how to measure a box
Printing Help by PrintPlace

How Do You Measure the Girth of a Box?
Step-by-Step Guide

Shipping costs can quickly add up if you’re not careful with package dimensions. One of the most important (and often confusing) measurements carriers use is girth. Knowing how to measure it properly ensures your package meets courier guidelines, avoids extra fees, and gets delivered without delays.

What Is Box Girth?

Girth is the measurement around the thickest part of a box. It’s calculated by adding the width and height of the box, then multiplying that sum by two:

Girth = 2 (W + H)

Size Definitions:

  • Length: Longest side of the box
  • Width: Shorter side of the box
  • Height: Distance from bottom to top
  • Girth: Distance around the box (excluding the length)

Think of girth as the “waistline” of your package.

Why Measuring Girth Matters for Shipping

Carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx use girth along with length to determine shipping costs and maximum limits.

Getting this wrong can result in:

  • Higher courier charges due to oversized surcharges
  • Packages rejected or returned by carriers
  • Delays in fulfillment or delivery

Example:

  • USPS Retail Ground has a maximum limit of 130” (length + girth).
  • If your box measures 40” long with a girth of 100”, your total is 140”—that’s too big and would be rejected.

Step-by-Step: How to Measure Box Girth

Let’s walk through an example.

Box dimensions:

  • Width = 10”
  • Height = 12”
  • Length = 20”

Steps:

  1. Measure the width and height.

    10” (W) + 12” (H) = 22”

  2. Multiply that sum by 2.

    22” × 2 = 44” (girth)

  3. Add the length if required by carrier rules.

    44” (girth) + 20” (length) = 64” total

Answer: The girth of this box is 44”, and the total length + girth is 64”.

Tip: Always double-check carrier guidelines since USPS, UPS, and FedEx each have different maximums.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Girth

  • Including the length in girth (remember, girth = width + height only).
  • Measuring only one side instead of both width and height.
  • Ignoring carrier limits and assuming all couriers use the same rules.

Correct measurements save time, money, and frustration at the shipping counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I include length when calculating girth?
No. Girth is only 2 × (width + height). Some couriers, however, ask for length + girth when calculating package limits.

What is the maximum girth for USPS?
For USPS Retail Ground, the maximum length + girth is 130”. For Priority Mail, it’s 108”.

Why do carriers care about girth?
It helps them calculate the dimensional weight of bulky packages that take up space but may not weigh much.

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