What is girth?
Girth is the distance all the way around a parcel at its thickest point, measured around the two shorter sides (the width and height). Picture wrapping a tape measure around the middle of the box. Couriers add the girth to the length, which is the longest side, to get the combined length and girth. They use this one number to decide whether a parcel is too big for their normal network.
How to calculate length and girth
- Measure all three sides and round each up to the next whole centimetre.
- Find the length. This is always the longest side.
- Work out the girth. Add the other two sides together and double it.
- Add the length to the girth.
Length + Girth = Length + 2 × Width + 2 × Height
Worked example
A box measures 60 × 40 × 30 cm.
- Length (longest side): 60 cm
- Girth: 2 × (40 + 30) = 140 cm
- Length + girth: 60 + 140 = 200 cm
That is well within the limits of DHL, FedEx and UPS.
Carrier size limits at a glance
| Carrier | Max weight / parcel | Max length | Max length + girth |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | 70 kg | 274 cm | 400 cm |
| FedEx International | 68 kg | 274 cm | 330 cm |
| DHL Express | 70 kg standard; heavier pieces must be palletised and pay an overweight charge | 120 × 80 × 80 cm standard; up to 300 cm long with an oversize charge | Not used (DHL checks each side) |
These are standard limits for international express parcels and can change. Parcels over these limits may still be accepted as freight or with a surcharge. Contact Sovereign Axis before you pack anything unusually long or heavy.
Why does length and girth matter?
Long or bulky parcels don't fit on standard conveyors and in sorting equipment, so they need manual handling. Couriers either charge an oversize or large-package surcharge, or refuse the parcel and send it back to you. Checking length and girth before you pack helps you pick the right carrier and avoid unexpected charges.
Size also affects price through volumetric weight. Use our volumetric weight calculator to see the weight you'll be charged on.
Frequently asked questions
Is girth the same as the circumference?
For a box, yes, in practice: it is the perimeter around the width and height. For a tube or cylinder, couriers usually measure it as if it were a square box, so girth = 4 × diameter.
Which side is the length?
Always the longest side, however the box is placed. This calculator sorts the sides for you automatically.
What happens if my parcel is over the limit?
It may be charged an oversize surcharge, returned, or have to go as freight. Splitting the contents into two smaller boxes is often cheaper. Talk to us and we'll suggest the best option.
How do I measure a soft or irregular parcel?
Measure it at its largest points, as if it were inside a rectangular box. Couriers measure the same way at their hubs.