When ordering boxes for your business, it is easy to become nervous about getting the perfect measurements. Boxes are an important part of your business, from shipping to packaging, and it can be frustrating when they arrive and are the wrong size for your needs. The most common mistake people make is supplying measurements for the wrong sides of the box, ending up with a shorter, longer or deeper box than anticipated.
In this article we help break down the cardboard box measuring process, to ensure you order the right boxes every time!
Internal vs External Dimensions
The first thing to understand when taking and supplying box measurements is that the measurements needed always refer to the internal dimensions of the cardboard box. In short, the space you measure is the usable space, not the outside of the box. The reason boxes are measured in this way is to ensure that your product or products are snug inside the box.
This is important as the external and internal measures can be different, up to 10mm depending on the grade and fluting of the corrugated cardboard.
If you are a business owner who wraps their products in bubble wrap, or tissue paper, be sure to add the necessary mm to your measurements. It is recommended that you add up to 10mm where necessary, especially if it is important for you to have finger room beside your product when placing it into the box.


Understanding Length x Width x Height
The standard box dimensions are given in this order: length x width x height (or depth).
If you give your measurements in a different order, the box you receive will be different than what you expect. As an example, a box that is 200L x 100W x 50H mm is very different to a box that is 100L x 50W x 200H mm. You can also double check this with your supplier if you are nervous about giving the correct measurements in the right order!
Let’s break these down a little bit more.
The length is always the longest horizontal measurement of your box. It can also be the longest opening dimension. The only expectation is if your box is a square, the length and width will be the same measurement.

The width is the shortest horizontal measurement, or shortest opening side.

The height, or depth, is the vertical measurement when the box is sitting upwards. The height is the measurement between the top and bottom of the box.

Cardboard Boxes for Every Business
If you have been using ill-fitting boxes, you will understand the importance of a measured box for the safety of your products as well as the aesthetic. No matter the size of your business, Jetbox can supply the cardboard boxes you need to take your business to the next level. With no minimum order quantity (MOQ), we can make small batches for small business, as well as bigger runs for larger companies.
If you have ever been put off by an MOQ, our no MOQ cardboard boxes are the perfect solution to dip your toes into the world of custom cardboard boxes. There are a number of styles of corrugated shippers available, and we can customise each and every one to your business needs.
If you are after a standard size box, for your company or for moving, Jetbox has you covered too! We have a number of different boxes ready to go for whatever your needs may be, if you don’t have time to wait.
Australian boxes and packaging supplies with Jetbox
At Jetbox, we have you covered for any and all of your packaging needs. From the boxes themselves, to packing supplies, we are your one stop shop for packing. We offer bubble wrap, packaging tape, bio-fill and more.
Jetbox offers sample runs and prototyping on all our corrugated cardboard shippers. Our team is here for you, to help ensure you get the right box for your needs! From board grade to colour and quantity, the manufacturing team behind Jetbox take a custom-design approach to all our products.
With a quality corrugated box, you can mail your products safely. Contact us today to get your custom box journey started now!