Understanding Girth for Shipping: A Complete Guide
Girth, commonly known as the circumference around an object, plays a crucial role in determining shipping costs. Whether shipping cylindrical or rectangular packages, accurate measurements are essential. Here’s how to calculate girth and length plus girth for shipping purposes:
Measuring Girth:
- For Cylindrical Shapes: Use a measuring tape to find the circumference at the widest point. This measurement represents the girth.
- For Rectangular Prisms: Measure the length, width, and height. The length is the longest dimension. Use the formula: Girth = 2(W + H), where W is width and H is height.
Example: If a box measures 5 inches by 8 inches by 12 inches, with 12 inches as the length, the girth would be 26 inches.
Determining Shipping Girth on Boxes:
- Measure Width and Height: Place the box on a flat surface and measure the width and height. Round measurements to the nearest inch.
- Calculate Girth: Multiply the width and height by two, then add the results together. This gives you the package’s girth.
Example: For a box with a width of 11 inches and a height of 18 inches, the girth would be 58 inches (22 inches + 36 inches).
Calculating Length Plus Girth:
- Find the Longest Side: Determine the longest side of the package by measuring each dimension.
- Measure Girth: Stand the package vertically and measure the circumference around the sides, excluding the length.
- Add Length and Girth: Sum up the length and girth measurements to get the final length plus girth figure.
By accurately measuring girth and length plus girth, you can ensure your package meets shipping requirements and avoid additional charges. Stay informed to select the most cost-effective shipping option for your needs.
