Girth Calculator

Work out girth and length plus girth from your box size, and check it against UPS, FedEx, USPS and DHL parcel size limits.

Length is the single longest side. Girth wraps the other two: 2 × (side2 + side3).

Length + girth
100 in
30 in
Longest side
70 in
Girth
100 in
In inches
Carrier limit (L + girth)MaxStatus
UPS Ground165"Within
FedEx Ground165"Within
USPS Ground Advantage / Priority130"Within
DHL Express118"Within
L 30 inH 15 inW 20 in100 in length + girth

What girth means

Carriers limit parcel size using two numbers: the length (the single longest side) and the girth (the distance around the box at its thickest point). Girth wraps the two shorter sides:

girth = 2 × (side2 + side3)

length + girth = longest side + girth

Most size limits are written as a maximum length plus girth, so that is the figure this calculator highlights.

Worked example

For a 30 × 20 × 15 in box:

  1. Longest side (length): 30 in
  2. Girth: 2 × (20 + 15) = 70 in
  3. Length + girth: 30 + 70 = 100 in

At 100 in, that box is within the UPS, FedEx and USPS limits below, so it ships as a standard parcel rather than an oversize one.

Carrier size limits (length + girth)

CarrierMax lengthMax length + girth
UPS Ground108 in165 in
FedEx Ground108 in165 in
USPS Ground Advantage / Priority108 in130 in
DHL Express47 in118 in

Going over a limit usually pushes a package into an oversize or additional-handling tier, or it may be refused. Confirm the current limit with your carrier, since they revise these periodically.

To estimate the billed weight of the same box, use the dimensional weight calculator; for the raw cubic volume, use the box volume calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate girth?
Girth is 2 × (width + height) using the two shorter sides. Length plus girth adds the longest side: length + 2 × (width + height).
What is the maximum length and girth for UPS and FedEx?
Both allow up to 165 in length plus girth, and 108 in for the longest side, before oversize handling applies to a ground parcel.
Is girth the same as volume?
No. Girth measures the distance around the box, while volume measures the space inside it. Use the box volume calculator for volume.