Box Dimensions: How to Determine Your Package Size

Your product is finished and you’re ready to start selling, but there’s still one more step — what are you going to ship it in? With so many different sizes and types of boxes out there, it can be tricky to figure out exactly what the right choice for your products is. 

Shipping boxes vs. mailer boxes, rigid vs. corrugated — when it seems like there are unlimited options, it’s easy to get frustrated. Thankfully, there are steps that you can take to make the entire packing and shipping process easy and seamless. 

At Box Genie we’re experts in packaging — here’s everything you need to know to get your products out to your customers. 

Consider The Product

The first thing you need to do to decide the size of your package and what type of packaging you will need is to consider your product. Different types of products require different types of packaging. For example, heavy objects will likely need more durable packaging material like corrugated cardboard. This material is thicker and has a folded middle layer that adds strength and protection.

Another element you need to consider is fragility. If any of your products are fragile, you will need to make special packaging considerations to make sure that everything arrives to the customer in one piece. We recommend using a thicker corrugated box for these circumstances in addition to custom product inserts to keep everything safe in transit. 

Finally, make sure that the type of packaging you use is a good fit for the products you’re selling. For example, if you’re selling high-end products, your customers may expect visually appealing, high-end packaging. If you’re selling eco-friendly products, your customers may expect eco-friendly packaging as a part of your brand’s commitment to the environment. 

Take Your Measurements

Now it’s time for the next step — measuring your products. If you’re only packaging a single product, then this is easy. However, If you’re packaging multiple products in one box then it may take some experimentation to find the best layout right.

Figuring out the perfect layout is important. Think about how the customer will see the products for the first time when they unbox the package. Try to think about what they would want to see and what’s aesthetically appealing. 

When it comes to packaging measurements, the dimensions will always be the measurements of the inside of the box. This means that if your products fit within the measurements, they should always fit in the box.

In total, record three different measurements in the unit of inches:

• The length (L) from side to side
• The width (W) from front to back
• The depth (D) from top to bottom

It’s often a good idea to add an extra 0.25 inches to your measurements just to make sure that there’s a bit of wiggle room there and your items won’t be crammed into the box with no room to spare. Make a note of these measurements for quick reference.

Weigh Your Product

Weight is one of the measurements shipping companies use to decide how much shipping your product will cost. Unnecessarily heavy packaging will add to your shipping costs, so it’s important to find the right balance between weight and strength.

It’s a best practice to weigh your items before you decide on the right packaging type. Consider investing in a quality shipping scale to get accurate weights for all your products.

Select the Right Box Size

After gathering your measurements and weight, the next step is to find a box that fits your needs. If you’re buying boxes from a manufacturer you might not be able to find a box that matches your dimensions perfectly. 

Here's a list of commonly used box sizes:

Mailer Boxes:

• 4 x 4 x 2 inches
• 6 x 6 x 2 inches
• 8 x 5 x 3 inches
• 8 x 6 x 4 inches
• 9 x 8 x 3 inches
• 10 x 9 x 4 inches
• 14 x 10 x 4 inches

Shipping Boxes:

• 6 x 6 x 6 inches
• 8 x 8 x 8 inches
• 10 x 10 x 8 inches
• 12 x 12 x 6 inches
• 12 x 12 x 10 inches
• 14 x 14 x 12 inches
• 16 x 14 x 14 inches
• 20 x 18 x 12 inches

These sizes are a starting point, but there are thousands of variations to fit your specific needs. 

Mailer Boxes vs. Shipping Boxes

There are two main types of packaging used to ship products — mailer boxes and shipping boxes. 

Mailer boxes are designed for direct mail and are favored for their self-locking designs and aesthetic appeal. Their construction allows for easy assembly and a presentable unboxing experience. They can also be customized with your brand logos and other information, making them popular among subscription box services, e-commerce brands, and businesses seeking a premium look.

Mailer Box Features:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Mailer boxes provide a sleek, professional look that enhances brand value and customer unboxing experience.
• Durability: They are structurally sound, offering better protection for items during transit.
• Customization: Easy to print on and customize, mailer boxes can be tailored to match brand identity, providing an effective marketing tool.
• Eco-friendly Options: Many mailer boxes are made from recycled materials and are recyclable, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Shipping boxes are the most common type of packaging used for a wide range of products. These boxes are versatile, available in various sizes and strengths, and are designed to accommodate everything from lightweight to heavy items. Shipping boxes are typically made from corrugated cardboard and are an economical choice for businesses looking for functional packaging.

Shipping Box Features:

• Versatility: Available in a wide range of sizes, shipping boxes can accommodate almost any product.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Less expensive than mailer boxes, making them suitable for businesses with tight budgets.
• Variety: Shipping boxes come in different corrugated strengths, allowing for customization based on the weight and fragility of the items being shipped.

Packaging Enhancements

If you want to step up your packaging game, then you should check out extras like box dividers or custom inserts to protect your items while in transit. Both of these features can make a big difference in how your customer perceives your brand when they open your box. 

Custom Packaging

The best option for many business owners is custom packaging. Custom packaging doesn’t just allow you to customize the type of box and the size of the box, but it also allows you to customize the box’s design and features! This can be a great option for brands who are looking to cement their brand image within their respective industries while making a positive impression on their customers before they even see the products themselves! 

With custom packaging, you can choose the color, text, and images that appear on the box. That way, when your customer receives it, there will be no question about what it is and who it’s from. Help your brand stand out within a sea of ordinary brown cardboard boxes by investing in custom packaging. It is an investment that customers will take note of and help you earn more money as a result. 

Designing Custom Packaging

When you’re designing your packaging, there are some things that you need to keep in mind along the way so that you can get the most bang for your buck:

• Your brand. This involves using existing fonts, colors, patterns, and logos.
• Your target customer. What aspects of packaging will they care about or will appeal to them specifically? 
• Your sales channel. Where are customers seeing your packaging? Will it stand out against competitors? 
• The source of your custom packaging. Working with true experts, like those at Box Genie, really is priceless! We are here to help guide you toward personalized shipping solutions that will work for you and your business. 

As you can see, figuring out your package size doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little bit of planning, you’re able to quickly choose the right box, arrange your products, and get them sent out for the customer to enjoy.