What box for ANSI A (8.5 × 11 in) sheets? Inside sizes and dim weight
ANSI A (8.5 × 11 in) sheets measure 8.5 × 11 in. With 1 in of cushioning on every side, a 1 in stack needs a box at least 13 × 10.5 × 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 | 12 × 9.5 × 1.5 | 0427 | 12 × 10 × 4 | n/a | 2 lb |
| 0.5 | 1 | 13 × 10.5 × 2.5 | 0427 | 16 × 12 × 4 | n/a | 4 lb |
| 0.5 | 2 | 15 × 12.5 × 4.5 | 0427 | 16 × 14 × 8 | n/a | 8 lb |
| 1 | 0.5 | 12 × 9.5 × 2 | 0427 | 12 × 10 × 4 | n/a | 2 lb |
| 1 | 1 | 13 × 10.5 × 3 | 0427 | 16 × 12 × 4 | n/a | 4 lb |
| 1 | 2 | 15 × 12.5 × 5 | 0427 | 16 × 14 × 8 | n/a | 8 lb |
| 2 | 0.5 | 12 × 9.5 × 3 | 0427 | 12 × 10 × 4 | n/a | 3 lb |
| 2 | 1 | 13 × 10.5 × 4 | 0427 | 16 × 12 × 4 | n/a | 5 lb |
| 2 | 2 | 15 × 12.5 × 6 | 0427 | 16 × 14 × 8 | n/a | 9 lb |
| 4 | 0.5 | 12 × 9.5 × 5 | 0427 | 12 × 10 × 6 | n/a | 5 lb |
| 4 | 1 | 13 × 10.5 × 6 | 0427 | 14 × 12 × 6 | n/a | 7 lb |
| 4 | 2 | 15 × 12.5 × 8 | 0301 | 16 × 14 × 8 | 14 lb | 12 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 (11 in long side) fit common flat mailers without rolling.
Open this item in the Spec Builder to set your own thickness, weight and carriers.