Determine your package size: How to measure a box for shipping

To measure ground packages use the following formula:

Length + 2x Width + 2x Height

Step 1. Determining Length

• Measure the longest side of the package, rounding to the nearest inch. This is your length.

Step 2. Determining Girth (2x Width + 2x Height)

• Measure the width of the package, rounding to the nearest inch. Multiply this number by 2.
• Measure the height of the package, rounding to the nearest inch. Multiply this number by 2.
• Add these two numbers together. This is your girth.

Step 3. Add the length and the girth together. This is your package measurement.

Step 4. Weigh the package to obtain its actual weight.

Measure boxes or containers that are not rectangular to determine the package measurements and whether the package is within maximum limits. Treat the irregularly shaped package as if it were in a regular rectangular box. Measure the length, width, and height of the package from its extreme points.

Find details about how to ship irregularly shaped packages.

Packing Irregularly Shaped Items

UPS has established specific weight and size limits for the packages that you send with all UPS services. The restrictions below only pertain to individual packages. There are no limits to the total weight of your shipment or the total number of packages in your shipment. Shipments larger than the limits listed below will require the use of our UPS Freight services or UPS Worldwide Express Freight^SM.

• Packages can be up to 150 lbs.
• Packages can be up to 165 inches in length and girth combined.
• Packages can be up to 108 inches in length.
• Packages with a large size-to-weight ratio require special pricing and dimensional weight calculations.

Note: Packages that exceed UPS weight and size limits are subject to an Over Maximum Limits charge.

The limits listed above apply to most packages and destinations, but there are some variances because of different local restrictions in some countries.

Learn More About Freight Services