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Buying guide

How to choose the right corrugated box size in India

Measure your product at its widest points, add 0.25 inch per side for a snug fit (or 0.5–1 inch if you use void fill), then pick the smallest PackWorks stock size that still closes cleanly — a box that is 2 inches too big on each side can double the courier’s volumetric charge.

Updated 5 Sept 2026 · PackWorks By Velun, Karnal

Step 1 — Measure the product, not the old box

Use a tape on the product (or the product in its retail carton) at the widest points. Write length, width and height in inches — that is how Indian corrugated dies are specified. Convert centimetres by dividing by 2.54.

Step 2 — Add packing allowance

A snug apparel or book fit needs about 0.25 inch per side. Bubble wrap, kraft paper or an insert needs 0.5–1 inch. Never force a product into a box that is smaller than the product — flaps will bow and the courier will refuse or crush the parcel.

Step 3 — Understand volumetric weight

Delhivery, Blue Dart, DTDC and most Indian surface couriers charge the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. The common formula is length × width × height in centimetres, divided by 5,000. Air cargo sometimes uses 6,000. A 12 × 10 × 8 inch box is about 30.5 × 25.4 × 20.3 cm — volumetric weight ≈ 3.1 kg even if the contents weigh 400 g.

Inner vs outer dimensions

Every PackWorks size is an inner dimension. Outer size is roughly 0.25 inch larger per side on 3-ply and 0.5 inch on 5-ply. Couriers measure the outer carton, so a tight inner fit still wins on volumetric billing.

Use the size finder

Enter L, W and H on packworks.velun.in/size-finder. We rotate the item on the base and rank every stock size by unused volume, with pack price shown. If nothing fits, the largest stock carton is 24 × 18 × 18 inch; custom sizes start at 500 pieces.

FAQ

Questions this guide answers

Should I buy a bigger box 'just in case'?

No. Extra air is what couriers bill. Keep 2–3 nearby sizes in stock instead of one oversized carton.

Inches or centimetres?

The catalogue is in inches. The size finder accepts both. Courier volumetric math is in centimetres.

What if my product is long and thin?

Look at folding cartons and bottle boxes first — a 3 × 3 × 11 inch sleeve often ships cheaper than a cube that wastes two axes.