1. What is USPS Girth?

Girth is the measurement around the thickest part of your package. For USPS shipping, girth is calculated as twice the sum of the width and height of your package. This measurement is crucial for determining shipping costs and package size restrictions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the USPS girth formula:

Where:

• \( Width \) — Package width in inches
• \( Height \) — Package height in inches

Explanation: The girth is calculated by adding the width and height together, then multiplying by 2. This gives the distance around the package perpendicular to the length.

3. Importance of Girth Calculation

Details: USPS uses girth plus length to determine dimensional weight pricing and whether a package qualifies as a parcel or large package. Packages with girth over certain thresholds may incur additional fees.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your package at its widest and tallest points in inches. Enter these values to calculate the girth. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure package dimensions for USPS?
A: Measure length (longest side), width, and height at their maximum points. Round each measurement to the nearest inch.

Q2: What is the maximum girth for USPS packages?
A: The maximum girth plus length is 108 inches for most services. Priority Mail has a lower limit of 79 inches (length + girth).

Q3: Does USPS charge by weight or size?
A: USPS charges by whichever is greater - actual weight or dimensional weight (based on size).

Q4: Where does girth measurement matter most?
A: Girth is especially important for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express packages, where size restrictions apply.

Q5: How accurate do my measurements need to be?
A: Measurements should be accurate to within 1/8 inch for proper classification and pricing.