How To Measure For Shrink Wrap

How do I know what size of shrink wrap I need?

That is a common question from many of our customers. We are happy to help with film sizing anytime we receive a call. This post is to help anyone who wants to figure out what size of film they need on their own.

One of the main things to remember when deciding shrink wrap size is, shrink wrap shrinks!

It’s true, the shrink film you place on your products will shrink down to 40% of its original size. That means that a larger size is always better than a smaller size.

How to shrink packaging shrink？

Measuring the circumference of the object being shrink wrapped is the common trait all of these recommendations have.

Circumference is defined as: the distance around a closed curve or the distance around an object. Below are the common types of shrink wrap products we sell and the recommended way to measure for them.

Centerfold Shrink Wrap- The easiest way to measure for centerfold shrink wrap is to add the height and width, then add 2-3 inches.

If a product is 10 inches wide and 4 inches tall, you would add 10+4+2=16. A 16 inch wide film would be ideal for wrapping the product. If a 16 inch film is not available, go up to the next size of film, never go down in size.

Shrink Wrap Tubing- To measure for shrink wrap tubing, measure the circumference of the objects widest point, then add 10-15 percent, then divide by two.

If an object had a circumference of 10, the equation would be: 10×10%=1 then add 1 to the circumference 10+1=11 then divide by 2 11/2=5.5 inches. A 6 inch wide shrink wrap tubing would be ideal for the object.

If there are no 6 inch sizes available, feel free to increase the width of tubing to the next size.

Shrink Wrap Bags- Measuring for shrink wrap bags is very similar to measuring for shrink wrap tubing. Measure the circumference of the widest point of the object being wrapped.

Then measure the length of the product being wrapped. Add 10-15% to the circumference of the width then divide by 2. If you had a product that had a width circumference of 14 inches and a length of 20 inches, the equation would be:

To find width 14×10%=1.4 then add 1.4 to circumference 14+1.4=15.4 then divide by two 15.4/2= 7.7. An 8 inch wide bag.

The length would be 20 inches. You would need a 8×20 inch bag to wrap the product, up-sizing is an option if that size of bag is not available.

Remember when measuring for shrink wrap bags to always consider if products will be extending out of the container being wrapped.

Often times gift bags and other items being wrapped have products extending out of the basket or container, be sure to place them in the basket or container before measuring for the length.

If formulas and figuring numbers are too time consuming feel free to use our shrink film calculator found on each product page.