Say you just ordered fifty boxes for your product. They show up, you open one, and the product won't fit. Or it rattles around inside like loose change. Not a great moment.

Most of the time, the cause is a bad measurement and it's easy to fix once you know how to measure length, width, and height in the right order. At The Custom Boxes, we talk to people about this every single day, so we know where things tend to go wrong. Let's fix that.

What Length, Width, and Height Mean

Every object has three basic measurements. Together, they're called dimensions.

Length is the longer side. Width is the shorter side. Height is how tall the thing is, from the bottom to the top. Picture a shoebox on your desk. The long edge is the length. The short edge is the width. The depth is the height.

Length, Width, and Height Dimensions will be written on most of your product pages and quotes. It is very important for you to understand the sequence.

Calculating Length, Width, and Height

Nothing fancy needed. All that you require is a measuring tape, a pen, and scratch paper.

Here’s the fast-track approach for you:

• Width should be measured in the shortest part of the rectangle.
• Height should be measured from bottom to the top point of the rectangle.
• Write it down right away before your memory fails you.
• Check it twice. The second time will catch most mistakes.

Measure using inches for U.S. orders. In case you measured using centimeters, make sure you convert them accurately.

Length Width Height Dimensions of a Box

Custom box dimensions are slightly different compared to product dimensions. You can either measure the internal or external measurements. They won’t be the same, as there are always dimensions of the walls.

Internal dimensions give an exact measurement of what the box holds. External dimensions are important for shipment and storage purposes. Generally, box manufacturers provide the internal measurements of a box, but that does not mean that all do so. All you need to do is inquire.

You start off with the bottom of the box which will give you the Length and Width of the box as this is made up of two sides. Then you will need to find the depth of the box which will give you the height of the box. The usual method is Length x Width x Height.

Mistakes That Cost People Money

This is something that almost everyone does at least once. Here’s what you need to watch out for:

• Incorrect proportions: If you switch your dimensions, the result will be an incorrect size of box.
• Measuring the exterior rather than the interior: Your item will feel squished in its packaging.
• Ignoring the widest point: Items with curvature require more room than you think.
• An old and stretched-out tape measure: Gives you incorrect numbers.
• Ignoring the packing material: It takes up room as well.
• Too much rounding: An eighth of an inch could make or break closing the box.

Small Habits That Help

However, some simple practices will save you a whole lot of headaches. It is advised to use a rigid ruler or even a metal tape if you have one. A soft tape tends to sag, hence making your product appear longer than it actually is.

Remember to keep your measurements as well. They can be noted in a phone message, thus eliminating the need for measuring every single time you order more products.

Conclusion

The process of measurement does not take much time at all. You will definitely save yourself weeks of headache with it. Once you have your measurements for your length, width, and height you will notice that selecting your box becomes much simpler.

Do everything step-by-step, do not forget about mistakes to avoid, and be sure to check your measurements twice. Should you experience any trouble with your dimensions, The Custom Boxes is happy to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What order are length, width, and height written?

Order in order of length, width, then height. Please always check measurements order above first and then order.

Q2. How many pieces is the box/ How high, wide and long is the box?

Begin by taking your opening measurement, widest would be the length, narrowest the width. Then, time to measure from the bottom to the top, the height.

Q3. Do I need to measure inside or outside dimensions of a box?

For product fit, measure inside, and for shipping and storage, use outside dimensions.

Q4. Is Length x Height x Width = Length x Width x Height?

The values of the calculations will be the same; however, the dimensional order will differ. Thus, some suppliers use this option.

Q5. How much extra space should I allocate for my product?

A quarter to a half inch on each side. Add more if you are using any padding or insert material.