Shipping boxes are typically made of corrugated cardboard. These boxes are specially designed to protect items from breaking during transit and storage. This packaging is available in various sizes and businesses or individuals select the size according to their product. You can seal it with tape or glue.
In this blog, you will get to know about the standard box dimensions for shipping and also about the different types of these boxes. This detailed guide will help you in choosing the perfect box for shipping your product.
Common Types Of Shipping Boxes
There are some types of shipping boxes that are commonly used by individuals and businesses. Such as:
- Regular slotted cartons: It is the most common style of shipping boxes. In these boxes, all the flaps are of the same size.
- Shipping mailer packaging boxes: These boxes are mostly used to store or ship smaller items. This is popularly used for apparel, gifts and subscription boxes.
- Corrugated shipping boxes: This corrugated box packaging is durable, strong and lightweight. These are available in different designs and can be used to pack most of the products.
Why Are The Shipping Boxes Dimensions Important?
Accurate measurement of the dimensions of the shipping box is important. Because if the size is right, then the product will be safe from any damage. Businesses measure the dimensions of their products and give them to the packaging companies.
Then these companies make the box according to the product dimensions and the company’s budget. Because every shipping box has different rates based on its size. These boxes ensure that your customers receive an intact product.
Many times, people use shipping boxes that are too large for their products and it costs them a lot. To get the accurate size of a box, check out how to measure a box. But with the right size of box, you not only improve the packing efficiency but also reduce the shipping cost.

Steps To Choose The Right Dimensions Of Box For Shipping
For selecting the right box, you must know about the normal shipping box dimensions. If you know how to measure these dimensions, you can easily select the right box. There are also some steps that you can follow to select the right size of the box.
- The first thing you have to do is carefully measure the dimensions of the product. Because if you don’t know the product size, then you cannot select the right size of the box.
- Then see how much protection the product needs. If it is a lightweight product, then you can choose a small box but if the product is big, then you need a large box.
- If you are not sure, then the best thing to do is add 1 inch to the dimensions of your product and give them to the shipping carriers.
- Lastly, before finalizing the box, pack a sample and see how the product is placed. The flaps should properly close, there should be space for cushioning or inserts and the box should stay in shape when lifted.
Standard Box Dimensions For Shipping And Their Uses
As we know, shipping boxes are available in various sizes and every size is used to pack some specific items. It is important that you get the box according to the size of the product. You should choose the material according to how fragile or delicate the product is. Some of the standard sizes are:
Small Shipping Boxes
These boxes are commonly used to deliver fragile and lightweight items. It’s a compact-sized packaging box. The products that are mostly packed in these are cosmetics, glassware, jewelry or other small items.
|
Small shipping box dimensions (IN) |
Small shipping box sizes (CM) |
|
6 x 4 x 4 |
15.2 x 10.1 x 10.1 |
|
8 x 6 x 4 |
20.3 x 15.2 x 10.1 |
|
8 x 8 x 8 |
20.3 x 20. 3 x 20.3 |
|
10 x 10 x 10 |
25.4 x 25.4 x 25.4 |
Average Shipping Boxes
They are the versatile packaging boxes used for most of the products. These are also budget-friendly. You can safely pack many items in these, such as clothing, electronics, kitchen appliances and more.
|
Average shipping box dimensions (IN) |
Average shipping box sizes (CM) |
|
10 x 10 x 10 |
25.4 x 25.4 x 25.4 |
|
12 x 12 x 6 |
30.4 x 30.4 x 15.2 |
|
12 x 12 x 12 |
30.4 x 30.4 x 30.4 |
|
16 x 12 x 12 |
40.6 x 30.4 x 30.4 |
Large Shipping Boxes
These boxes are designed to ship bulky and heavy items. This is a spacious box in which you can pack multiple items. The items that you can pack in these boxes are monitors, lamps and other heavy items.
|
Large shipping box dimensions (IN) |
Large shipping box sizes (CM) |
|
18 x 18 x 28 |
45.7 x 45.7 x 71.1 |
|
20 x 20 x 12 |
50.8 x 50.8 x 30.4 |
|
24 x 18 x 18 |
60.9 x 45.7 x 45.7 |
|
24 x 24 x 24 |
60.9 x 60.9 x 60.9 |
Flat Rate Shipping Boxes
It is a special packaging type in which you pay a fixed amount of shipping. In this, the shipping cost is not charged according to the size and weight of the product. You can pack any product in it. The flat rate shipping box dimensions totally depend on the product sizes.
Box Dimensions For Shipping For Different Shipping Carriers
There are different shipping carriers that you can choose from. But before selecting the shipping company, you must know how to calculate box dimensions for shipping. This will help you in selecting the right carrier and save your money.
