How Much Does a Cardboard Box Weigh? Complete Guide
June 27, 2024 Box Material
Have you ever thought to yourself, was it me who was supposed to figure out how much such a simple thing like a cardboard box used for shipment weighs? what is the weight of a box of cardboard?
This might sound like a rather ordinary query, but the fact is that the weight of a cardboard box is not necessarily fixed and is somewhat dependent on several factors.
This could be very valuable data specifically when determining arising expenses such as the cost of shipping. It is widely used today because it has numerous advantages owing to its adaptability and environmentally friendly features cardboard is one of the most preferred types of packaging materials presently.
Pretend that you have a box and can cut it into any specific figure, for example, a box for chocolates in the shape of the product. Cardboard is best to use advanced printing techniques and make your boxes more stylish and beautiful.
At CBM, the box weight is a crucial factor that you cannot afford to overlook in the packaging and designing of your packaging containers. That is why we recommend the following easily understandable guide to enable you to estimate the weight of a cardboard box.
Factors Affecting Cardboard Box Weight
Numerous aspects including dimensions, strength, and weight capacity influence the weight of cardboard boxes. Some tests are of burst strength edge crush test and box compression test which in turn calculates the weight ability or else measures the total pressure, force, or even the need for a box’s collapse. These are the factors that apply here Below are the factors to consider.
Selection of Quality Material
When we measure the cardboard box weight, the quality of the material is our top priority because hard and rigid materials increase the cardboard weight. When we manufacture the box then a lot of types of cardboard are coming in front of our eyes.
The most common material we use to make these types of boxes is standard cardboard material which is also known as kraft material. Kraft material has an eco-friendly and bio-degradable nature. In most cases is derived from a blend of wood pulp and other plant-based fibers.
For example, corrugated cardboard is created from kraft paper and fluted corrugated paper. This means that in so far as weight and sturdiness are concerned corrugated cardboard is not the same as other thicker cardboard kinds. The size of the box increases as the weight increases since the quantity of weight indicates the size of the box.
Thickness of the Material
The most important element in selecting the material is thickness. if you want to make lightweight durable cardboard boxes then material thickness matters now. Box weight is also affected by the thickness of the cardboard. Thicker boxes which are made of cardboard material are heavier than thinner ones.
Material thickness depends upon the layer of the material you choose for your boxes. Lightweight boxes always have a thin layer while heavy-lift boxes are made from multiple or corrugated fluted types layers.
Material thickness helps you to protect your product during storage and transportation in bulk quantity. When we measure the weight of the box then these layers help to show the quality and strength of the box.
Selection of Box Size
Another significant factor is the size of the box. The cardboard box’s weight depends upon the thickness and quality of the material. If the box is larger then a huge material is used to manufacture it as compared to a smaller one. There is a direct correlation between the size of the box and the weight of the box.
Box size always shows the weight of the box because heavy cardboard grade is used for the manufacturing process is always increases the weight of the simple box. Cardboard-grade materials are used for different purposes and they have come in different varieties in the market.
Flaps and Handles
A lot of ways to increase the weight of the box. One way is to add the flaps and handles on the box which helps to increase the weight. For example, boxes with reinforced handles or extra flaps for added support are heavier than those with fewer or no handles.
The main purpose of the handles and flaps is to provide easiness for the customers to carry their boxes or bags. Companies didn’t use flaps and handles to increase the weight of the box.
Filler Material
Filler material helps the boxes to sustain the box dimension for a long time. The type of material used to fill inside the box can also affect its weight. Filler materials like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or paper fill can add significant weight to the box.
If we didn’t add the filler inside the boxes then we don’t sustain the position of the boxes. Filler helps to make boxes durable and sturdy. Filler indeed affects the weight of the boxes but it will support to sustain the shape of the boxes and also provide sustainability and strength.
Understanding Cardboard Box Grades and Specs
As we well know, the weight of a single box is determined by the cardboard box’s grade and specifications in addition to its material and thickness. Choosing the right cardboard packaging for your needs involves understanding some key terms related to its construction and strength. Your terms are summarized below:
Single Wall vs. Double Wall vs. Triple Wall
A lot of types of cardboard are trending in the market but at CBM we will tell you some wall of cardboard boxes that help to choose the right and lightweight box for your business and any other purposes. The number of flute layers in the cardboard determines the box’s weight and strength.
Single Wall: The lightest option of the box is a single wall box which is less durable but protects your product from damage which is ideal for less fragile items.
Double Wall: It is more durable and crush-resistant because it is thicker than a single wall. Double-layer box uses filler inside the box that enhances their strength and protects the product during shipping and storage which is suitable for heavier items.
Triple Wall: The strongest and last option to improve their box strength and weight is triple-layer wall cardboard boxes which are specifically designed for very heavy or bulky items.
Fluting
Fluting is an inner layer commonly used for those types of boxes that use corrugated material to make their boxes. Fluting refers to the wavy inner layer(s) of cardboard that provide rigidity and cushioning to the box. Common flute sizes include:
C-flute: The thinnest and most flexible type of flute is C which is less durable and provides less support to the boxes that are often used in single-wall boxes.
B-flute: This type of flute material is slightly thicker and more common that are used in both single and double-wall boxes. It provides more strength and flexibility to the boxes.
E-flute: The thickest and strongest option is the E-flute which provides sustainability and full support to the boxes. Usually, heavy-duty double-wall or triple-wall boxes depend on it.
Board Grade
This refers to the combination of the linerboard (flat sheets) and the flute type used to create the cardboard. Board grades are often represented by a code like “ECT-32” which indicates the Edge Crush Test (ECT) value and measure of the box’s stacking strength.
