Sometimes it is necessary to know if an object can fit into a box or if it can fit into another space. You can do this by using a tape measure, ruler, or other measuring tool that shows centimeters and millimeters. You need to determine the length of each side, the height, the depth of the box, the size of the items you want to store and the space you want to put the container into.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Rectangular Box
Step 1. Place the box on a flat surface
If the opening is on one end, arrange the container so that it faces up, making it easier to see the internal dimensions.
- You need a tape measure, ruler, or other standardized measuring tool. You can express the values in centimeters or millimeters, depending on the purpose of the surveys; therefore make sure that the instrument is calibrated accordingly.
- Have writing tools handy: a pen, pencil, or computer with a writing program. You can also use your mobile phone or other similar device; write down each measurement when you take it, otherwise you may forget it.
Step 2. Measure the inside of the box
You have to know its length, width and depth; if you want to know if it can hold an object, you need this information. The data relating to containers for shipments (postal or courier) generally refer to the internal dimensions.
- Measure the length. Hold the tape measure or ruler along the longest inside of the bowl. Adhere the end of the tool to the corner and stretch the rest to the adjacent one; write down the number that corresponds to the notch that lines up with this second corner. If the box is rectangular, you can assume that the side parallel to the one you measured has the same length.
- Measure the width. Place the tool on the shorter inner side of the box; adhere the end of the tape measure to the corner and then unfold it to the adjacent corner. If you are dealing with a rectangular container, you can assume that the parallel side is the same length; if the width is equal to the length, you can say that it is square based.
- Measure the depth. Lay the end of the tape measure on the bottom of the box along any inner wall and stretch it to the edge of the opening. Hold the tool perfectly parallel to the crease at one corner and note the number that corresponds to the notch aligned with the top edge of the container.
Step 3. Detect the external dimensions
If the walls are particularly thick, the internal measurements can be quite different from the external ones; if they are very thin, you can probably neglect the thickness and just use the useful values. In any case, you need to know the length, width and height of the box.
- Measure the length. Hold the ruler or tape measure along the long outer side of the container. Align the "zero" mark with an edge and stretch the tape measure up to the adjacent edge keeping it parallel to the side; note the length value.
- Measure the width. Lay the measuring tool on the shorter outer side. Just like you did for the length, line up the "zero" end with the edge of the box and stretch the tape measure up to the adjacent one; write the data of the survey.
- Measure the height. Hold the end of the tape measure near the bottom of the box along either side and stretch the tape measure to the top edge of the opening.
Step 4. Get accurate data
In most cases it is necessary to round the number (in millimeters or centimeters). If the box has to contain an object with very particular measures and you are not sure that it can fit, you must use a very sensitive instrument (for example calibrated in millimeters) and obtain very accurate values. This is more than enough process when you need to occasionally detect the size of a box.
Method 2 of 3: Measure the Space
Step 1. Take the measurements of the space where you want to place the box
If you have decided to store it in a specific place, for example you are building a planter for the garden or you need to arrange the boxes in a moving van, remember to compare its dimensions with those of the available space.
- The process is very similar to that described in the previous section of the article. If the box is to be placed in a three-dimensional space, you need to measure the length, width and height; if instead you have to place it on a two-dimensional surface (for example you have to place it on the ground), the height does not represent a problem and you can limit yourself to detecting the width and length.
- If you can physically transport the container to the designated location, do so; this is the simplest way to see if it fits. If this is not possible, take a tape measure, writing implements and go to the place where you plan to store the container; imagine the box is there and use the tape measure to define its outer contours.
Step 2. Calculate the area of each side
Simply multiply the length by the width and find the area the bottom of the box occupies. In most cases it is not necessary to know this value, but it is useful to know how many boxes you can place on a certain area, for example on the loading area of a van measuring 2x3 m.
For example: if the box is 25cm wide and 30cm long, you can multiply (25x30) cm and get 750cm2. This is the area of the base of the box.
Method 3 of 3: Calculate the Volume of a Box
Step 1. Evaluate whether it is useful to know this information
If you need to fill the container with loose material, such as earth, sand, liquid or gas, instead of a solid, defined object, you need to calculate its volume.
- Volume is measured in cubic meters, cubic centimeters and so on. We use the term "cube" because we consider the space occupied by a cube whose side corresponds to 1 meter, centimeter, millimeter and so on; in other words, an object with a volume of 5 m3 it occupies the space of five cubes which have a side equal to 1 m. To find the volume you have to multiply the value of the height, length and depth.
- If the box has thick walls (for example with a thickness greater than 5 mm) remember to use the internal height instead of the external one.
Step 2. Know the volume of material you need to put in the box
If you need to fill it, it's not enough to know its volume, you also need to know how much earth, sand or liquid you need to keep and compare the values.
For this you can use a program instead of doing the calculations yourself; do some research online to find a reliable calculator
Step 3. Multiply the length by the width and depth of the container
If the box has a square or rectangular base, the value you get is expressed in cubic centimeters. For example, if the box is 10cm wide, 15cm long and 9cm deep, you need to multiply (10x15x9) cm and you get 1350cm3. At this point, you can use an online application to transform the data into liters or another useful unit of measurement.
If the box has an irregular shape, consider using an online calculator to solve complex equations such as: https://www.calculator.net/volume-calculator.html (in English)
Advice
- If you are shipping a very high or long package, use a box with the opening on the top instead of on the side. The external dimensions of these containers are almost identical, but the production process of those with an opening at one end creates less waste, resulting in a reduction in the final price.
- Check that the tape measure is stretched from one fold to the other; you should note the distance between the centers of the folds.
- Remember that "standard" boxes are cheaper than custom-made ones. If the volume of content is small, you should only use the former instead of requesting a container made just for you.
- Remember that the dimensions of the boxes are always listed in this order: length, width and depth.
- When you need containers with complex shapes, consider hiring a designer to build the boxes for you, especially if you have to order several or you need a custom product.