FedEx
The FedEx shipping box dimensions are important to know for you before selecting them as your shipping carrier. They provide every size of box. You can choose any size that is suitable for your product. Some box sizes and their uses are given below:
|
Dimensions of box |
Uses |
|
8 x 8 x 8 |
Lightweight and small products |
|
14 x 14 x 14 |
Home goods and clothing items |
|
20 x 20 x 20 |
Large or multiple items |
USPS
If we talk about USPS shipping box dimensions, then they also have a lot of variety for you to choose from. You can choose them as your shipping carrier for any product, whether it is a lightweight or heavy-duty item. The common sizes they use are:
|
Box dimensions |
Uses |
|
8-11/16 x 5-7/16 x 1-3/4 |
Small products like jewelry or DVDs |
|
11-1/4 x 8-3/4 x 6, 14-1/8 x 12 x 3-1/2 |
Everyday products like apparel and books |
|
12-1/4 x 12 x 6 |
Large or bulkier products |
UPS
If you are thinking about choosing UPS as your shipping carrier, then there are some common parcel sizes that you should know. After knowing these sizes, you can easily select the right box size.
|
Box sizes |
Uses |
|
13 x 11 x 2 |
Small products |
|
15 x 11 x 3 |
Medium-sized products |
|
18 x 13 x 3 |
Large items and used for international shipping |
Common Mistakes While Measuring The Dimensions Of The Box
There are some mistakes that people make when measuring common shipping box dimensions. If you want to ship shoes, then you can go and read our shoe box dimensions blog. In that blog, we have provided detailed information on how you can measure the shoe box accurately. Now let’s see what mistakes are commonly made by people when measuring shipping boxes.
- People also see sizes like small, medium and large. But they don’t know that every company’s small sizes can be different. So before selecting the box, you should check the specific dimensions provided by that company.
- They provide the packaging companies with the exact measurement of the product without telling them that they want to add some protective cushioning or inserts in the box.
- People use oversized boxes for every product without knowing that small or fragile things can get damaged in these boxes.
- They don’t check the sample before finalizing the box. That’s why it is important that you know how to measure dimensions of a box for shipping, so you can select the shipping box without making these mistakes.
Common Shipping Box Dimensions Used By E-Commerce Brands
For e-commerce businesses, selecting the right shipping box is very important. Because they are totally working through online and if they want to earn the trust of the customers, then they have to ship their orders securely to their doorstep. There are some common sizes of shipping boxes that e-commerce businesses use according to the products.
- 4 x 4 x 4 inches box for shipping small accessories.
- 8 x 6 x 4 inches box for shipping books or small electronics.
- 8 x 8 x 8 inches box for shipping stacked small items.
- 10 x 8 x 6 inches box for shipping larger electronics or shoes.
- 12 x 12 x 12 inches box for shipping mid-size home goods products.
- 16 x 12 x 12 inches box for shipping decor or medium-sized appliances.
- 18 x 14 x 12 inches box for shipping multiple products.
- 24 x 12 x 12 inches box for shipping automotive parts.
Where can you get the right size box?
For the correct size of shipping box, we suggest that you get it customized according to your product specifications. Because standard sizes cannot be used for every product. Every product’s height and weight are different and need different box dimensions shipping.
You can get these boxes customized from UPacked. We use high-quality materials that ensure that your products are carefully shipped. Our design team stays in touch with you throughout the process and provides 2D and 3D mockups. So if you want to add any changes before production starts, you can easily do it.
Shipping Box Prices According To Their Sizes
Shipping companies charge money according to the size and weight of the product. Every shipping box price is different; however, there are some shipping boxes that have fixed prices. The standard price ranges of shipping boxes are around $0.25 to $8.00.
Conclusion
You must get the right size of the shipping box. Because if the size is not accurate, then your product can break during transit. If the customer orders from your brand and you didn’t choose the right shipping. It can result in the customer receiving the damaged item and they will not trust your brand again. To get the perfect and strong shipping boxes in the USA, get in touch with us. You can also get custom packaging boxes for other products from us.
FAQ’s
How To Measure Box Dimensions For Shipping?
The accurate and best way to get the right dimensions is to follow the volume= L x W x H formula.
What Are The Big Shipping Box Dimensions?
The dimensions of these boxes are the same as the large shipping boxes.
How Do I Select The Right Shipping Box?
First, carefully measure the product and then, while ordering, you can increase the size by 1-2 inches as a safety measure.
Is The Material You Use Sturdy Enough To Hold Heavy-Duty Items?
Yes, we use robust and sturdy corrugated material that can easily handle heavy items.
What Are The Standard Shipping Box Sizes In Cm?
The standard dimensions of the shipping box in centimeters range from 15 x 10 x 7 to 61 x 46 x 46.
What Are The Standard Shipping Box Dimensions In Inches?
The standard dimensions of the shipping box in inches range from 6 x 4 x 3 to 24 x 18 x 18.
Recent Blogs
From food and beauty to fashion, electronics, and more, our custom packaging boxes are designed to fit your products, reflect your brand, and stand out on the shelf. You tell us what you need and we will handle the rest. We offer a wide variety of packaging styles to suit every product, brand and occasion.
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