How to Calculate the Girth and Length of a Package?

How to Calculate the Girth and Length of a Package?
How to Calculate the Girth and Length of a Package?
  1. Length
  2. Width
  3. Height
kg
cm
×
cm
×
cm
Send multiple packages
Table of Contents

A package's length and girth dimensions are critical factors in determining its shipping costs. Knowing how to measure the girth and length of your package can help you comply with your carrier's regulations and be better prepared. This article will provide guidance in helping you calculate the girth and length of your package accurately.

Measuring the Package Dimensions

The following are the parameters you are supposed to measure when calculating the dimensions of a package: 

  • Length
  • Width
  • Height 

Your level of accuracy plays a pivotal role when taking these measurements. You can use any measuring device, such as a tape measure or a ruler, to achieve this. After measuring, convert them into the standard units used by the carrier. These can be centimeters, meters, or inches.

Calculating the Girth of a Package

A package girth refers to the width and height of a package. To calculate your package's girth, multiply its width and height by two, then sum the two. Here is the formula: 

  • Girth = (2 x width) + (2 x height) 

For example, if your package has a width of 12 cm and a height of 15 cm, its girth will be as follows: 

  • (2 x 12) + (2 x 15) = 54 cm 

Write the results on a piece of paper; you will need it to calculate the shipping cost.

Determining the Length of a Package

The length of your package refers to the longest side of it. By checking the top of your packet, you can easily tell. The side that features the longest flap will indicate where the length is. To get this dimension, take a tape measure and place it on top of your package. One edge of the tape measure should touch the edge of the packet, with the other edge touching the other edge of your item.

Once you take the length measurements of your package, round it to the nearest inches and note them down. For optimal results, you can repeat this process several times to achieve accurate results. You will use the obtained results to calculate the shipping cost of your package.

Calculating the Combined Length and Girth

To combine the length and girth, add them. The formula for this is straightforward: 

  • Combined length and girth = (Length) + (Girth) 

For instance, if your package had a length of 30 cm and its girth was 54 cm, its total measurements will be 84 cm. Taking the whole measurements of your packet into consideration is paramount to knowing which shipping options your carrier can offer you. 

Shipping Carrier Requirements and Guidelines

Various shipping service providers usually have different requirements regarding package weight and dimension. To learn more about requirements and guidelines, let's look at the limits some commonly used shipping companies and carriers set. 

For USPS, the size and weight limits are as follows: 

  • 108 inches in length
  • 130 inches when it comes to combined length and girth
  • 70 lbs in weight 

For UPS, the size and weight limits are: 

  • 108 inches in length
  • 165 inches when it comes to combined length and girth
  • 150 lbs in weight 

The packages with large size-to-weight ratios might require special pricing and dimensional weight calculations. You may incur an Over Maximum Limits charge if your parcel exceeds the UPS weight and size limit.

The FedEx Express size and limits should be: 

  • 108 inches in length
  • 130 inches in combined girth and length
  • 150 lbs in weight 

Finally, the FedEx Ground weight and size limits are known to be: 

  • 108 inches in length
  • 165 inches in combined length and girth
  • 150 lbs in weight 

Besides the legal restrictions and guidelines above, each carrier has unique requirements and limitations. Understand them before sending your parcel to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Tips for Accurate Package Measurements

To ensure that you take accurate package measurements, consider the following tips: 

  • Before anything else, ensure your package is fully assembled and well-sealed. This way, you can take the correct dimensions of your package's length and girth.
  • If there are irregularly shaped or oversized packages, ensure that you account for them.
  • Repeat the measurement process more than once to ensure you take the correct dimensions. Doing so will enable you to avert possible errors that might originate during the measuring process. Consequently, you can prevent the chances of incurring additional charges on your package. 

Conclusion

Taking the right dimensions of your package can help you get the best shipping rates for your parcel. Whether you are measuring the length or girth of your package, ensure you are accurate enough to avert possible upcharges during shipping. Considering all the tips above, you will obtain more accurate measurements and enjoy timely and attentive delivery of all your items.