FEFCO
The FEFCO code system is an international standard for classifying box styles. It subdivides the boxes into four-digit codes for example a shipping box (FEFCO 0201) or telescope box (FEFCO 0301).
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
We also commonly refer to MOQ to check the firsthand experience with the supplier. The lowest quantity you can order with a specific manufacturer or supplier varies from company to company.
It’s a common practice to keep production costs efficient. At CBM, we allow 100 MOQs for their satisfied customers.
0201 Code
This is a standard slotted box (SSB) specific FEFCO code. It’s the most common box style with a top and bottom flap that tucks in for closure.
The above information helps to understand the boxes and choose the appropriate cardboard box for your needs. You need to consider the weight and fragility of your items and choose a single-wall double-wall, or triple-wall option based on their strength. Kindly make use of the FEFCO code for the different styles of boxes you wish to purchase you must consult with your supplier on the MOQs.
Demystifying Weight Units grams, ounces, pounds, or kilograms?
You need to know the exact weight of the package. Different carriers use weight-based pricing structures. The structures of the weight unit are quite possible help to measure the weight in different dimensions. It will help you to provide exact information about the box’s weight. It doesn’t matter which measuring units we use to measure the exact weight of the boxes.
However, weight can be expressed in various units depending on your region and industry. To help you navigate, here is a complete guide to understand the weight unit:
Grams (g): The most precise and metric unit commonly used is grams which exists in some countries and the paperboard industry.
Ounces (oz): In the United States, for smaller and light-weight items we use ounces to measure the weight of the box.
Pounds (lb): In the US, pounds are used as the standard weight unit for transportation. It is a larger unit than an ounce or gram.
Kilograms (kg): The estimated unit of weight is kilogram which is preferred in many countries to measure high-weight items and boxes.
The conversion rates between these units are:
1 kg = 1000 g
1 lb = 16 oz
1 lb = 0.45359 kg
CBM Tip: CBM always provides helpful tips to understand your card box’s weight. It’s always a good practice to double-check the preferred weight unit of the carrier you’re using When you are dealing with international shipping.
Average Weight of Cardboard Box Sizes
CBM also offers special sizes on orders to meet the specific needs of the clients available to them. There are options for size which range from small through medium large to extra-large. Below is a list of typical weights for differently-sized cardboard boxes to suit your needs.
List of Average Weights of Different Cardboard Box Sizes.
Small Boxes (10-20 inches)
10x10x5 inches: 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg)
12x12x6 inches: 2-3 pounds (1-1.5 kg)
15x15x8 inches: 3-4 pounds (1.5-2 kg)
Medium Boxes (20-30 inches)
18x18x10 inches: 4-6 pounds (2-3 kg)
20x20x12 inches: 6-8 pounds (3-4 kg)
24x24x14 inches: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg)
Large Boxes (30-40 inches)
24x36x18 inches: 10-12 pounds (5-6 kg)
30x30x20 inches: 12-15 pounds (6-7 kg)
36x36x24 inches: 15-18 pounds (7-9 kg)
Extra-Large Boxes (40-50 inches)
36x48x30 inches: 18-22 pounds (9-11 kg)
40x40x36 inches: 22-26 pounds (11-13 kg)
48x48x42 inches: 26-30 pounds (13-14 kg)
Extra-Extra-Large Boxes (50-60 inches)
48x60x48 inches: 30-36 pounds (14-16 kg)
54x54x54 inches: 36-42 pounds (16-19 kg)
60x60x60 inches: 42-48 pounds (19-22 kg)
CBM is your Packaging partner
Honestly Custom boxes market understands that your packaging requirements are crucial as a manufacturing company. We offer the finest range in cardboard packaging and select one that meets your needs for your brand. We have a variety of options like material, thickness cardboard grade, and fluted material that help to create a box according to your needs. A lot of qualities to choose us.
- Fast Turnaround
- Competitive prices
- Finest material
- Free Quote
- Fast and Free Shipping
Conclusion
At CustomBoxesMarket, we will provide the final highlighting that shows some elements in a cardboard box that do influence its weight these include the material thickness, size handles as well, and flap along with filling material.
These factors are of great significance especially when it comes to setting down the bills and estimates when moving or storing goods. CBM has provided a comprehensive guide to help you determine the average weight of various cardboard box sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
My box is exactly 12″ x 12″ x 12″. How much does it weigh?
The weight depends on the cardboard construction (single-wall, double-wall, etc.) and the paperboard weight (gsm). However, you can estimate the weight using the following methods:
- Check the manufacturer’s specifications
- Utilize online box weight calculators
- Refer to CBM’s box weight charts
Which kind of cardboard is less sturdy single-wall or double-wall, and how does it concern the issue of weight?
Single-wall single and thin fluted corrugated cardboard covered with two flat liners. It is appropriate for unitized loads those that are between very light and those that can be handled by medium handling equipment. The type of cardboard that is used is thicker as it is made up of two fluted layers with three flat liners.
My box feels a little damp. Will that affect the weight?
However, it must be noted that this statement is very much genuine as it explains that cardboard is a hygroscopic material and it means that cardboard material is capable of absorbing water. A box opened and left out in the open for some time will be slightly more weight than a box that has been sealed and left in a very dry place.
I weighed my box, but the weight seemed higher than what the online calculator estimated. Why?
The production planners use online calculators to come up with average means of the extra time that the planes stay on the tarmac. Additionally, many things can make your actual box weigh slightly differently than the above calculations manufacturing tolerances, differences in paperboard weight, or bits and pieces of tape you used to add stiffness to the box.
Does the weight of a cardboard box affect shipping costs?
Yes, the weight of cardboard packaging is a key factor in determining shipping costs, especially for services that charge based on weight, such as postal services and courier companies. Heavier boxes generally incur higher shipping fees compared to lighter ones.
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