Mailing Tube Size Chart: Diameter, Length, What Fits and Carrier Surcharge Lines
Mailing tubes are sized by inside diameter and usable length, from 1.5 x 6 for a certificate to 6 x 60 for a rolled rug. The chart lists every stocked size with what fits in it, the case price, and the carrier length line each one crosses, because a 36 inch tube costs more to ship than a 26 inch one holding the same poster.
How mailing tubes are sized
A mailing tube is listed as inside diameter x usable length in inches: a 2 x 24 tube has a 2 inch opening and takes a roll up to about 23 inches long once the caps are in. Wall thickness is separate and runs from 0.06 inch on light spiral-wound tubes to 0.125 inch on heavy-duty stock. The roll needs clearance on both axes: add about 1/4 inch to the rolled diameter and 1 inch to the rolled length, then take the next stocked size up. A roll forced into a tight tube creases at the ends and stops the caps seating, which is the usual cause of a tube arriving open.
Fit rule: Measure the diameter after rolling, not the flat sheet. Five sheets of 24 x 36 bond roll to about 2 inches; the same stack of 80 lb poster paper rolls to 2.5 inches because heavier paper will not roll as tight. Roll the stack, measure, add 1/4 inch, add 1 inch of length.
Stocked mailing tube sizes
Every stocked diameter and length with the carrier length line it falls on. Prices are the cheapest product per size; colored, white and heavy-wall versions of the same size are on the product pages. Diameter decides what fits:
| Inside diameter | What it normally carries |
|---|---|
| 1.5 in | Certificates, photos, small prints, one or two rolled sheets |
| 2 in | Posters and art prints, 2 to 5 sheets; blueprints to 24 x 36 |
| 2.5 in | Posters, 5 to 10 sheets; fabric swatches; light rods |
| 3 and 3.25 in | Blueprints and plans, 10 to 20 sheets; rolled canvas; maps; rods and trim |
| 4 in | Thick canvas, banners, 20 to 40 sheets, rolled fabric |
| 5 and 6 in | Vinyl banners, rugs, rolled canvas over 20 sheets, long parts |
| Tube (ID x length, in) | Usable roll length (in) | Carrier length line | Case price / qty | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 x 6 | about 5 | No length surcharge | $44.88 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 9 | about 8 | No length surcharge | $53.09 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 12 | about 11 | No length surcharge | $54.66 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 15 | about 14 | No length surcharge | $57.25 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 16 | about 15 | No length surcharge | $56.54 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 18 | about 17 | No length surcharge | $61.09 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 20 | about 19 | No length surcharge | $64.34 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 24 | about 23 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $70.27 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 26 | about 25 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $74.59 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 30 | about 29 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $78.08 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 36 | about 35 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $92.98 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 1.5 x 48 | about 47 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $113.48 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 6 | about 5 | No length surcharge | $49.97 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 9 | about 8 | No length surcharge | $46.97 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 12 | about 11 | No length surcharge | $47.19 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 15 | about 14 | No length surcharge | $23.27 / 12 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 18 | about 17 | No length surcharge | $18.88 / 6 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 20 | about 19 | No length surcharge | $67.57 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 22 | about 21 | No length surcharge | $72.44 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 24 | about 23 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $14.87 / 6 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 25 | about 24 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $77.30 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 26 | about 25 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $79.47 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 30 | about 29 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $24.45 / 6 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 36 | about 35 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $97.34 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 43 | about 42 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $112.48 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 48 | about 47 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $117.94 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 60 | about 59 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $185.95 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2 x 72 | about 71 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $205.96 / 50 | Kraft, caps |
| 2.5 x 12 | about 11 | No length surcharge | $35.67 / 30 | Kraft |
| 2.5 x 15 | about 14 | No length surcharge | $36.65 / 30 | Kraft |
| 2.5 x 18 | about 17 | No length surcharge | $38.92 / 30 | Kraft |
| 2.5 x 20 | about 19 | No length surcharge | $42.16 / 30 | Kraft |
| 2.5 x 24 | about 23 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $55.13 / 34 | Kraft |
| 2.5 x 26 | about 25 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $62.85 / 34 | Kraft, caps |
| 2.5 x 30 | about 29 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $60.29 / 34 | Kraft |
| 2.5 x 36 | about 35 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $70.94 / 34 | Kraft |
| 2.5 x 48 | about 47 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $114.22 / 34 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 6 | about 5 | No length surcharge | $34.76 / 24 | White, caps |
