UPS Box Sizes: Express Box, Tube, Pak and Envelope Dimensions
UPS Express Boxes come in three sizes: Small at 13 x 11 x 2 inches, Medium at 15 x 11 x 3 inches and Large at 18 x 13 x 3 inches, rated to 30 lb. UPS also offers the Express Tube at 38 x 6 x 6 inches, the Express Pak, envelopes, and 10 KG and 25 KG boxes for exports. All of it is for UPS air and international express services: the UPS tariff bars Express packaging from UPS Ground, UPS Standard, UPS 3 Day Select and Worldwide Expedited. For Ground you need your own box, and the table lists a stocked box that holds the same contents.
UPS box sizes
| Box | Size | Max weight | Own box for Ground |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Express Box, Small | 13 x 11 x 2 | Not published | 13 x 11 x 2 |
| UPS Express Box, Medium | 15 x 11 x 3 | Not published | 15 x 12 x 3 |
| UPS Express Box, Large | 18 x 13 x 3 | 30 lb | 20 x 14 x 3 |
| UPS 10 KG Box | 17 x 13 x 11 | 22 lb, exports only | 17.25 x 11.25 x 14.25 |
| UPS 25 KG Box | 19 x 17 x 14 | 55 lb, exports only | 20 x 14 x 18 |
UPS publishes these sizes without saying whether they are inside or outside dimensions, and its current US supplies catalog is behind a login. The 2026 UPS Canada rate guide lists the Medium Express Box as 16 x 11 x 3 inches; measure the box you receive if fit is tight.
UPS envelope, pak and tube sizes
| Packaging | Size |
|---|---|
| UPS Express Envelope, Letter | 12 1/2 x 9 1/2 |
| UPS Express Envelope, Legal | 15 x 9 1/2 |
| UPS Express Pak | 16 x 13 x 1 |
| UPS Express Pad Pak | 12 x 14 3/4 |
| UPS Express Hard Pak | 12 x 11 |
| UPS Express Tube | 38 x 6 x 6 triangular |
The Letter rate applies only to a UPS Express Envelope holding documents or electronic media of 8 oz or less; heavier domestic envelopes are billed by weight.
Which UPS services can use UPS boxes
- UPS Express packaging works with UPS Next Day Air Early, Next Day Air, Next Day Air Saver, 2nd Day Air and Worldwide Express services.
- It may not be used for UPS Ground, UPS Standard, UPS 3 Day Select or UPS Worldwide Expedited shipments.
- With UPS Simple Rate, Express packaging is allowed only for Next Day Air Saver and 2nd Day Air.
- The 10 KG and 25 KG boxes are for prepaid exports by Worldwide Express services and carry their own box rates up to 22 lb and 55 lb.
- Since November 2025, UPS limits free supplies by account shipping activity.
Shipping UPS Ground? Use your own box
UPS Ground prices a package by its weight or dimensional weight at divisor 139, whichever is higher, so a box that fits the item closely saves money. Each box in the last column of the table is the smallest stocked 32 ECT box at least as large as the UPS box on every side. Check fees with the length plus girth calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What are UPS Express Box sizes?
Small 13 x 11 x 2 inches, Medium 15 x 11 x 3 inches and Large 18 x 13 x 3 inches, with the Large box rated to 30 lb.
Can I use a UPS Express box for UPS Ground?
No. The UPS tariff says Express packaging may not be used for UPS Ground, UPS Standard, UPS 3 Day Select or Worldwide Expedited shipments.
Are UPS boxes free?
UPS Express boxes, tubes, paks and envelopes are free for UPS express shipments, though since November 2025 UPS limits free supplies by account shipping activity.
What size is the UPS 10 KG box?
17 x 13 x 11 inches for exports up to 10 kg, or 22 lb. The 25 KG box is 19 x 17 x 14 inches for up to 25 kg, or 55 lb.
How big is a UPS tube?
The UPS Express Tube is a triangular tube 38 x 6 x 6 inches, used for plans, posters and rolled documents on express services.
What box should I use for UPS Ground?
Your own corrugated box. Pick the smallest one that fits the item with cushioning, because UPS Ground bills dimensional weight on every package.
Related tools and charts
- FedEx box sizes
- USPS Priority Mail box sizes
- Length plus girth calculator
- Dimensional weight calculator
- Box size chart
- Mailing tube size chart and poster tube finder
Sources: UPS WorldShip package type codes, the UPS Tariff and Terms of Service effective April 17, 2026, the 2026 UPS Daily Rates guide and the 2026 UPS Canada rate guide, checked October 26, 2026. UPS is a trademark of United Parcel Service of America, Inc.; Packrift is not affiliated with UPS.