Picking the right box size saves money twice: the product reaches safely, and you do not pay courier charges for empty space. This chart lists common cardboard box sizes in inches and centimetres, what usually fits in each, and the volumetric weight couriers may charge for. All sizes are from the boxes we stock.
How to read box sizes
Box sizes are written as Length x Width x Height. Length is the longest side of the opening, width the shorter side, and height the depth. Measure your product, add about 1 to 2 cm on each side for wrapping (about 5 cm for fragile items), and pick the closest box. Our Box Size Finder does this for you.
Mailer box (flap box) sizes
Mailer boxes are 3 ply boxes with a fold-in lid, good for e-commerce and gifting. We stock about 40 sizes in brown and white, in packs from 25. Popular sizes:
| Size (inches) | Size (cm) | Volumetric weight* | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 x 3 x 1 | 11.4 x 7.6 x 2.5 | 0.04 kg | Jewellery, earrings, small accessories |
| 4 x 4 x 2 | 10.2 x 10.2 x 5.1 | 0.10 kg | Watches, perfume minis, candles |
| 5 x 5 x 2 | 12.7 x 12.7 x 5.1 | 0.16 kg | Cosmetics, small gift sets |
| 6 x 4 x 2 | 15.2 x 10.2 x 5.1 | 0.16 kg | Phone accessories, wallets |
| 7 x 5 x 2 | 17.8 x 12.7 x 5.1 | 0.23 kg | Folded t-shirt, kids wear |
| 7 x 7 x 2 | 17.8 x 17.8 x 5.1 | 0.32 kg | Scarves, small hampers |
| 8 x 5 x 2 | 20.3 x 12.7 x 5.1 | 0.26 kg | Books, cosmetics kits |
| 9 x 6 x 3 | 22.9 x 15.2 x 7.6 | 0.53 kg | Shoes for kids, gift boxes |
| 10 x 5 x 2 | 25.4 x 12.7 x 5.1 | 0.33 kg | Long items, chargers, makeup brushes |
| 12 x 10 x 3 | 30.5 x 25.4 x 7.6 | 1.18 kg | Clothes, larger gift hampers |
3 ply corrugated box sizes
3 ply boxes suit light to medium weight items, in packs from 10. Popular sizes:
| Size (inches) | Size (cm) | Volumetric weight* | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 | 8.9 x 8.9 x 8.9 | 0.14 kg | Small jars, candles, mugs (single) |
| 4 x 4 x 4 | 10.2 x 10.2 x 10.2 | 0.21 kg | Mugs, small bottles |
| 6 x 3 x 3 | 15.2 x 7.6 x 7.6 | 0.18 kg | Bottles, perfume, tubes |
| 7 x 4 x 3.5 | 17.8 x 10.2 x 8.9 | 0.32 kg | Small gadgets, chargers |
| 8 x 8 x 8 | 20.3 x 20.3 x 20.3 | 1.68 kg | Toys, kitchen items |
| 9 x 6 x 4.5 | 22.9 x 15.2 x 11.4 | 0.80 kg | Shoes, multiple small items |
| 11 x 6 x 5 | 27.9 x 15.2 x 12.7 | 1.08 kg | Books, small appliances |
| 12 x 4 x 4 | 30.5 x 10.2 x 10.2 | 0.63 kg | Long bottles, rolled items |
5 ply corrugated box sizes
5 ply boxes are double wall, for heavy, fragile and long-distance shipments, in packs from 2. See 3 ply vs 5 ply to choose.
| Size (inches) | Size (cm) | Volumetric weight* | Usually fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 x 10 x 8 | 30.5 x 25.4 x 20.3 | 3.15 kg | Small appliances, heavy items |
| 12 x 12 x 12 | 30.5 x 30.5 x 30.5 | 5.66 kg | Mixed heavy items |
| 15 x 11 x 9 | 38.1 x 27.9 x 22.9 | 4.87 kg | Electronics, kitchenware |
| 18 x 12 x 12 | 45.7 x 30.5 x 30.5 | 8.50 kg | Bulk orders, home items |
| 20 x 10 x 11 | 50.8 x 25.4 x 27.9 | 7.21 kg | Long heavy items |
| 30 x 19 x 18 | 76.2 x 48.3 x 45.7 | 33.63 kg | Moving, bulk stock, large items |
*Volumetric weight = Length x Width x Height in cm ÷ 5000, the formula most Indian couriers use. Your courier is billed for the higher of actual and volumetric weight, so a smaller box can cut shipping cost. Some couriers use a different divisor; check your rate card.
Tips for choosing the right size
- Choose the smallest box that leaves room for padding; empty space means higher courier charges and more movement.
- For clothes, a courier bag is often cheaper than a box.
- Keep two or three sizes in stock for most of your orders instead of one big size.
- Fill gaps with bubble wrap or shredded paper so nothing moves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common box size for e-commerce?
For small items, mailer boxes from 4 x 4 x 2 to 9 x 6 x 3 inches cover most orders. For bigger items, 3 ply boxes around 9 x 6 x 4.5 inches and 5 ply boxes around 12 x 10 x 8 inches are common.
Are these inner or outer sizes?
Check the product page for each box. When in doubt, allow a little extra room.
Can I buy small quantities?
Yes. Mailer boxes start at 25, 3 ply boxes at 10 and 5 ply boxes at 2, with free delivery across India and a GST invoice.
