Cylindrical Items in Grid or Staggered Carton Rows

Staggering two rows of cylindrical items can reduce the group's depth while increasing its width. Compare both dimensions before selecting an outer carton. A smaller footprint area or shorter depth alone does not establish that the complete arrangement fits.

Define the circle and center spacing

Use the maximum diameter of each protected assembly, including its existing wrap or sleeve. For the hypothetical example below, that diameter is 2 inches. Assume the approved arrangement separately calls for a 0.25-inch gap between adjacent protected assemblies.

The required center-to-center pitch is therefore 2 + 0.25 = 2.25 inches. The selected gap is an example input, not a recommended cushioning allowance. The items remain upright, and the example addresses plan-view geometry only.

Compare two rows of three

In a rectangular grid, three centers span two pitches across the row. Adding the item diameter gives a group width of 2 + 2 × 2.25 = 6.5 inches. Two aligned rows have a depth of 2 + 2.25 = 4.25 inches.

For staggered rows, shift the second row sideways by half a pitch, or 1.125 inches. Keeping the same nearest-neighbor spacing makes the row-center separation √3 ÷ 2 × 2.25, approximately 1.949 inches. Add the 2-inch diameter for the full depth.

Make the tradeoff visible

The staggered example uses about 0.301 inch less depth but 1.125 inches more width. It is not universally preferable. A carton constrained in width might suit the aligned arrangement better, while a different approved package might benefit from the reduced depth.

These outlines exclude outer-side protection, dividers that change the spacing, and any space required by the loading method. Add the actual components where they sit. Check assembly height and product orientation separately; neither is determined by the circles drawn from above.

Select the carton from the completed arrangement

SKU 995 is listed as a 9 × 9 × 5 inch ECT-32 kraft corrugated carton, supplied as 25 per bundle. Review 995's product specification as a candidate after defining the full arrangement. Its listed dimensions do not constitute approval of either hypothetical layout.

Inspect the actual usable space and trial the complete pack with its closing and protection method. Keep a plan-view drawing showing the centers and a side view showing the height. This lets the next packer reproduce the chosen rows without mistaking a geometric alternative for a validated shipping method.