Buying guide · updated November 2026
How to Measure a Gift Box Size
Give the box maker the inner size of the box in millimetres, in the order length × width × height. Measure your product at its widest points, then add room for the insert and any tissue or card. If you are unsure, send the product size and let us calculate the box.
Key takeaways
- Quote and order by inner size, written length × width × height in millimetres.
- Measure the product at its widest points, including caps, pumps and handles.
- Rigid board adds roughly 4–6 mm to each outer dimension; the insert decides the rest.
What is the difference between inner and outer size?
Inner size is the space inside the box; outer size includes the board thickness. Rigid board is about 2 mm thick plus wrap paper, so the outside is roughly 4–6 mm larger than the inside on each dimension. Always order by inner size.
How much space should I leave around the product?
Without an insert, leave 2–3 mm on each side so the product slides in but does not rattle. With an insert, give us the product size and the insert design decides the box size.
What are the most common measuring mistakes?
Measuring the box you have instead of the product, forgetting the bottle cap or pump height, and mixing up width and height. A photo of the product next to a ruler avoids all three.
Which side is length, width and height?
Look at the box with the opening facing up. Length is the longer side of the opening, width is the shorter side, and height (or depth) is the distance from the opening down to the base. For a magnetic flap box the hinge runs along the length. Writing sizes in this order avoids the most common quoting error.
How do I measure for a set of several products?
Lay the products out as you want them displayed and measure the whole arrangement, then note the tallest item. Leave about 8–15 mm of insert material between products and around the edge so the cavities do not tear. Send each product's own size as well: the insert is drawn from those, not from the overall layout.
What allowance should I add for each packing method?
| Packing method | Allowance to add | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No insert, snug fit | 2–3 mm per side | Product slides in without rattling |
| Tissue paper wrap | 5–10 mm on height | Depends on how many sheets |
| Shredded paper fill | 15–25 mm per side | Fill needs space to cushion |
| Fitted card insert | Insert wall 8–15 mm | Send product size; we calculate |
Does box size affect shipping cost?
Yes. Couriers and air freight charge by dimensional weight when a parcel is light for its size, and gift boxes almost always are. A few millimetres saved on each side adds up across a carton. Use our dimensional weight calculator to check a carton before you fix the size.
Want a price for your box? Send style, size and quantities — we reply within 24 hours.
Sources and further reading
Related pages
More buying guides
Quick answers
Should I give the box size in mm or inches?
Millimetres are safest because box dies are made in metric. If you measure in inches, say so clearly and we convert; one inch is 25.4 mm.
Can you work out the box size from my product?
Yes. Send the product dimensions or a photo beside a ruler, tell us if you want an insert, and we propose the inner size with the quote.
How accurate are finished box sizes?
Handmade rigid boxes normally vary by about a millimetre or two. If your product is a tight fit, tell us so the tolerance is checked on the sample.
