How to measure for your box order

Everyone has a different method for measuring their books, papers and items for a box. Dimensions can mean different things to different people. Please take a look at our guide before ordering. Measuring correctly ensures that your order is correct.

How to measure correctly step by step

Before you begin, make sure that you have a tape measure or measuring jig to hand. You will also need a copy of our ordering spreadsheet. Alternatively, you can use a blank Excel workbook and copy and paste your information into our sheet when you order.

Place your items on a flat surface. Your item will be in this packaging for the long term, so it is important that you are happy with the position of your items. Take a moment to rearrange loose papers, or slumped volumes if you feel it necessary. ​

Please refer to the images for each design to see what we mean by height, width, and depth.

Using either your measuring jig or a tape measure take the total height, width and depth measurements of your item. Please refer to the picture provided to see what we mean by height, width and depth. Please enter measurements in millimetres (mm).

Most objects are not perfectly rectangular, and have bulging sections or odd pieces that stick out. Try measuring every dimension, such as the width at the head and tail, and the depth at all four corners, and take the maximum. If you do not have a measuring jig, you can push the object and your ruler or tape measure against a vertical surface like a board or a wall to make sure you are taking an accurate measurement.

Our machine is incredibly precise and whatever measurements you provide it will cut to that exact dimension. You should make sure your measurements will give a snug but comfortable fit. For example, you may want to add 2mm to the width of a book with raised bands to prevent them from pressing against the spine, and check that you are not compressing the item too much when measuring the depth. If you are not sure, you can ask for a single box to check the fit before proceeding with a larger order.

When you enter the information on our spreadsheet you will be prompted where to put your measurements. If you are filling in your own ahead of time, you will be able to correlate this across to the form when you download it.