The dimensions of boxes are typically given by manufacturers in inches. They’re measuring each size of box in terms of length, height and depth. It is useful to know the dimensions of box. It indicates how this gives us the true amount of packing space in cubic foot volume. In addition the typical dimensions of a box for a given volume of box measured by their cubic foot. We always recommend comparing boxes from different manufacturers. Doing so using the cubic foot value to get a true sense of their actual size.
Dimensions of Standard Boxes
What are the Dimensions of a 1.5 cubic foot box?
Dimensions of a 1.5 cubic foot box is typically 16-3/8″ x 12-5/8″ x 12-5/8″. This box will typically be categorised as a small moving box.
Other boxes of the same size category have similar cubic foot volume measurement:
A 1.4 cubic foot box is 17″ x 11″ x 13″.
A 1.33 cubic foot box is 16″ x 12 ” x 12″.
| Moving Box Size | U-Haul Dimensions (L x W x H) | U-Haul Volume | Home Depot Dimensions (L x W x H) | Home Depot Volume | Lowes Dimensions (L x W x H) | Lowes Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 16-3/8" x 12-5/8" x 12-5/8" | 1.5 cu/ft | 17" x 11" x 11" | 1.19 cu ft | 16" x 12 " x 12" | 1.33 cu ft |
| Medium | 18 1/8" x 18" x 16" | 3 cu/ft | 21" x 15" x 16" | 3.05 cu ft | 18" x 16" x 18" | 3.0 cu/ft |
| Large | 18" x 18" x 24" | 4.5 cu/ft | 27" x 15" x 16" | 4.13 cu ft | 24" x 18" x 18" | 4.5 cu/ft |
| Extra Large | 24" x 18" x 24" | 6 cu/ft | 24" x 20" x 21" | 5.83 cu ft | 22" x 21.5" x 22" | 6 cu/ft |
How to Convert a Boxes Dimensions in Inches to Cubic Feet
Most box dimensions provided by the manufacturer will be given in a length x width x height format in the unit of inches. Making sense of these dimensions can be confusing when trying to work out the actual true size of the box. The true size of a box is determined by the volume and cubic feet gives us the best understanding of size for real world usage.
The formula to convert is doe by working out the volume in cubic inches first. Using from the example above:
17″ x 11″ x 13″ = 2431″
This cubic inch vale is then converted to cubic feet by diving by 1728 (cubic inches to cubic ft conversion).
This then gives us the result of 1.407ft³.
Instead of being misled by manufacturers dimensions of boxes, we are always able to determine the true size of boxes using this formula.
How to Determine a Boxes Size
Boxes total size is best measured on their total volume. When packing boxes, the overall number and size of items that can be packaged is both a measure of dimensions and volume. Shape for fitting more specialized items such as a set of clubs, will need to have dimensions here the length of the box is greater. However the number of clubs it can fit will then be determined by the overall volume.
For items you want to package and move you’ll need to look into the minimum dimensions require to fit. For many items in the same size range and type should be sorted together. The size of the box is then decided upon by its volume, typically indicated by the size type such as small medium or large.
Dimensions of Double Walled Boxes
Being that boxes are constructed from corrugated Kraft board, the larger they are the more items they are capable of carrying in their large volume of space. Unfortunately for most standard boxes, they all use the same single walled corrugated construction regardless of their size. This means for boxes labelled as small with a 1.5 cubic foot volume, compared to a box labelled as extra large with a 6 cubic feet volume, they will have the same maximum weight carrying capacity.
For a single walled box typically rated for ECT-32, this will mean a maximum weight of 65lbs. That means 65lbs until the box starts to fail under the weight. For 6 cubic feet of space this is only good for carrying large and lightweight items. Such items include folded sheets, clothes, pillows and bedding.
If we wish to carry more weighty items successfully without compromising the integrity of the box, we will need to step up in strength and go with a double-walled box.
Double Walled Box Sizing
| Moving Box Size | U-Haul Dimensions (L x W x H) | U-Haul Volume | Home Depot Dimensions (L x W x D) | Home Depot Volume | Lowes Dimensions (W x H x D) | Lowes Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | - | - | - | - | 12" x 10" x 15" | 1.045 cu/ft |
| Small | 16-3/8" x 12-5/8" x 12-5/8" | 1.5 cu/ft | 17" x 11" x 11" | 1.19 cu/ft | 16" x 12 " x 12" | 1.33 cu/ft |
| Medium | 18 1/8" x 18" x 16" | 3 cu/ft | 21" x 15" x 16" | 3.05 cu/ft | 18" x 16" x 18" | 3.0 cu/ft |
| Large | 18" x 18" x 24" | 4.5 cu/ft | 27" x 15" x 16" | 4.13 cu/ft | 24" x 18" x 18" | 4.5 cu/ft |
| Extra Large | 24" x 18" x 24" | 6 cu/ft | 24" x 20" x 21" | 5.83 cu/ft | - | - |
Double walled box having a weight carrying capacity of 100lbs allows for the better utilization of the box volume to carry a wider variety of items.
Conclusion – Determining True Size of Box Using Cubic Foot
Box manufacturers will often label categorise their boxes with labels of small, medium, large, and extra large sizing to give an overall impression of the boxes total volume.
While generally a good indicator, if we wish to get an accurate picture of the actual size of the box we need the measurement in cubic feet. The dimensions given in length x width x depth is also an indicator which can help us determine size.
The volume measurement gives us a clear indication when comparing different boxes from the many manufacturers which is actually largest. It removes the guesswork from trying to compare the different dimensions given in inches that can mislead you into believing that a box has more interior volume than it actually does.
To convert dimensions of a box you’ll need to use the formula below;
L” x W” x D” = Box measured in Cubic Inches
Box measured in Cubic Inches / 1728 = Box measured in Cubic Foot
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