Field note4 min read
Box Dimensions: Length, Width, and Height Order
Length × width × height is the usual order, but the longest side is not always “length” in every workflow.
The usual order is L × W × H
Packaging catalogs commonly list the opening first: length is the longer side of the opening, width is the shorter side, and height is measured from the opening to the opposite panel. Shipping systems may simply need three outside dimensions.
Inside and outside dimensions are different
| Dimension set | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Inside dimensions | Choosing whether a product fits |
| Outside dimensions | Shipping, storage, and pallet planning |
| Score-to-score dimensions | Box manufacturing and converting |
When order changes the calculation
Volume does not change when the three rectangular dimensions are reordered. Length-plus-girth calculations do care which side is longest, so identify the longest finished side before applying a carrier size limit.
FORMULA
Length + girth = Longest side + 2 × (other side 1 + other side 2)