Length is the longest side. Girth is the distance around the two shorter dimensions. Carriers often apply special handling, oversize pricing or maximum limits based on length plus girth.
Girth = 2 × (width + height); length + girth = longest side + girthHow to measure package girth
Identify the longest dimension of the packed parcel. The other two dimensions form the cross-section. Multiply their sum by two to get girth, then add the longest dimension to get length plus girth.
Common U.S. carrier limits
FedEx Ground publishes a maximum of 165 inches in length plus girth and 108 inches in length. UPS also uses a 165-inch maximum size and identifies large-package treatment above lower thresholds in its service guides. USPS generally uses 108 inches for most mailpieces, while specified Ground Advantage and Parcel Select products can allow up to 130 inches with oversized pricing.
Use the selected limit as a screening check
A package can satisfy length plus girth and still violate a carrier's separate length, weight or service-specific rule. This calculator therefore checks only the selected combined-size threshold.
Frequently asked questions
What is package girth?
Girth is the distance around the thickest part of a parcel, perpendicular to its longest side. For a rectangular box it equals 2 × width + 2 × height.
What is length plus girth?
It is the longest side plus the package girth. Many parcel services use it as a maximum-size or oversize-pricing test.
What is the FedEx Ground maximum?
FedEx currently publishes up to 108 inches in length and 165 inches in length plus girth for Ground packages, subject to other restrictions.
What is the USPS maximum?
Most USPS mailpieces are limited to 108 inches in combined length and girth; certain Ground Advantage and Parcel Select services allow up to 130 inches with applicable oversized pricing.
Sources & verification
Verify carrier-sensitive rules against the source governing your shipment.
- FedEx — Ground shipping limits
- UPS — Shipping dimensions and weight
- USPS — Physical Standards for Commercial Parcels
Formula reviewed September 29, 2026 Representative values and boundary cases are tested automatically.