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Corrugated RSC Blank Size and Board Yield Calculator

To cost or plan a regular slotted container you first need the flat blank size, because board is bought and priced by the sheet. This calculator converts inside dimensions into the blank, then shows how it nests on a sheet and what the board costs per box.

Your numbers

Inside length

Inside width

Inside height

Score allowance per fold

Extra length added at each score to allow for board thickness. Depends on flute; check with your corrugator.

Manufacturer joint width

Sheet length

Sheet width

Board price per m2

$/m2

Your results

Blanks per sheet

Board cost per box

Blank length

1,447

Four panels (L, W, L, W) plus the manufacturer joint and score allowances. Runs across the flutes.

Blank width

556

Box height plus two half-width flaps (one width in total). Runs with the flutes.

Blank area (m2)

0.8045

Board yield

56.8%

Share of sheet area that becomes box blank. The rest is trim.

Estimate for planning only. Score allowances, joint width and flap arrangement vary by corrugator and design (for example overlap or full overlap flaps). Confirm blank dimensions with your box supplier before ordering board.

Save results:

Board cost per box vs box height

Sweeps Inside height from 100 to 500, holding your other inputs fixed.

Cost boxes inside your ERP

Optional: a short review of how to model box blanks and board costs in your ERP BOM.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use the calculator

Enter the inside length, width and height of the box. Set the score allowance and joint width used by your supplier, then the sheet size and board price per square metre. The tool returns blank length and width, blanks per sheet, yield and board cost. Use the chart to see how cost grows with box height.

The formulas

For an RSC, blank length equals two lengths plus two widths plus the manufacturer's joint plus score allowances. Blank width equals height plus width, because each pair of flaps meets at the centre and together they cover one box width. Blanks per sheet is the floor of the sheet divided by the blank in each direction. Cost per box is sheet area times price divided by blanks per sheet.

Blank length runs across the flutes, blank width runs with the flutes
Flaps slightly shorter than half-width are common for gap and tolerance
Full overlap boxes need more board than standard RSC

Reading the result

A yield below the mid eighties percent suggests trying a different sheet width or trim. Always check rotation of the blank, since it can change the number of ups. Remember inside dimensions are not outside dimensions, so palletisation calculations should add board thickness around the box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an RSC box?

RSC stands for regular slotted container. It is the most common corrugated shipping box, made from one blank with four flaps top and bottom that meet at the centre. All flaps are the same length, about half the box width.

Why is blank width height plus width?

Each of the top and bottom flaps is about half the box width. Two flaps stacked make one box width. So blank width is box height plus two flaps, which equals height plus one width, plus score allowances.

Should I use inside or outside dimensions?

RSC blank formulas use inside dimensions, which is how most box orders are specified. If you only have outside dimensions, subtract board thickness once per side first, or ask your supplier for their convention.

Does this check box strength?

No. Compression strength depends on board grade, box perimeter and load. Use the board's edge crush rating and your supplier's guidance to verify a design carries the stacking load.

If you maintain box specifications in spreadsheets, we can help store them and cost them in your ERP bill of materials.

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