Resource Guide

Box Size Guide

A reference for common corrugated box dimensions for shipping, moving, storage, and bulk handling, with tips for choosing the right size.

How to Measure a Box

Box sizes are listed as Length x Width x Height and refer to the inside dimensions. Length is the longer side of the opening, width the shorter side, and height the distance from the bottom to the top. Outside dimensions are larger because of the board thickness.

For used boxes, measure in several places and use the smallest figure. Leave room for cushioning around fragile items. Carriers often charge by dimensional weight, so an oversized box can cost more to ship even when the contents are light.

For irregular items, measure the smallest rectangle that encloses the item, including any protrusions, then add space for packing material.

Standard Shipping Box Sizes

Interior dimensions in inches.

Size (L x W x H)	Common Name	Common Uses	Volume (cu ft)
6 x 6 x 6	Small cube	Small items, gifts, candles, cosmetics	0.13
8 x 8 x 8	Medium cube	Electronics accessories	0.30
10 x 10 x 10	Large cube	Books, mugs, small appliances	0.58
12 x 12 x 12	Standard cube	General shipping, retail products	1.00
14 x 14 x 14	Medium standard	Medium items	1.59
16 x 16 x 16	Large standard	Clothing, toys, medium goods	2.37
18 x 18 x 16	Medium rectangular	Kitchen items, small appliances	3.00
18 x 18 x 24	Tall medium	Lamps, tall items	4.50
20 x 20 x 20	Large cube	Bulky products	4.63
24 x 18 x 18	Standard large	Multiple products	4.50
24 x 24 x 24	Extra large	Large items	8.00
36 x 24 x 24	Heavy duty	Large goods	12.00

Specialty Box Sizes

Typical sizes; exact dimensions vary by product.

Category	Size (L x W x H)	Notes
Wine shipper (1 bottle)	6 x 6 x 14	Used with an insert
Wine shipper (6 bottles)	18 x 12 x 14	Cell dividers; double wall often used
Book mailer	11 x 8 x 4	Wrap-around style
Flat panel	30 x 4 x 24	Artwork, mirrors
Picture frame	36 x 5 x 30	Use corner protectors
Laptop	18 x 14 x 6	Use foam or pulp inserts
Monitor	32 x 8 x 24	Use cradle inserts
Guitar	50 x 20 x 8	For an instrument in a case

Moving Box Sizes

Typical sizes; moving companies and retailers vary slightly.

Type	Dimensions (in)	Volume (cu ft)	Common Uses
Small	16 x 12 x 12	1.33	Books, canned goods, heavy items
Medium	18 x 18 x 16	3.00	Kitchen items, toys, small appliances
Large	18 x 18 x 24	4.50	Linens, pillows, lampshades
Extra large	24 x 18 x 24	6.00	Comforters, bulky light items
Wardrobe	24 x 24 x 40	13.33	Hanging clothes
Dish pack	18 x 18 x 28	5.25	Dishes, glassware

Moving Box Tips

Heavy Items in Small Boxes

Books, tools, and canned goods go in small boxes so they stay liftable.

Light Items in Large Boxes

Linens, pillows, and other bulky but light items suit large boxes.

Keep Boxes Liftable

Do not overfill. A box that is too heavy is hard to carry and more likely to fail.

Fragile Items

Dish packs and double wall boxes give extra protection for glassware and china.

Gaylord Box Sizes

Most gaylords are sized for the standard 48 x 40 inch pallet.

Size (L x W x H)	Type	Common Uses
48 x 40 x 24	Half height	Dense or heavy parts
48 x 40 x 36	Standard	General bulk storage, recycling, agriculture
48 x 40 x 48	Tall	Lightweight bulky items
48 x 45 x 36	Wide	Wider products

Choosing the Right Gaylord

Weight of Contents

Heavy contents call for double or triple wall, and often a lower height.

Moisture

If contents may be damp, ask about coated or lined gaylords.

Stacking

Check that the wall construction suits how high you plan to stack.

Pallet Fit

Match the gaylord footprint to your pallet. The standard US pallet is 48 x 40.

Liners

Food or fine materials may need a poly liner.

Style

Full bottom, half slotted, or octagonal, depending on contents and access.

Know Your Size?

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