Choosing the right size for your product packaging can make a real difference to how your product looks and feels. Go too small and your product won’t fit. Too big and it may shift around inside – which isn’t the experience you want your customers to have.
This guide walks you through:
- How box dimensions work (and what L x W x H really means)
- How to measure your products correctly
- How much extra space to allow
Work through the steps below, then head to our product page to find your match.
1. Understand how box dimensions are measured
Before you measure your product, it helps to know how we measure our packaging.
Length x Width x Height (L x W x H)
For our product packaging, measurements always follow this order:
- Length (L) – the longer horizontal side
- Width (W) – the shorter horizontal side
- Height (H) – how tall the box is when upright
These are outside dimensions. Your product needs to fit within the inside space, which is slightly smaller due to the thickness of the paperboard.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up width and height – It’s easy to confuse the two, especially when a product is quite flat. Always double-check the order L x W x H when comparing your product to a box size.
- Not accounting for board thickness – The listed dimensions are outside measurements, so the usable space inside is a little smaller. If your product is a close match to a size, go up a size to be safe.
- Measuring a product in the wrong orientation – Think about how the product will sit in the box. Sometimes rotating a product (for example, standing a bottle upright vs. on its side) can help you find a better fit.
2. Measure your product accurately
Use a ruler or tape measure to get your product’s dimensions.
For each product, measure:
- Length – the longest horizontal side
- Width – the shorter horizontal side
- Height – how tall or thick it is
Write down your measurements in the same order as box dimensions:
Product size = Length x Width x Height
If your item is irregularly shaped (like a gift set or bundled product), measure the maximum length, width and height it reaches in its final form – for example, once assembled or packaged together.
3. Allow a little extra space
Because sizes are outside dimensions, you need your product to be comfortably smaller than the box – not just technically smaller.
As a general rule, aim for at least 0.5–1 cm of clearance on each side. This accounts for board thickness and gives your product a secure, well-presented fit.
Example
Your product measures 18 cm (L) x 12 cm (W) x 4 cm (H).
You might aim for a box around:
- 19–20 cm (L) x 13–14 cm (W) x 5–6 cm (H)
Tip: If you’re between 2 sizes, go up. A slightly roomier fit is better than forcing a product in.
4. Consider your product’s shape and fragility
The shape and fragility of your product can also influence which size works best.
For fragile or irregularly shaped items, you may want:
- More height to allow for extra protection above and below
- A slightly larger box overall to reduce pressure on the item
- Room for a custom insert to hold the product securely in place
5. Match your measurements to a box size
Once you know your product measurements and how much clearance you need, you’re ready to choose a size.
- Start with your final required dimensions (product size + clearance):
- Required length
- Required width
- Required height
- On the product page, look for box sizes where Length ≥ Required Length, Width ≥ Required Width and Height ≥ Required Height.
- Among those, choose the smallest size that still meets your needs.
- If you’re between 2 sizes, go up – a slightly larger box gives your product more room to sit securely.
6. Other things to consider
A few more things that can affect which size is right for you.
Weight of the contents – Heavier products may do better in a more compact box to keep the structure stable and reduce strain on the packaging.
Custom inserts – If you plan to add a custom insert (for example, to hold a bottle, jar or set of items in place), make sure the box size gives you enough room for both the product and the insert.
If you’re unsure, consider ordering 2 close sizes to test with your actual product before committing to a larger order.
7. Quick checklist before you order
Before you place your order, double-check:
- [ ] I measured my product in the orientation it will sit in the box
- [ ] I allowed at least 0.5–1 cm of clearance on each side
- [ ] The chosen box size is equal to or larger than my required L x W x H
If you can tick all of these, you’re ready to go.
Next steps
Ready to pick a size? Browse our selection of product packaging and find the best match for your product, then select your size from the dropdown menu on the product page.
Want to explore more packaging ideas? Browse more packaging tips and inspiration in our Business tips section.
FAQs
What is the difference between inside and outside dimensions on a product box? Outside dimensions measure the full size of the box including the walls. Inside dimensions measure the usable space within. Our product packaging sizes are outside dimensions, so your product needs to be smaller than the listed size to fit comfortably.
How much bigger should a box be than the product? As a general rule, aim for at least 0.5–1 cm of clearance on each side. This accounts for the thickness of the paperboard and ensures your product sits securely without being forced in.
What is L x W x H on a box? It stands for Length x Width x Height — the standard order for writing box dimensions. Length is the longer horizontal side, width is the shorter horizontal side and height is how tall the box is when upright.
What happens if my product is irregularly shaped? Measure the maximum length, width and height your product reaches in its final form — for example, once assembled or bundled together. Then use those measurements to find a box that fits comfortably around it.
Do I need a separate shipping box for my product packaging? In most cases, yes. Our product packaging is thin paperboard designed to sit directly around your product. For shipping, most products will also need a corrugated outer box to protect them in transit.
What is a custom insert and do I need one? A custom insert is a shaped piece of card or foam that sits inside the box to hold your product in a specific position. They’re worth considering for fragile, oddly shaped or premium products where presentation and protection matter. If you plan to use one, factor its thickness into your size calculations.
