When planning a home shift or shipping fragile items, the most common question that often arises is, "How much does a cardboard box weigh?". It may seem to be a simple question, but the answer depends on multiple factors, which include the type of cardboard used, the thickness of the cardboard, and the box`s size or dimensions. In this blog post, we will discuss each of these aspects, focusing on the weights of different boxes, including boxes made from corrugated cardboard or Kraft paper and flat boxes.
The Packaging Material: A Major Factor
The weight of a cardboard box is significantly influenced by the type of packaging material it is built. Here are some of the common materials used in box-making and their impact on the box`s weight:
Flat Boxes
These boxes are typically made of single-wall corrugated cardboard material. It is because of their construction these flat packaging boxes are durable yet lightweight, making them an ideal packaging solution for shipping a wide range of items. However, the exact weight can vary because of its size. The weight of a standard flat box usually weighs between 170 to 200 grams.
Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
Corrugated cardboard packaging material is a sturdy and solid material. It is made from three layers of brown kraft paper. This corrugated cardboard packaging box is an ideal packaging solution for protecting high-end and fragile products during delivery and storage. The weight of the corrugated cardboard boxes is typically more than the flat packaging boxes. It is because of their added layers of material for making them sturdy. A medium-sized corrugated cardboard box usually weighs around 500 grams. However, the weight can vary based on the thickness and size of the box.
Kraft Paper Boxes
These custom shipping boxes are made from Kraft paper, which is environmentally friendly and light in weight. This packaging material is famous for its durability and extraordinary strength, making it aesthetically pleasing and practical. A medium-sized kraft paper box usually weighs around 150 to 180 grams.
Size and Thickness of Cardboard Matter
Aside from the packaging material, the thickness and size of the cardboard play a vital role in determining the weight of the box. Below are some of the cardboard box sizes with their average weights for the ease of consumers:
Box Size (inches) | Average weight (grams) |
6 x 6 x 6 | 120-150 |
24 x 24 x 24 | 400-450 |
18 x 18 x 18 | 300-350 |
12 x 12 x 12 | 200-250 |
How Much Does a Cardboard Box Weigh in Kilograms?
To calculate the cardboard box weight in kilograms, you need to divide the volume in cm3 by 6000. The reason behind dividing by 6000 is to convert the cubic centimeters of the weight of cardboard to kilograms. To calculate the weight of the same cardboard box in kilograms, we first have to convert the length, width, and height values from inches to centimeters to get the box`s volume in cubic centimeters. Here is how you need to do it to calculate the weight of the cardboard box in kilograms:
Length, Width, Height = 12 x 2.54 cm/inch = 30.48 cm
Now that we have the dimensions in centimeters, we can calculate the weight.
Weight = (30.48cm x 30.48cm x 30.48cm)/6000
Weight = 28316.8466 cm³ / 6000
Weight = 4.7194 kilograms
How Much Does a Cardboard Box Weigh in Pounds?
When we need to calculate the weight of a cardboard box in pounds, you will need to divide the dimensions of the box by 166. The number 166 is the assumed cardboard density per cubic foot used to make the box. Using this weighing formula, you will know the weight of a 12x12x12 small cardboard box. Here is the formula which you can use to calculate the weight of the cardboard box in pounds:
Weight of cardboard box = (12x12x12)/166
Weight = 1728/166
Weight = 10.4 Pounds
So, now you know how much a cardboard box weighs in pounds, which is 10.4 pounds.
How Much Does a Cardboard Box Weigh in Ounces?
If you need to calculate the weight of a cardboard box in ounces, you must divide the weight in pounds by 16. Here is how you can do it to calculate the weight of the cardboard box in ounces:
Weight = 10.4 Pounds / 16
Weight = 0.665 Ounces
How Much Does a Cardboard Box Weigh in Grams?
If you need to calculate the weight of a cardboard box in grams, all you need to do is convert the weight in kilograms to grams by multiplying by 1000. Now, the weight of a cardboard box in grams will be:
Weight = 4.7194 x 1000
Weight = 4719.4 grams
However, if you want to know how much a small or heavy cardboard box weighs in grams, this formula for calculating the weight of a cardboard box in grams will work.
How Much Does a Large Cardboard Box Weigh?
The formulas mentioned above can help you calculate the weight of the cardboard box in pounds, ounces, kilograms, and grams. Whether you need to know how much an empty box weighs or how much a cardboard shipping box weighs, the above-mentioned cardboard box weight calculator formulas can help you.
However, it would help if you kept in mind that these cardboard box weight calculations offer only an approximation of the weight of the cardboard box based on the dimensions. If you cannot calculate the dimensions of a box, you can read our blog on how to calculate the box dimensions. To calculate the exact weight of the cardboard box, you need to accurately measure the thickness of the material, along with other related factors. However, it is advised to use a proper scale to measure the exact weight of the cardboard box.
The Role of Box Dimensions in Calculating the Weight of a Cardboard Box
The dimensions of a box consist of height, width, and length. They all play a significant role in determining the weight of the cardboard box. The larger boxes usually require more material for their construction, which naturally increases their weight. For instance, a small box of 6x6x6 inches only weighs 120 to 150 grams, while a large cardboard box of 24x24x24 inches could weigh as much as 400 to 450 grams. It would help if you kept in mind these figures can change based on the cardboard material you choose and its thickness.
Final Words
As you can see now, the cardboard box`s weight is influenced by multiple factors, including its thickness, the box`s size, and the material you use to make it. However, by understanding these significant factors, you can make sound decisions when calculating the box`s weight or choosing the correct box for your product packaging needs. Knowing the approximate weight can be pretty useful if you choose kraft paper boxes, flat boxes, or corrugated cardboard boxes.
By knowing the weight of the cardboard box, you can easily calculate the shipping costs and how much weight your box could handle. Cardboard, an eco-friendly packaging material, is the best choice for shipping boxes. If you have any questions regarding the quality or design of cardboard boxes, you can contact us. IMH Packaging is one of the famous custom packaging suppliers in the USA. We will help you stay updated with the latest news and trends related to product packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 12x12 cardboard box weigh?
The cardboard box with the dimensions of 12x12x12 weighs approximately 200-250 grams.
How much does a 10x10 box weigh?
The cardboard box, with dimensions of 10x10x10, weighs approximately 130-140 lbs.
How do you measure box weight?
To measure the weight of the box without the scale, you use the relationship between volume and mass: mass= volume x density.