---
title: "Box Size Finder: Smallest Box That Fits | Honey Parcels"
description: "Find the smallest box that fits an item with padding on every side, from your own list of box sizes, with the spare room and dimensional weight of each."
url: https://honeyparcels.shop/box-size-finder/
---

# Box size finder

Measure the item, choose how much padding it needs, and see which of your boxes it fits, smallest first.

## Finding the right box

Padding goes on both sides, so each of the item's sizes grows by twice the padding. That gives the smallest inside size a box can have. The finder then tries each of your boxes in every orientation, so a flat item can lie down or stand on its side, and lists the smallest box that fits first.

Minimum inside box = (L + 2p) × (W + 2p) × (H + 2p)

Example: a 30 × 20 × 5 cm item with 3 cm of padding needs at least 36 × 26 × 11 cm inside. A 40 × 30 × 20 cm box fits with room to spare, while a 35 × 25 × 15 cm shoebox is 1 cm too short in two directions.

### Your boxes

The list starts with example sizes; replace them with the boxes you keep, using inside measurements. The outside of a corrugated box is a little bigger, so read the dimensional weight column as a slight underestimate. Your list stays in this browser for next time.

## Questions

**How much padding do I need?**

It depends on how fragile the item is. Carriers publish packing guidance; as a rule of thumb, nothing should move when you shake the closed box.

**Why is the smallest box best?**

Less empty space means less filler, less movement in transit and, for bulky parcels, a lower dimensional weight.

**Is my box list stored online?**

No. It is saved in your browser's local storage on this device only. "Load example boxes" replaces it.