How much does a cardboard box weigh? [Complete Guide]

How much does a cardboard box weigh? [Complete Guide]

There are various materials used to craft packaging boxes. Cardboard is the most common material used in the packaging industry. Thanks to its affordable, flexible, eco-friendly, and durable nature. It is tailored into any shape, size, and layout according to the product’s specifications. The versatile nature of cardboard makes it an apt choice for retail and e-commerce packaging.  You can use cardboard boxes to give secure enclosing to delicate, heavy-duty, and expensive gifts. 

When it comes to cardboard packaging different questions emerge in manufacturers' minds. But, the most popular question regarding cardboard boxes is how much they weigh.  Each industry wants to know the answer to this question. Understanding of box’s weight is crucial because of shipping calculations, storage, and environmental regulations. Are you curious to know the answer to this question? No need to worry further.  Read this blog to get a detailed answer how much does cardboard box weight Let’s get started without any delay.

Factors Determining the Weight of Cardboard Box

There are a variety of elements that influence the weight of a cardboard box. Here are the most common factors:

Standard Weight Ranges for Cardboard Boxes

The size is another crucial factor in determining the weight of a cardboard box. In comparison to a small box, a large size weighs more. Because large boxes are produced using more materials that weigh more. Here is the detail:

  • Small Boxes:      6x6x6 inches
  • Medium Boxes: 12x12x12 inches
  • Large Boxes:     24x24x24 inches
  • Extra-Large Boxes:  36x36x36 inches

These are the rough estimates.  The weight can vary by the thickness and type of cardboard paper.

Type of cardboard:

The type of cardboard material is the major determinant to influence the box’s weight. Cardstock and corrugated are the two most common types of material.  Corrugated cardboard is made from three fluted layers of paper including single, double, and triple walls.  The single-wall box is lighter and less sturdy. It is perfect for packing less fragile items.  A double wall is thicker than a single wall. It is the ultimate choice to protect fragile and heavy products against physical damage during shipment. Triple-wall cardboard packaging is very robust.  It is perfect for the storage of heavy-weighted items. Thus, the weight of a cardboard box depends on the type of paper and its thickness.

Box design:

The box’s design also decides the weight of the box. Packaging tailored with additional features such as embellishments, coatings, and add-ons like handles, dividers, die-cuts, etc. weighs higher.

How to Calculate the Weight of a Cardboard Box:

Here is a step-by-step guide to calculating the weight of a cardboard box:

Knowledge of  the Box Dimensions:

Calculation of box weight is not very challenging. The formula of weight calculation is quite simple and easy to understand. Usually, it depends on the dimensions of the box length, width, and height.

Here is the Formula:

Weight = (Box length x Box width x Box height)

Determine the Thickness of the Cardboard:

The thickness of cardboard varies. Unusually, it is measured in millimeters or inches.

Identify the Type of Cardboard Material:

You have to evaluate the type of cardboard material whether it is single, double, or triple wall.

Use of a Box Weight Calculator:

A variety of online tools is available.  You can input the box’s dimensions to get an accurate estimation of cardboard weight.

Cardboard Box Weight in Pounds (lb):

First of all, you must know that each conversion unit needs a coefficient by which cardboard box dimensions are divided.  When we measure in pounds, 166 is the coefficient.  Pound is a larger unit than an ounce or gram.  In the United States, pounds are used as the standard weight unit in transportation. The following formula is used to calculate the weight of cardboard boxes in pounds:

  • Weight of cardboard box = (12x12x12)/166
  • Weight = 1728/166
  • Weight = 10.4 Pounds

Cardboard Box Weight in Ounces (oz):

Usually, an ounce is used to measure small and lightweight items in the United States. To convert weight in pounds to ounces, you have to just multiply the pound value by 16. You can follow the below formula to calculate the box’s weight in ounces:

  • Weight = 10.4 Pounds x16
  • Weight = 166.4 Ounces

Cardboard Box Weight in Kilograms (KG):

The kilogram is the estimated unit of weight. It is used in several countries for the measurement of heavy-weight items. To calculate the box weight in kg, you have to convert the values of dimensions length, width, and height from inches to centimeters getting volume in cubic centimeters. After that, we divide the volume cm3 by 600 to convert the unit into KG.

