Measuring the poly bag: Formulas to help!
How do I determine the correct poly bag for my application?
Choosing the right plastic bag for your application can be overwhelming considering the depth of the subject. The three major areas you want to focus on are the following:
- Choosing the material the plastic bag is made from.
- Choosing the gauge (thickness) of the poly bag.
- Choosing the dimensions of the plastic bag.
Below are some easy formulas that will help you determine precisely the size poly bag you need for your packaging application.
Measuring for a Layflat Poly Bag Size When Using a Square Container
Note: The depth of the plastic bagis the shorter of the two sides.
Plastic Bag width = container width + container depth + 2" for a looser fit
Plastic Baglength = container height + container depth + 6" to cover contents and tie the bag closed.
Example: Container Size: 14"W x 10"D x 32" L calculates to a layflat poly bag size 26" W x 48" L
Measuring for a Layflat Poly Bag When Using a Round Container
Container Circumference = Diameter x 3.14
Poly Bag Width = Container Circumference divided by 2, + 1" for a looser fit.
Poly BagLength = Container Height + Container Diameter + 5" for overhang.
Example: Container Size: 12"D x 30"L calculates out to a poly bag size 20"W x 47"L
Measuring for a Pallet Cover
Note: The depth of the plastic bagis the shorter of the 2" sides.
Cover width = Pallet Width + 1-2"
Cover Depth = Pallet Depth + 1-2"
Cover Length = Pallet Height + 1/2 Pallet Depth
Example: Pallet Size: 40"W x 36"D x 50"Lcalculates to a gusseted poly bag size 42"W x 38"D x 68"L
Measuring for a Gusseted Poly Bag When Using a Square Container
Note: The depth of the plastic bag is the shorter of the 2 sides.
Bag Width = Box Width + 1"
Bag Depth = Box Depth + 1"
Bag Length = Box Height + Box Depth + 6" to cover contents and tie the bag closed.
Example: Box Size: 18"W + 12"D x 14"L calculates to a gusseted poly bag size: 19"W + 13"D x 32"L
Measuring for a Slider Top Reclosable Poly Bag
1. Measure Length (L) from the bottom of the bag to the top of the slider closure.
2. Measure Width (W) of the bag from side to side.
3. For rigid items, add 1.5" to the Width (W) of the bag to allow the item to fit through the opening.
4. For thick or bulky items adjust dimensions.
5. Add 1/2" to 2" to both dimensions for a looser fit.
Example: For a flat product 2.5" wide by 5.5" deep, the bag dimensions should measure at least 4"W x 6"L.
Measuring for a Zip Top Reclosable Poly Bag
1. Measure Length (L) from the bottom of the bag to the base of the reclosable seal.
2. Measure Width (W) of the bag from side to side.
3. For rigid items, add 1/2" to the Width (W) of the bag to allow the item to fit through the opening.
4. For thick or bulky items adjust dimensions.
5. Add 1/2" to 2" to both dimensions for a looser fit.
Example: For a flat product 3.5" wide by 5.5" deep, the bag dimensions should measure at least 4"W x 6"L.
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