Shipping Box Sizes Chart

A reference chart of common shipping box, parcel, and moving box dimensions to help you pick the right size for packing, mailing, or moving.

Choosing the Right Box Size

Picking a box that’s too large wastes packaging material and increases shipping costs, since many carriers charge based on dimensional weight rather than just actual weight. A box that’s too small risks damaging the contents or requiring excessive force to close. This chart lists standard sizes for parcels, shoeboxes, moving boxes, and pallets to help you estimate what you’ll need.

Parcel vs Moving Box Sizes

Small and medium parcels are typically used for shipping individual items like electronics, clothing, or gifts, while moving boxes are designed for packing household items during a move. Pallets are used for bulk shipping and warehouse logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size box do I need to ship a pair of shoes?

A standard shoebox size of approximately 33 x 20 x 13 cm works well for most adult shoe sizes.

What is dimensional weight and why does it matter for shipping?

Dimensional weight is a pricing method carriers use based on a package’s volume rather than its actual weight, meaning a large, lightweight box can cost more to ship than a small, heavy one. Choosing the right box size helps avoid overpaying.

What size moving boxes should I use for a move?

Small moving boxes work best for heavy items like books, medium boxes suit kitchenware and toys, and large boxes are better for lightweight, bulky items like bedding and pillows.