How to Measure a Small Rectangular Box Correctly?

One of the most used styles for packing material is a rectangular box. In this article, we will talk in detail about a small rectangle box measurements diagram. Whenever you need to pack anything, the most important thing to consider is the right kind of box for it. The first step for that is to pick the measurements of the box to carry your item. For a custom rectangular box, those will be its length, width, and height. They can be of two kinds.

Small Rectangle Box Measurements Diagram

• Internal Measurements

These are the most important measurements taken according to your item size. The item will not fit the box if it is too small. It will have a lot of space to move and get damaged if the custom box is too big from the inside.

• External Measurements

These are important to determine the size from the outside. It affects the space required to store the custom rectangle box. The shipping estimation as well as the product cost as per the material or design. Both, internal and external dimensions work together to factor in the thickness of the material. 

Industry Standards for Small Rectangle Box

A rectangle has two long sides and two short sides. The opposite sides have the same measurements. Usually referred to as Length, Width, and Depth. Here is a brief description of each side of a small rectangle box used in the industry.

• Length

If you stand over a box and view it from a bird's eye. The longest side that is facing you is its length. Usually represented with L.

• Width 

Again from the bird's eye view, the shorter side you see will be its width. Written as W.

• Height

Now if you view it from the front, then its distance from the surface it is on, will be its height. Sometimes referred also as depth (D).

The standard way to represent the sides is LxWxD.

Two other measurements to consider are Volume and Area.

• Volume

Volume represents the internal capacity of a box. The amount of something it can hold inside. Represented with V=L xWxD. It's a multiple of all the above dimensions we talked about. You can use this calculator to find the volume of your custom box here.

• Area

It is a representation of the space the box is going to take when placed on a surface.

Internal vs. External Measurements Diagram

The small rectangle boxes are a great way to store many items. They can be made out of different materials such as rigid, craft, corrugated, or cardboard. Taking correct measurements is very important according to the material used. Especially for corrugated boxes. As they are made with a cardboard material, further folded over on the sides to appear thicker.

Rectangle Box Measurements for the Insides

To take the Internal measurements of your small rectangle box. Place your measuring tape on the determined length side of the box and measure from one end to the other. Make sure to lay your measuring tape flat along the side to avoid any errors. Repeat the same process for all sides. It is very necessary to take correct measurements to fit your product the right way in your custom packaging boxes. Otherwise, the item might not fit. If your measurements are more than required, the box may be too wide for it. 

This can increase the chances of damage to your product during shipping and handling. These measurements are usually a bit less than the outside dimensions. The difference can be anywhere from a millimeter to an inch or more, depending on the box design. If you want a custom design printed on the inside of your box. These dimensions will be used for that.

Rectangle box Measurements for The Outside

For these measurements of your small rectangle box, place the measuring tape on the outside edge. Take the exact measurement of the length, width, and height of the box. External measurements are necessary for the overall look of your box. If you have a custom artwork required for your box then it will be according to these dimensions. The bleed and trim lines will also depend on these measurements. 

Area and Volume

In most cases, there is no need to worry about surface area and volume. However, these measurements can be useful if the box is going to be placed in a specific area with calculated space for storage. Area can be calculated by multiplying the length and width of your rectangle box. It shows the outside footprint the box is going to have when placed somewhere.

Volume can be calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the box. It shows how much capacity it has to hold on the inside. It is particularly useful if you plan on packing more than one thing in the box.

Contact Us!

Now that you know how to take the correct measurements according to your requirements. Talk to us and place your order for our custom small rectangle boxes or take a look at other custom designs we offer.

Read Also: How To Measure A Box Dimension?