How to Measure for a USPS Large Package

The United States Postal Service (USPS) allows you to send large packages using either Parcel Post, or other package mailing services including Priority Mail, First Class Mail and Express Mail. USPS measures packages by calculating the total package measurement. By determining your packages total package measurement, you can verify that your package does not exceed the maximum package measurement and USPS will accept your package for mailing.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the height and width around the largest point of the package. The USPS uses inches for its package measurement. Therefore, you should take these measurements in inches. For example, assume the height of a package is 50 inches and the width around the largest point of the package is 40 inches. Make sure you measure all the way around the width of the largest point of the package. Use a flexible tape measure if possible.

2. Add the height, width and girth measurements. Continuing the same example, 50 + 40 = 90 inches. This figure represents the total measurement of your USPS package.

3. Compare the total measurement figure to USPS's maximum package measurement. For parcel post, the maximum total measurement allowed is 130 inches. For other package services, the maximum total measurement allowed is 108 inches.

References

• USPS; Measuring Tips