| 3 x 9 | about 8 | No length surcharge | $35.97 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 12 | about 11 | No length surcharge | $41.91 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 15 | about 14 | No length surcharge | $43.58 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 16 | about 15 | No length surcharge | $42.72 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 18 | about 17 | No length surcharge | $41.89 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 20 | about 19 | No length surcharge | $44.47 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 24 | about 23 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $42.31 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 25 | about 24 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $47.49 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 26 | about 25 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $43.90 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 30 | about 29 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $57.93 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 36 | about 35 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $57.97 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 38 | about 37 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $72.64 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 42 | about 41 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $78.35 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 48 | about 47 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $84.50 / 24 | Kraft, caps |
| 3 x 56 | about 55 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $145.03 / 24 | Kraft, heavy wall, caps |
| 3 x 60 | about 59 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $132.39 / 24 | Kraft, heavy wall, caps |
| 3 x 72 | about 71 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $122.23 / 15 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 3.25 x 24 | about 23 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $191.89 / 25 | Kraft, heavy wall, adjustable |
| 3.25 x 60 | about 59 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $224.22 / 15 | Kraft, heavy wall, adjustable |
| 3.25 x 72 | about 71 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $303.90 / 15 | Kraft, heavy wall, adjustable |
| 4 x 12 | about 11 | No length surcharge | $35.18 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 18 | about 17 | No length surcharge | $42.48 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 20 | about 19 | No length surcharge | $43.41 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 24 | about 23 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $48.26 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 26 | about 25 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $50.13 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 30 | about 29 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $53.72 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 36 | about 35 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $59.60 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 42 | about 41 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $71.21 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 48 | about 47 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $86.09 / 15 | Kraft, caps |
| 4 x 60 | about 59 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $101.96 / 12 | Kraft, heavy wall, caps |
| 4 x 72 | about 71 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $120.51 | Kraft, heavy wall, caps |
| 5 x 24 | about 23 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $91.30 / 15 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 5 x 26 | about 25 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $94.70 / 15 | Kraft |
| 5 x 30 | about 29 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $99.72 / 15 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 5 x 36 | about 35 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $114.01 / 15 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 5 x 48 | about 47 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $160.06 / 15 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 5 x 60 | about 59 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $205.62 / 15 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 6 x 24 | about 23 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $80.87 / 10 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 6 x 30 | about 29 | USPS over 22 in (nonstandard fee) | $95.78 / 10 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 6 x 36 | about 35 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $108.98 / 10 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 6 x 48 | about 47 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $140.10 / 10 | Kraft, heavy wall |
| 6 x 60 | about 59 | USPS over 30 in; UPS/FedEx additional handling over 48 in | $160.11 / 10 | Kraft |
| 8 x 36 | about 35 | USPS over 30 in (larger nonstandard fee); UPS/FedEx under 48 in | $190.48 / 10 | Kraft, heavy wall |
What fits: common items and the tube to buy
| Item | Rolled diameter (typical) | Rolled length | Tube to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter or A4 certificate, 1 sheet | 1 to 1.25 in | 8.5 or 11 in (roll along either edge) | 1.5 x 12 or 2 x 12 |
| 11 x 17 print, 1 to 3 sheets | 1.25 to 1.5 in | 11 in | 2 x 12 or 2 x 15 |
| 18 x 24 poster, 1 to 5 sheets | 1.5 to 2 in | 18 in | 2 x 20 or 2.5 x 20 |
| 24 x 36 poster or blueprint, 1 to 5 sheets | 1.75 to 2.25 in | 24 in | 2.5 x 26 or 3 x 26 |
| 24 x 36 plans, 10 to 20 sheets | 2.5 to 3 in | 24 in | 3 x 26 or 4 x 26 |
| 27 x 40 movie poster | 2 in | 27 in | 2.5 x 30 or 3 x 30 |
| 30 x 42 or 36 x 48 drawings | 2.5 to 3.5 in | 30 or 36 in | 3 x 36 or 4 x 36 (USPS over 30 in line) |
| Rolled canvas 36 in wide, light | 3 to 4 in | 36 in | 4 x 36 or 4 x 42 |
| Vinyl banner 48 in wide | 3 to 5 in | 48 in | 4 x 48 or 5 x 48; over 48 in moves to UPS/FedEx additional handling |
| Fishing rods, curtain rods, trim to 60 in | 2 to 3 in | 60 in | 3 x 60 or 3.25 x 60 adjustable |
Carrier length lines for tubes
Tubes are cheap to buy and expensive to ship when they cross a length line, because the surcharges are flat fees on parcels that weigh very little. USPS added length-based nonstandard fees in 2023 and carried them into the July 12, 2026 Notice 123; the two lines at 22 and 30 inches split the stocked range in three. UPS and FedEx leave tubes alone until 48 inches, then add Additional Handling on every piece. The carrier size and weight limits page carries the full table with girth rules.
