Carton Dimensions Specification Template
A clear carton specification stops the wrong box arriving at the line. This template captures style, inside dimensions, board, print, tolerances and an inspection record in one document that you can send to a supplier and keep in the item file.
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Carton Dimensions Specification Template
Carton Specification
Company: Acme Foods Ltd Specification: CTN-0147 Revision: B Date: 2026-10-20 Item: Shipper carton, 12 x 500 ml bottles
Style and dimensions
| Attribute | Requirement | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Style | FEFCO 0201 regular slotted container | n/a |
| Inside length (L) | 400 mm | +/- 3 mm |
| Inside width (W) | 300 mm | +/- 3 mm |
| Inside height (H) | 300 mm | +/- 3 mm |
| Dimension order | L x W x H, opening on top | n/a |
Board and construction
Board: Single wall C flute, 32 ECT, kraft liner
Measure inside dimensions of the erected carton with flaps closed. Grain direction and score quality are confirmed at incoming inspection.
Print and marking
1 colour flexo on one panel, plus warehouse marks
Barcode and handling marks follow the packaging specification sheet for this item.
Special requirements
Water-based inks only. Glued manufacturer's joint. Grain direction vertical for stacking.
Inspection record
| Characteristic | Requirement | Actual | Pass / Fail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 400 mm | ||
| Width | 300 mm | ||
| Height | 300 mm | ||
| Board / flute | Single wall C flute, 32 ECT, kraft liner |
Approvals
A starting point for your own packaging documents, not a contract or legal advice. Dimension order and tolerances should follow your supplier agreement and relevant FEFCO or ISO packaging standards.
Keep packaging specs in sync with your ERP
Optional: we look at where carton specifications and item revisions are held and how receipts are checked against them.
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How to use the template
Fill in the specification number, revision and item description, then choose a carton style and enter inside dimensions. Add the board grade, print details and special requirements. The document includes an inspection table that receiving staff can fill in on arrival, plus an approval block. Export as PDF or Word to send to your box maker or attach to the item master. Increase the revision letter every time a dimension or board changes.
- State inside dimensions, not outside
- Use L x W x H with the opening on top
- Revision control on every change
- Keep supplier acknowledgment on file
Dimension conventions to agree
Corrugated suppliers and ISO or FEFCO practice quote inside dimensions as length, width, height, with length the longer side of the opening, and height measured from the bottom score to the top of the unclosed flaps. Disagreements here are a common reason a box does not fit. State the convention in the specification, include tolerances, and note whether dimensions are for the erected box. Folding cartons follow similar rules but are measured to the panel folds, which you should state explicitly.
Board and construction details
The board grade drives strength and cost. Specify flute type, liner and ECT or burst, and the manufacturer's joint type (glued, taped, stitched). Grain direction affects stacking. For printed cartons, specify colours, ink type and any food-contact requirement. Link the compression strength estimate from the BCT calculator to this document so stacking assumptions are traceable. Keep a record of the last approved sample number with the specification.
Common mistakes
Frequent errors include mixing inside and outside dimensions, omitting tolerances, changing board without a revision, and not telling the supplier which panel carries the print. Another is allowing product fit to drive size without leaving clearance for the pack and fill process. Put a copy of this document in your ERP item record, and require the supplier's revision to match the item revision on every receipt.
- Confirm product clearance with a real sample
- Revision on every change
- State print panel and orientation
- Match supplier revision to ERP item revision
Frequently Asked Questions
Should box dimensions be inside or outside?
Corrugated box specifications normally use inside dimensions, stated as length x width x height. Outside dimensions depend on board thickness and are used for pallet planning. State clearly which you give so the supplier cannot guess.
What does FEFCO 0201 mean?
FEFCO 0201 is the code for a regular slotted container, the standard shipping box with four flaps where the outer flaps meet in the middle. It is the most common corrugated style and is often called an RSC.
What tolerance should I specify?
Corrugated boxes commonly allow a few millimetres either way on inside dimensions, but the right figure depends on your line and supplier. Agree it in the contract and write it on the specification so incoming inspection can pass or fail.
How should I control revisions?
Give every specification a number and revision letter, and change the revision whenever size, board, print or construction changes. Keep the item revision in your ERP aligned with the specification, and ask suppliers to quote the revision on each delivery.
If specifications and supplier revisions are scattered across email and shared drives, we can build a private agent over your document store and ERP item masters. Ask for a short review.
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