Box Weight (in Kg) Formula = Length in cm x Width in cm x Height in cm/ 600

Here is an example:

Box Weight in Kg = 28 cm x 12 cm x 17cm/ 6000

= 5712 cm3/ 6000

= 0.952 kg.

Cardboard Box Weight in Grams (g):

Gram is the most common and precise unit used in the packaging industry.  Besides, the measurement of weight in grams is quite easy. You have to just convert the weight in kilograms to grams multiplying by 1000. There are 1000 grams in 1 kg.  Here is an example:

Weight = 4.7194 x 1000

Weight = 4719.4 grams

Why is it Important to Know the Cardboard Box Weight?

The knowledge of cardboard box weight is significant due to many reasons.

  • Transportation Cost:

Usually, shipment costs depend on the box’s weight.  Accurate weight calculations avoid delivery delays as well as penalties.  However, underestimation of the box’s weight can lead to surprise charges.

  • Product’s Safety:

The knowledge of the box’s weight plays a crucial role in the product’s protection. Knowing the weight helps brands to pack products that align with the box’s strength.  A heavy-weight box has enough strength to ship delicate products safely.

  • Cost Management:

Brands having an understanding of weight can estimate the amount of required material.  Thus, it helps in reducing unnecessary material and lowers shipping costs as well.

  • Ease of Handling:

Information on weight helps in secure and convenient handling.  Light-weight boxes are easy to handle elevating customer’s buying experience.

Compliance with Regulations:

Further, knowing the box’s weight helps brands comply with industry rules and regulations.

Conclusion:

We cannot deny the importance of knowing the cardboard box's weight.  Innumerable factors decide the weight of boxes including the box’s size, thickness, type of paper, and design as well. The proper knowledge of the box’s weight helps in secure shipping; ensures product safety, and helps in cost management and easy handling.  Almost, we have discussed and everything in this blog that you need to know regarding the calculation of cardboard box weight precisely. If you have further questions about the cardboard box, you can reach out to us any time.  Keep on browsing our website icustomboxes.com to get the latest information related to packaging solutions. For quick information, you can call to us any time. Our customer care support is available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 12x12x12 cardboard box weigh?

The weight of a 12x12x12 cardboard box depends on the type of paper.  For example:

  • Single wall box:    200-250 grams
  • Double wall box:  400- 450 grams
  • Triple wall box:    600-900

 However, the knowledge of actual cardboard paper and its thickness can result in knowing the real estimates.

Does weight of cardboard box influences shipping costs? 

Yes, the weight of cardboard box affects transportation charges.

What factors determine the weight of a cardboard box?

Following is the list of factors that play a crucial part in influencing the weight of cardboard boxes:

  • Box’s size
  • Box’s thickness
  • Type of paper
  • Box’s design
  • Presence of additional features

How does the box’s size correlate with its weight?

The box’s size is directly linked with its weight.  Large boxes are produced using a great amount of paper which results in increasing their weight.  On the other hand, a small size box requires less material which decreases the box weight.

How much does a 10x10 box weigh?

The weight of a 10x10 inch box lies in its height, type of cardboard paper, and thickness.

  • Single wall box:    150-300 grams
  • Double wall box:   500-600 grams
  • Triple wall box:    800- 900 grams

 

 

 

iCustomBoxes
iCustomBoxes
Author

iCustomBoxes is a specialized print and packaging company based in the USA. We offer error-free printing, free design support, and unlimited customization. Start your printing journey with us, and we will customize the packaging in your preferred material, style, color, and size.