| Carrier | Length line | What happens | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail | Longest side over 22 in | Nonstandard length fee added to postage | USPS DMM 133 / Notice 123, effective July 12, 2026 |
| USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail | Longest side over 30 in | Larger nonstandard length fee; most 36 in tubes sit here | USPS DMM 133 / Notice 123 |
| USPS | Length + girth over 108 in, or over 130 in | Oversized price to 130 in; not mailable above 130 in | USPS DMM 133 |
| UPS | Longest side over 48 in | Additional Handling surcharge | UPS Rate and Service Guide |
| UPS | Longest side over 96 in, or L + G over 130 in | Large Package Surcharge; 165 in L + G maximum | UPS Rate and Service Guide |
| FedEx | Longest side over 48 in | Additional Handling surcharge | FedEx Service Guide |
| FedEx | Longest side over 96 in, or L + G over 130 in | Oversize charge; 165 in L + G maximum | FedEx Service Guide |
| All three | Dimensional weight | A 3 x 36 tube is 324 cubic inches, 2.3 lb billable at divisor 139, which exceeds the actual weight of most rolled paper | Carrier DIM rules |
Practical consequences: a 24 x 36 poster rolled along the 24 inch edge goes in a 2.5 x 26 tube and stays under the USPS 30 inch line; rolled along the 36 inch edge it needs a 38 inch tube and pays the larger fee. Roll to the shorter edge whenever the diameter allows. Anything over 48 inches is often cheaper on USPS than on UPS or FedEx up to the 108 inch length plus girth limit, because USPS has no 48 inch line; compare the USPS nonstandard fee against the carrier Additional Handling charge for the lane.
Tube type and closure
- Spiral-wound kraft with plastic end caps is the standard mailing tube. The caps press in; tape over them for anything valuable. Stocked in kraft, white and seven colors at the common sizes.
- Heavy-wall (0.125 in) tubes for blueprints shipped repeatedly, metal rods and anything over 36 inches, where a light tube bends in the sorter.
- Adjustable (telescoping) tubes cover a range of lengths, such as 24 to 44 inches, with one SKU. Useful for mixed rod and trim lengths; the overlap adds weight and the sleeve needs tape.
- Crimped-end tubes are sealed by folding the ends and need no caps; they are lighter and cheaper per unit but cannot be reopened cleanly. Order by quote.
Flat alternatives: prints that must not be rolled go in a flat box sized for the frame or print, and documents under 1/4 inch thick ship cheaper in a rigid mailer from the mailer size chart.
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Frequently asked questions
What size mailing tube do I need for a 24x36 poster?
Roll along the 24 inch edge and use a 2.5 x 26 or 3 x 26 tube for up to 5 sheets. That keeps the tube under the USPS 30 inch nonstandard line. Rolling along the 36 inch side needs a 38 inch tube and costs more to ship.
How are mailing tube sizes measured?
Inside diameter x usable length in inches. A 3 x 36 tube has a 3 inch opening and holds a roll about 35 inches long after the caps go in. Wall thickness is listed separately, from 0.06 to 0.125 inch.
Does USPS charge extra for mailing tubes?
Not for being a tube, but for length: parcels with a longest side over 22 inches pay a nonstandard fee and over 30 inches a larger one, under DMM 133 and Notice 123. A 2 x 20 tube pays neither; a 3 x 36 pays the larger fee.
What is the longest mailing tube I can ship?
USPS takes tubes up to 108 inches length plus girth at standard oversized pricing and 130 inches at most. UPS and FedEx accept up to 108 inches long and 165 inches length plus girth, with Additional Handling from 48 inches and Large Package pricing from 96 inches.
Can I ship a mailing tube without end caps?
Only if the ends are crimped or taped closed. Open-ended tubes are rejected at drop-off. Stocked tubes include press-fit plastic caps; tape over the caps for anything valuable.