The Ultimate Box Measuring Guide – How To Measure Custom Cardboard Boxes 

April 11, 2022

Traditionally, measuring a box is easy. You simply take a tape measure and run it along all the edges, taking notes as you do. When it comes to taking measurements for custom cardboard boxes, things are a little bit different… but don’t be intimidated by this! While the process may be different, once you know how to measure for a custom box you’ll be taking measurements like a pro.

The size of your cardboard box is dependent on a number of factors, and all of these need to be considered when placing your order. Not only do you need to know what is going to be put inside your custom cardboard box, but also the type and thickness of your packaging materials such as bubble wrap. Getting the right measurements also impacts your box, as if things are measured incorrectly it could result in a box that is too small or too large.

Read on for everything you need to know about measuring your custom boxes correctly and making the most of custom cardboard boxes!

The Big Question: How Exactly Do You Measure Custom Cardboard Boxes, using Inside or Outside Dimensions?

In short, it is most common to measure custom cardboard boxes using inside dimensions. At Jetbox, this is what we recommend to create boxes that perfectly fit your items and the relevant packaging materials. The reason why inside dimensions are the way to go for that perfect fit is because the internal dimensions are what the manufacturers use to create your boxes. Depending on the cardboard grade, the outside measurements can vary from between 1 to 10mm, allowing for excess unnecessary space.

While it may seem confusing to measure the internal dimensions, simply think of it as the usable space inside the box. This is the internal area you are measuring to ensure a perfect fit! While it may be impossible to measure an exact area taking into account bubble wrap or other packaging materials, get as close as you can while erring on the side of caution.

As an example, say your product is 10cm wide. If you place an order for your box using internal measurements of 10cm, the item will fit perfectly. However if you placed an order for 10cm using external measurements, the inside space would be less than 10cm as a result of the cardboard width meaning your product would not fit! Internal measurements ensure this doesn’t happen.

The Process of Taking Measurements for Your Custom Cardboard Box Using Internal Measurements

The Ultimate Box Measuring Guide - How To Measure Custom Cardboard Boxes  - Jetbox Melbourne

First, you measure the item or items you are shipping. Secondly, you estimate how much buffer your items will need to be safe. For example how many centimeters in bubble wrap, millimeters in butchers paper, or how large of a barrier using bio-fill you will need. As aforementioned, it’s better to overestimate by a little and add more packaging then being short on space.


That’s all you need to do! Remembering that the internal measurements are the inside measurements of the box, and not how big it will be when measured on the outside.

What If You Do Need To Use Outside Measurements For Your Custom Cardboard Box?

A custom cardboard box drawing with arrows indicating the height, length and width.

If you have specific needs for your box, such as shipping requirements, it may call for outside measurements. Some businesses rely on fitting into certain shipping price categories, and ordering boxes that fit into these categories is a must. If you do have these needs, and require boxes of a very specific external size, be sure to communicate with us and explain the measurements you are providing are external.

The 3 Measurements You Need To Supply

Your measurements need to be supplied in this order: length x width x height.

If you accidentally give your measurements in the incorrect order, you could receive a box that is totally different to what you expect. For example, a length of 100cm is very different to a height of 100cm! If you’re worried about this, feel free to email your provider with the measurements and adjoining sides eg length of 100cm.

As a reminder:

Length is the longest horizontal measurement of your box. It will be the longest opening dimension of your box.

A custom cardboard box drawing with arrows indicating the length along the longest side of the box.

Width is the shortest horizontal side. It is the shortest opening dimension of your box.

A custom cardboard box drawing with arrows indicating the width along the shortest side of the box.

Height, or depth, is the vertical measurement. This measurement is the length between the top and bottom of your box when closed.

A custom cardboard box drawing with arrows indicating the height of the box.

Australian Made Custom Cardboard Boxes with Jetbox

Ordering the correct size box is crucial when it comes to custom boxes. Not only does it play into the aesthetic, it also directly impacts the safety of your items in transit. Using our tips, you can place an order with confidence.

All our custom boxes are manufactured in our Melbourne warehouse by corrugated cardboard experts. Our years of experience have allowed us to learn everything there is about box manufacturing, and we offer durable and long-lasting boxing for affordable prices.

Still weary about the potential cost of ordering custom boxes? Use our custom cardboard box calculator for an instant quote today and be surprised by the affordability we offer!

Everyone here at Jetbox is passionate about creating the best experience for our customers! Feel free to send us your questions online. We can’t wait to be a part of your custom box journey.

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How To Pack Your TV Box

We understand that packing TV’s without the original packaging can be a stressful task.

Every Jetbox TV will be supplied with more than enough bubble wrap to wrap any size TV!

To put your TV box together, follow these instructions:

  1. Please start by taping the bottom of the box – pre-fold the flaps to make it easier to close.

  2. Use a blanket to cover your TV before applying bubble wrap.

  3. Lay it down (if the manufacturer recommendations specify that you can) and wrap it in bubble horizontally.

  4. Then wrap again vertically ensuring the corners, front and back are covered well. Tape up the bubble so that it doesn’t come undone.

  5. You can then slide the TV into the box, make sure it fits snugly and close the box with some strong tape.

Bulky Item Delivery Terms & Conditions

Some of our products are large, heavy and bulky and require extra care or special shipping. If your order requires a forklift we will advise before delivery, and if no forklift is available upon delivery a surcharge will apply.

Bulky deliveries that require hand delivery (but no forklift) to the first floor or above and require stair or lift access will also be subject to a delivery surcharge. If you advise at checkout that your delivery is above the ground floor, we will be in touch regarding the surcharge. This surcharge is from $50 per pallet.

Over & Under Runs

Manufacturing processes require machinery to work at quite high speeds. During production, some sheets may be damaged and need to be replaced. In some instances, we cannot replace the sheets at that time and you will be met with a slightly lower Quantity than ordered. This amount will be credited to you.

In most cases though, there will be overruns, as the machinery cannot come to a complete stop in an instant – we require a gradual slow down, which will give us more cartons produced, than what are ordered. These overruns are payable by the client. And taking them also helps save on recycling, which is more sustainable and better for the Environment in the long term.

If you require EXACT Quantities, we may have to make some boxes in a different grade than ordered, to make up your order in the Exact Qty required. These requests will also Incur higher unit costs. This cannot be avoided, as we must consider the recycling processes and costs involved, in helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

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BOARD GRADES

5C or B – Light single flute cardboard used for light packaging requirements or for products that support themselves.

4C or B – Slightly stronger single flute cardboard used for packing paper/notes/pads, etc. Usually for products that self support.

3C or B – Most common board grade usually used for virtually any standard light weight packing.

3C or B Super – Medium strength board that is slightly stronger than the above 3C/B board and can also be used for frozen goods.

1C or B – Strong single flute carboard used mainly for products that need extra support when stacking.

1C or B Super – Super Strength Cardboard that is mainly used for frozen food products that are transported long distance.

3 BC – Twin Cushion cardboard used for Removal Boxes and products that need that little extra care when packaged or for bulky items that may need thicker board when transported.

1 BC – Twin Cushion cardboard with some of the highest grade board for Superior support and stack-ability. Primarily for items over 30KG.