Measuring Guide: How to Choose the Right Box Size

You've made it! Your products are finally ready to ship after weeks or months of planning and execution. The only question now is how you'll send orders to customers. 

Most businesses have successfully used custom packaging to ship their products to customers. Personalized shipping and mailer boxes made it easier for customers to remember their brand. 

It also helped that these packaging materials are tailor-made for their items. When products fit their casing perfectly, they're less prone to damage during shipping.

That's the reason why it's crucial that you get your measurements right when ordering custom boxes.

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If you want to order custom shipping or product boxes for your business, this post is for you. We'll show you how to choose the right box size through this box measuring guide.

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Essential Packaging Terminologies

There's nothing more frustrating than talking with a box supplier and not understanding each other. That's why you must learn some basic packaging terminologies to help you get the right box product and shipping box sizes for your business. 

Master these terminologies and you'll sound like a total packaging rock star in no time. 

• Packaging — Packaging includes all the materials that encase and protect a product, from boxes and mailers to inner cushioning and dividers. It helps store, distribute, and even present your goods. 
• Primary Packaging — Packaging includes all the materials that encase and protect a product, from boxes and mailers to inner cushioning and dividers. It helps store, distribute, and even present your goods.
• Secondary Packaging — Secondary packaging is commonly used to showcase the primary packaging and additional components to the consumer. It’s primarily utilized for shipping or display purposes and offers more protection than the primary packaging.
• Tertiary Packaging — Tertiary packaging is akin to "casepacks" that are utilized to ship multiple secondary-packaged items to resellers or warehouses. Despite its aesthetic value, it needs clear labels and coding for correct routing, and it's the heaviest-duty packaging.
• Standard Packaging — Pre-made in industry-standard sizes, standard packaging is a cost-effective option. While the boxes themselves might not be custom, they can still be personalized and branded with your unique designs.
• ‍Custom Packaging — Custom packaging lets you personalize everything from size and material to finishing touches. It's perfect for creating a unique brand experience.

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Measuring the Product

Getting product measurements spot on is key, especially for small businesses that must pack and ship their goods. It's all about making sure your items fit snugly in their boxes, avoiding breakage while keeping shipping costs down. 

This guide is your go-to for nailing those measurements to ensure your products are stored and shipped without a hitch. 

Measuring products is a straightforward process. If this is your first time doing it, don't worry. We'll walk you through the whole process.

Place your product on a flat surface and a ruler or measuring tape. Have a pen and paper ready to jot down your measurements.

• Length — Measure the longest side of the product from one end to the other.
• Width — Measure the widest part of the product opposite to the length measurement. Measure the widest point if the product has an irregular shape.
• Height — Measure the product from the base to the highest point.

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Do this for every type of product you have in your inventory.

And there you go! Use these measurements to order custom product boxes for your business. You can use your product box measurements when ordering custom shipping boxes.

Box Requirements

A box is a box, right? You probably think you should be fine as long as your product fits. 

Well, not quite.

You need to put a lot of thought into box packaging. Finding the perfect size is a bit like Goldilocks searching for the perfect bed. You want something that fits your products just right. It's all about keeping your products snug and safe, while also being kind to your wallet.

Measuring might sound like a chore, but it's essential, especially if you're juggling different product types. And it's not just for the small stuff. Imagine your candles become the talk of the town and orders start pouring in by the dozen! 

You'll need larger shipping boxes to fit all those candles comfortably.

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But don't worry. A little planning goes a long way. By thinking ahead about the types of boxes you'll need and their sizes, you'll be one step closer to packaging perfection. 

So, let's make sure your products not only arrive safely but also make a great first impression. 

Keep these in mind when preparing to order custom or standard boxes for your business:

• Product Size — How big are your products?
• Product Weight — How heavy are your products?
• Quantity — How many items are you putting inside the box?
• Box Type — What type of box do you need?
• Filler — Do you need packaging filler to keep products secure?
• Shipping — Are you shipping products to customers?

The rest of the process will become easier once you plan all your packaging needs.

Box Volume Calculation

Your box provider just asked you about box volume. What do you say? How do you even compute for that?

Relax. You got this.

Calculating your box volume is easier than it might seem. Here's the formula.

