​A Quick Guide to Corrugated Cartons

Getting the size of your corrugated cartons right is important as it can have a knock-on effect across your supply chain from minimum order quantities, through to storage and customer experience.

How to measure a corrugated box: corrugated box dimensions are usually expressed as: Length (L) x Width (W) x Height (H).

Length = the longest opening dimension

Width = the shorted opening dimension

Height = the dimension from the top of the opening to the base of the box (sometimes referred to as depth).

We always recommend measuring corrugated boxes in inches. For example: 12” x 10” x 8”. The cardboard boxes you choose should accommodate the range of product you stock – from the smallest item to the largest – as well as any protective packaging (e.g. bubble wrap or paper cushioning) you’ll need for shipping.

What are corrugated boxes made from?

Most corrugated boxes used for shipping products are made from corrugated cardboard. This type of corrugated is made from a fluted or waved piece of paper sandwiched between two flat pieces of paper.

There are three main types of corrugated you’ll come across when it comes to boxes:

Single wall – one layer of fluted board is sandwiched between two sheets of liner board. This would make a single wall corrugated box.

Double wall – two layers of fluting that are glued to three layers of liner board. This would make a double wall corrugated box, which is stronger than using single wall alone.

Triple wall – three layers of fluting are laminated with four liner boards. This would make a triple or tri-wall box – the most heavy-weight and durable of all boxes.

Board Grades:

The board grade refers to the weight, quality and type of material used to make the corrugated. Depending on the intended use of a box, the board weight will range from 125gsm to 300gsm. The heavier the weight of the paper the stronger the box will be. It’s worth noting that the GSM description of the board may relate to the performance of the board, and not the actual weight. In other words, it has the properties of a heavier material.

As well as the weight of the paper, you may hear people say cardboard is “kraft” or “test”. These terms relate to if the paper used in manufacturing is virgin material (kraft) or recycled material (test). Some boxes may combine both kraft and test corrugated.

Contact us for more information or help with you corrugated carton project: PH 813 242 6995 or sales@quickpakinc.com