What box for A3 documents and prints? Inside sizes and dim weight
A3 documents and prints measure 11.69 × 16.54 in (297 × 420 mm). With 1 in of cushioning on every side, a 1 in stack needs a box at least 18.54 × 13.69 × 3 in inside; a shallow die-cut mailer or a telescope box suits flat goods better than a deep slotted carton.
Inside sizes by stack thickness and cushioning
| Stack, in | Cushion per side | Inside box, in | Suggested style | Smallest library size that fits | USPS DW | FedEx DW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 0.5 | 17.54 × 12.69 × 1.5 | 0427 | 18 × 18 × 6 | n/a | 4 lb |
| 0.5 | 1 | 18.54 × 13.69 × 2.5 | 0427 | 20 × 14 × 10 | n/a | 6 lb |
| 0.5 | 2 | 20.54 × 15.69 × 4.5 | 0427 | 22 × 16 × 12 | 13 lb | 13 lb |
| 1 | 0.5 | 17.54 × 12.69 × 2 | 0427 | 18 × 18 × 6 | n/a | 4 lb |
| 1 | 1 | 18.54 × 13.69 × 3 | 0427 | 20 × 14 × 10 | n/a | 6 lb |
| 1 | 2 | 20.54 × 15.69 × 5 | 0427 | 22 × 16 × 12 | 16 lb | 13 lb |
| 2 | 0.5 | 17.54 × 12.69 × 3 | 0427 | 18 × 18 × 6 | n/a | 6 lb |
| 2 | 1 | 18.54 × 13.69 × 4 | 0427 | 20 × 14 × 10 | n/a | 8 lb |
| 2 | 2 | 20.54 × 15.69 × 6 | 0427 | 22 × 16 × 12 | 18 lb | 15 lb |
| 4 | 0.5 | 17.54 × 12.69 × 5 | 0427 | 18 × 18 × 6 | n/a | 9 lb |
| 4 | 1 | 18.54 × 13.69 × 6 | 0427 | 20 × 14 × 10 | 15 lb | 12 lb |
| 4 | 2 | 20.54 × 15.69 × 8 | 0301 | 22 × 16 × 12 | 24 lb | 20 lb |
Inside = item + 2 × cushion on each axis. Dimensional weight uses C flute outside dimensions (ID + 2 calipers on L and W, + 3 on depth); n/a means USPS bills actual weight below 1,728 in³. Divisors checked 2026-10-27. The suggested style is a rule of thumb: 0427 for depths to 6 in, 0301 beyond.
Packing notes
- Keep flat goods flat: a box whose depth is far more than the stack invites shifting, so fill or reduce the depth.
- Corners take the knocks; corner protectors or a rigid pad on each face protect edges better than loose fill.
- Large sheets (16.54 in long side) fit common flat mailers without rolling.
Open this item in the Spec Builder to set your own thickness, weight and carriers.