One of the fundamental skills for solving problems in everyday life is to be able to accurately and consistently measure things. You can use the three measurements of length width and height to determine the size or volume of an object, whether you're designing a box for a customer, ensuring a product is able to fit inside a specified container, or calculating the cubic volume when shipping. These measurements are used to determine the function, structure and general usability for many objects.

This guide will give you a better understanding of what the different dimensions mean and help you identify and correctly use them. You can also learn how to calculate packaging and volume using these measurements. This comprehensive guide is a great resource if you have ever had any questions about the dimensions of boxes or dimensional mass.

Why Dimensions Matter

Dimensions are more than just numbers. They determine whether an item will fit, perform, stack, ship, and store. The dimensions of packaging ensure:

• It is important that a product does not rattle when it's inside the packaging.
• Shippers charge dimensional charges based on accurate weights.
• Shops arrange their products efficiently on shelves.
• Package layouts optimized by manufacturers help save materials.

If you make a measurement mistake, it can damage your product, cause incorrect shipping fees, or result in poorly designed packaging. Knowing the difference between length, wide, and high is important.

The majority of packaging used in everyday life, such as mailers, cartons, and storage box is rectangular or square. In order to accurately measure the size of an object, all that is needed to do for these shapes is to have the exact dimensions. Proper size of box is essential for product protection. Delicious and delicate pizzas need custom pizza boxes in their desired sizes to keep them hot and fresh.

What Does Length × Width × Height Mean?

When people talk about box sizes, they usually list them in this order:

Measurement: L x W x H

This is a formula that can be used to:

• Volume
• Dimensional weight
• Calculate the shipping cost
• Packaging capacity

Simple formulas describe how much space is inside an object. This is particularly important for custom packaging since the box has to fit the product exactly, neither too tightly nor too loosely.

How the Formula Works

It is a simple formula.

Volume = Length x Width x Height

You can now measure the volume of the box. This is the cubic measurement of the box.

• The 18 inch length is the standard.
• Width: 10 in
• Height: 6 inches

Volume = 18.10 x 6.8 = 1.080 cubic inches

This helps to estimate the size of the package and calculate any shipping fees.

Understanding the Order of Measurements

When it comes to dimensions, the order that they are written is confusing. There are slightly different conventions for packaging based on its shape and orientation.

Standard Order: Length × Width × Height

The order that is generally accepted.

• Length (from the opening): The box’s longest side.
• A panel's width is measured by the length of its shorter side.
• Height: Measurement from top-to-bottom.

In some cases, however, names for the sides of a box may be different depending on its orientation such as vertical or horizontal and the number of sides. Custom food boxes are also available in the standard order of measurements.

Alternate Orders and When They’re Used

Height Width Length Orders

This is the order most often used when packaging vertically, such as in rigid cartons or stand-alone display boxes. As the dimensions are oriented, top-to-bottom is usually the predominant dimension.

Height Length Width Orders

This order is sometimes used by manufacturers or shipping agents for the horizontal package. Despite the fact that the sequence changes, physical dimensions remain unchanged.

You can order by length, height or width

When you rotate the boxes to see them from the sides, it is possible that the order will change. If you view the box from the side, it may appear that the order has changed.

No matter the choice of order, the calculation for the internal volume remains the exact same.

Length vs. Width vs. Height: What’s the Difference?

For a better understanding of the difference, let's break these terms down in simple English.

LENGTH

• Usually, the longest edge of the item.
• Running from front to back, the left side of the body is oriented.
• This is used to calculate the length.

Size

• This is typically the longer side on the exact same front panel.
• Runners from front to rear
• Useful for determining the breadth of the item.

Height

• The measurements are taken from the top down.
• Indicates how high or deep the box is.

Cereal Boxes as a Tool for Understanding

In this section, we will consider the custom cereal boxes as example:

• The length is from the top (top) to the bottom.
• In the front view, width is measured from left-to right.
• The narrowest part of the box is its length, also called the depth.

A cereal box can include:

• Height: 12.5"
• Dimensions: 7 inches
• Length of 2 inches

This example illustrates that every dimension corresponds to a specific part of a product.

Tips for Measuring a Box Correctly

It is crucial to get the right packaging structure by measuring accurately. Use these tips to make sure you get the right measurements:

 Use Proper Tools

• Use tape measure to check the size of large boxes
• Ruler for small mailers
• Calipers are used to make precise measurements
• Flexible measuring tapes for curved surfaces

You should measure internal dimensions before anything else.

When it comes to packaging, the internal measurements determine how well a product will fit. Outside measurements also include thicknesses of materials, which may vary depending on stock.

Always Measure from the Longest Sides

No matter the orientation, it is always length that counts. This eliminates any confusion about which side to choose.

Record Dimensions in the Correct Order

No other order is acceptable unless explicitly instructed.

Measurement: L x W x H

Double-Check Before Submitting to a Box Manufacturer

One half inch mistake could lead to the following:

• Incorrect die-lines
  Unusable packaging
• Extra material cost
• Costs of shipping are rising

Tools Used for Measuring Length, Width, and Height

Professionals use various precise tools. This is especially true when it comes to creating highly accurate packaging.

1. Calipers

Used for measuring the thickness of materials, their inner diameters, and precision internal spaces.

2. Rulers & Yardsticks

Ideal for smaller pieces and flat surfaces.

3. Measuring Measurement Tape

The best choice for large box shapes or those with irregularities.

4. Digital Measuring Tools

With laser distance measuring devices, you can easily measure distances between shelves or long distances.

Each tool can be used depending on its size and the nature of what you are working with.

How to Calculate the Volume of a Box

You can easily find out the volume of an empty box once you have these three measurements.

Volume Formula

Volume = Length x Width x Height

Take for instance:

One box that contains

• The length of the sash is 16 inches
• WIDTH = 12 INCHES
• Height 12 inches

Than the custom printed boxes Volume will be = 16 x 12 x 12, or 2,304 cubic inches

This helps to determine:

• Shipping Costs
• Storage Planning
• Compatible Products

How to Write Dimensions Properly

It is important to write down the measurements when specifying or ordering a custom-made box.

Correct Format:

Measurement: L x W x H

Example: If a mailbox measures

• The length of the sash is 16 inches
• WIDTH = 12 INCHES
• Height is 8 inches

Please write the following:

16" by 12" by 8"

By doing this, you can ensure everyone involved with the manufacture or shipment of the box knows the correct orientation and fit.

Internal Dimensions: Why They Are More Important than External Ones

External measurements include board thickness, which varies depending on: Outside measurements are based on the board thickness. Board thickness varies depending:

• Corrugated flute
• Material composition
• Coating, lamination

The product may not fit if the only measurements you use are external. Internal Dimensions Guarantee:

• Product placement that is snug and secure
• Manufacturers of accurate products
• A better protection of goods during transit

Final Thoughts

Understanding length, width, and height are essential skills for any person working with product packaging, shipping, design, or other related fields. This guide has helped you to understand the importance of internal measurements, how to calculate them, and identify your dimensions. Custom Boxes Deals provides tailor-made solutions for packaging your products to your specifications.

We hope this blog will help you to understand the measurement order in detail to choose the right order and create packaging for your products with the right dimensions.