Length x Width x Height = Volume

So if your product has a length of 30 in., a width of 28 in., and a height of 14 in. then the formula should be:

30 in. x 28 in. x 14 in. = 11,760 cubic inches

Knowing your box volume is yet another way you can get the right box size for your product. Let your box supplier know your box volume so they can provide you with options.

Matching Products to Standard Boxes

Standard boxes are actually pretty great. They're just as sturdy as the custom ones. The trick is to choose boxes that hug your product just right. It's like finding the perfect home for them where they feel safe and secure, which not only keeps them in amazing shape but also helps you save on costs. 

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Aim for boxes that are just a tad bigger than your product. This way, there's enough room to snugly fit everything without the risk of damage during their journey to your customers or while they're on display in your store. 

A little care in choosing the right box size goes a long way in making sure your products reach their new owners in perfect condition.

Choosing Between Standard and Custom Box Size

When it comes to picking the perfect boxes for your amazing products, you've got two fantastic options to consider: standard-sized boxes and custom-sized boxes. 

Both have their own unique perks that could be just what you're looking for. Let's break down the benefits of each option, so you can make the best choice for your business.

Standard Boxes

• Affordable
• Readily available
• Faster turnaround
• Consistent look

Custom Boxes

• Space-efficient
• Professional look
• Improved unboxing experience
• Better branding opportunities

Packaging Considerations

Diving into the world of product packaging can be super exciting — and choosing the right box size is a big part of that journey. Whether you're shipping off your first batch of products or looking to refresh your packaging, here are a few friendly pointers to keep in mind.

Padding and Fillers

You have to consider padding and fillers when making your box measurements. Not all packaging fillers are the same though. 

Fillers like custom tissue paper barely take up any space, especially if you wrap them around your product. But rigid styrofoam is a different story. These can be bulky so you'd want to calculate their length, width, and height as well.

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There are fillers that do a great job of occupying unused space like bubble wraps and packing peanuts. 

Weight

You'll want to ensure that your box can handle the weight of your products. Some boxes have locking bottoms, meaning they can handle heavier items. 

It's best to ask your box supplier what they recommend so you don't end up wasting your money on boxes you can't use.

Fragile Items

This ties back to padding and fillers. Make sure you have enough padding to protect fragile items, especially if you plan on shipping them to customers. 

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If your carrier accidentally drops your products while on their way to customers, you could end up with negative reviews. Even worse, you'll have to replace these items which means taking a cut off your profits.

Perishable Items

You have to comply with some requirements if you want to ship perishable items. For instance, you might have to include dry ice or other cooling materials to keep products within certain temperatures. 

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If that is the case, you'll have to update your measurements to have enough space for everything to fit.

Electronics

You may need to seal electronics in special materials depending on what type of product you're selling. For example, some products might need anti-static packaging. Some also require protection against humidity. 

Take these into consideration when you measure your products.

Tips

Here are more tips on choosing the right box sizes for shipping.

Minimizing Wasted Space

There are a few ways you could minimize wasted space. If applicable, try disassembling your products to save space and lower your footprint. You can also give nested packaging a shot. This refers to placing products of different sizes on top of each other.

If possible, you can vacuum seal your products to remove air. This flattens products like stuffed toys or clothing items. That means you'll be able to ship them in smaller boxes.

Bulk Orders

It's a good idea to order boxes specifically for bulk orders. If you already have product boxes, try orienting them in different positions until you find one that makes the most sense. Go for an orientation that makes it possible to ship the most products in a small form factor. 

Measure all your boxes as one unit. Get the length, width, and height. This should give you a general idea of what box size you need for bulk orders.

Prototyping

Before ordering boxes in bulk, ask your supplier for a prototype. Box printing companies should give you the option to order a sample box so you can test them out first.

Once you receive your box, place your product inside to confirm if you got the measurements right. If not, adjust your measurements and try again.

If you'd like some assistance in choosing the right box size for your business, give PackM a call or chat with one of our representatives. You can also email us at sales@packm.com

Related Posts

• 5 Advantages of Customized Packaging
• What Are Packaging Fillers?
• A Guide to Shipping Fragile Items
• How to Package Your Ecommerce Product
• 7 Types of Boxes for Business Packaging

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