flat surface: Place the box on a stable, flat surface to avoid inaccurate readings.
• Consider outer dimensions: When measuring for shipping, use the outer dimensions of the box.
• For irregularly shaped boxes: Measure the widest and tallest points to get the most accurate dimensions. 

The Bottom Line

Now you have come to know how to take box measurements: length, width, height explained! Applying the measuring method discussed in the blog will help you accurately measure your box dimensions. You can apply these methods to any packaging project and nail the right size of your box. 

Although if you consult a professional packaging expert to get the right dimension measurements of your box, nothing beats that competency. So, contact OXO Packaging to determine the length width height of a box correctly and upgrade your packaging game!