Calculate the weight of a carton and control it correctly

The shipping weight does not only include the goods. Outer carton, inner packaging, upholstery and closure material are added. The curb weight of a carton can be estimated if its material surface and surface weight are known. For the finished shipment, a scale is the more reliable control.

Surface weight and material surface

The surface weight describes how many grams a square meter of material weighs. The basic calculation is:

Material weight in grams = cut area in m² × grammage in g/m².

A cut with 0,80 m² and 400 g/m² Weighs mathematically 320 g. The values must match the entire material used. In the case of corrugated board, the weight of a single cover paper is not sufficient to calculate the finished cardboard.

Why the outer surface only provides an approximation

For a closed block, the geometric surface results from 2 × (L × B + L × H + B × H). All dimensions must be used in metres. A carton with 1,00 × 0,80 × 0,60 m has such a geometric area of 3,76 m².

Multiplied with 400 g/m² the 1504 g. With a real folding box, however, this pure quadruple calculation lacks inter alia overlapping flaps, adhesive flaps or special floor layers. The result is therefore: No precise determination of the curb weight. In the original, this difference is not sufficiently highlighted.

Work with a pattern more precisely

1. Weigh a dry, empty carton of the actual version used.
2. Add the intended inner packaging, padding and closure material.
3. Determine the weight of the complete packaged goods.
4. Check the closed shipment on a suitable scale.

With larger quantities, you can weigh several blank copies and set a work value. Differences in material and additional deposits must continue to be taken into account. Wet cardboard changes weight and stability; it should not be treated as an ordinary dry carton.

Weight and load capacity are different sizes

A light carton can be sufficient for a light product. For heavy or angular contents, however, the appropriate design counts. Multilayer corrugated board, a secure floor and additional fixation may be necessary. No permissible load can be derived from the curb weight alone.

Checking transit borders correctly

A dispatch service may take into account actual weight, external dimensions and a volume weight depending on the service. Use the current rules of the specific tariff; there is no general formula for all providers. Do not plan a borderline case alone with an estimated carton weight. A final control of the finished package prevents surprises and at the same time reveals unnecessarily heavy packaging components.