Packaging Reference Library · Technical Reference

Box Styles and How to Measure a Box

The common corrugated box styles distributors are asked for, and the industry convention for stating inside dimensions as Length x Width x Depth.

Ref PK-0101ASTM D5118ASTM D4727FEFCO Code

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Corrugated boxes are ordered by style and inside dimensions. The style describes how the blank is cut, scored and closed; the dimensions describe the space available for the product. The box industry states dimensions as Length x Width x Depth (L x W x D), always inside dimensions, always in that order. ASTM D5118 covers fabrication of fiberboard shipping boxes; the European FEFCO code assigns numbers to styles (the RSC is FEFCO 0201).

How to measure

Look at the box from the opening (the end that is closed by flaps).
Length = the longer side of the opening.
Width = the shorter side of the opening.
Depth = the distance from the opening to the opposite end (perpendicular to L and W). Depth can be larger than length.
Measure inside dimensions. Outside dimensions add roughly the board thickness on each side; manufacturers' joint and flap allowances vary.

Common box styles

Style	How to recognize it	Typical use
Regular Slotted Container (RSC)	All flaps the same length; outer flaps meet at the center	Most general shipping
Half Slotted Container (HSC)	RSC with flaps on one end only, open top	Trays with a separate cover
Full Overlap (FOL)	Outer flaps run the full width and overlap	Heavy or long items; extra bottom strength
Overlap Slotted Container (OSC)	Outer flaps overlap partially	Long, narrow boxes
Center Special Slotted (CSSC)	Inner and outer flaps both meet at the center	Flat, full-coverage bottom
Telescope (full or partial)	Separate top and bottom pieces slide over each other	Gift, apparel, large flat items
Five Panel Folder (FPF)	One-piece wrap with an extra panel; end flaps	Long, narrow items such as rods and tubing
Die-cut mailer (roll-end tuck front)	Interlocking tabs, no tape required on many designs	E-commerce and retail mailers

Key points

Allow for cushioning and void-fill in the inside dimensions; a box sized to the product leaves no room for protection.
Stock box sizes keep cost down; custom sizes reduce void fill and dimensional weight. Compare total cost.
State style, inside L x W x D, flute and board grade (ECT or burst) on every quote and PO.
Box makers may express the joint (glued, taped, stitched) and printing separately; include them on the spec.

Common mistakes

Quoting outside dimensions as inside dimensions.
Swapping width and depth, which changes which way the flaps close.
Ordering a "12 x 12 x 12" without a style and grade.

Governing standards: ASTM D5118; ASTM D4727; FEFCO Code (style numbering).

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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