Folding carton size calculator
Size a paperboard retail carton around your product, ready to send to a printer.
How it works
Folding cartons, the paperboard boxes used for cosmetics, soap, supplements and food, need a snug fit. Too loose and the product rattles and the box crushes at the corners; too tight and it won't go in on a packing line.
Unlike shipping boxes, carton clearance is usually given as a total per dimension, not per side. A sixteenth of an inch suits rigid products like bottles and jars. Soft products, products that vary in size, or hand-packed lines benefit from an eighth. For bar soap, candles and irregular items, measure several units and size to the largest.
Carton length is the front face width, width is the depth, and height is the tall side. Next step: estimate the tuck end blank size.
Results are estimates based on typical industry values. Confirm final specifications with your supplier or carrier.
Frequently asked questions
How tight should a product box be?
Around 1/16 inch of total clearance per dimension for rigid products, up to 1/8 inch for soft or variable ones.
How are carton dimensions written?
Length × width × height, where length and width describe the opening end panel and height is the distance between the two ends.
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