1. Introduction
Is measuring a tin box the same as a paper box? No.
Metal is hard. Paper is soft. If a paper box is a little small, you can usually squeeze your product in. But metal does not bend. In tin making, even 1mm makes a huge difference. If the size is wrong, the lid simply won’t fit. You waste time and money.
At Tengda, we have 35 years of experience. We know your biggest worry is the tooling charge (mold cost).
Here is how you save money: you may not need to pay for a new mold. If you measure your product correctly, you can use one of our 3,000+ existing molds. This means:
No mold costs.
Faster shipping.
Zero risk.
This guide will show you how to measure correctly to find the best, cheapest mold for your brand.
2. The Golden Rule: Length x Width x Height (LxWxH)
To get a correct price and the right fit, you must follow the industry order: Length x Width x Height (LxWxH).
If you mix these up, your box might be made the wrong way. For example, your lid could end up on the short side instead of the long side.
How to find the right order?
Always start with the opening. Imagine the box is sitting on a table with the lid facing up:
Length (L): The longest side of the opening.
Width (W): The shorter side of the opening.
Height (H) or Depth (D): The distance from the table to the top of the lid.
Is it Height or Depth?
Many customers ask us: “Is it Height or Depth?” In the tin box world, they mean the same thing. Whether you call it H or D, it is always the vertical distance from the opening to the bottom.
A Real Example
Let’s look at one of our popular molds: 180X73X27mm.
180mm is the Length (long side of the opening).
73mm is the Width (short side of the opening).
27mm is the Height (how tall it sits on the table).
When you use this “Lid-Up” rule, our team can search our 3,000+ mold library much faster to find your best match.
3. Internal vs. External Dimensions: Why It Matters
When you buy a tin box, you care about the space inside. That is why you must always measure the Internal Dimensions.
If you only measure the outside of a box, your product might not fit. Here are two “hidden” reasons why:
The “Curl” (Rolled Edge)
To make tin boxes safe, we fold the metal edges. This is called a Rolled Edge or a Curl. This fold takes up space. A box that looks big on the outside is always smaller on the inside because of these curls.
The “Corner” (Radius)
Tin boxes do not have sharp 90-degree corners. They are rounded. In the industry, we call this the Radius (R).
Look at our 180 x 73 x 27mm mold. It has a Radius of 15mm (R15). If your product has sharp square corners, the rounded corners of the tin will hit your product. You will need a slightly larger box.
The 1mm Rule: 35 Years of Advice
Metal does not stretch. If your product is exactly 70mm wide, do not buy a 70mm box. It will get stuck.
We suggest your tin be 1mm to 2mm larger than your product in total. This “breathing room” (about 0.5mm to 1mm on each side) ensures your product slides in and out easily.
4. Beyond the Basic: Body Height vs. Overall Height
Don’t forget the lid.
Measuring height can be tricky. There are two different numbers you must know:
Body Height
This is only the height of the bottom part of the tin. Our engineers use this number to set the machines.
Overall Height (With Lid)
This is the total height when the lid is closed. If you are designing a shipping box or a display shelf, use this number.
Why It Matters
On some tins, the lid sits on top and adds 2mm or 3mm to the total height. If you only measure the body, your finished tin might be too tall for your outer packaging. This mistake can cost you a lot of money in shipping and repacking.
Always tell us which height you are using. This simple step avoids mistakes and keeps your project on track.
5. 3 Ways to Ensure a 100% Perfect Fit
You’ve measured your product. You’ve followed the LxWxH rule. You understand internal vs. external dimensions. Now comes the real question: how do you guarantee the tin fits before you place a bulk order?
After 35 years, I’ve seen too many brands cross their fingers and hope for the best. They order 10,000 tins based on a drawing, only to find out the product doesn’t slide in smoothly. Don’t be that brand.
Here are three proven ways to ensure a 100% perfect fit—no guesswork, no risk.
Option A: The Smart Shortcut – Use Our 3,000+ Existing Molds
This is the fastest, cheapest way to get it right. Why pay for a new mold when we already have thousands ready?
When you send us your product dimensions, we run them through our mold library. With over 3,000 sets of existing tooling, there’s a good chance we already have a mold that matches your needs within 1mm tolerance.
What this means for you:
Save your money – Save thousands on new tooling, pay zero mold fees.
Save your time – No need to wait more than 30 days for new molds
Proven reliability – These production-proven molds are built to the highest industry standards, trusted by many brands for consistent quality and performance.
How to do it: Advise us your product with dimensions. We’ll search the library and send you our closest match for approval.
Option B: For New Designs – The 3D Plastic Mock-up
Sometimes you need a completely new size or shape. Maybe your product is unique, or you want a proprietary design that no competitor can copy. In this case, you need a new mold.
But here’s the smart way to do it: never go straight to metal.
We use a “plastic first” approach. Before we cut any steel for a new mold, we 3D print a plastic prototype of your tin . This plastic mock-up is an exact replica of the tin structure—same dimensions, same lid fit, same internal space .
Why this saves you money:
You can hold the prototype, test your product inside it, and see if it fits.
If something’s wrong, we revise the digital file and print again—no metal wasted
Only after you approve the plastic mock-up do we build the production mold
Timeline: Plastic mock-ups take 3–7 days . Some suppliers can even deliver by next-day express . For a few hundred dollars, you eliminate 100% of the dimensional risk on a mold that might cost thousands.
Option C: Zero Risk – Ship Us Your Product
This is the method I recommend for first-time buyers or complex products. It’s simple: you ship your actual product to our factory in China, and our engineers test it physically.
No drawings. No “I think it will fit.” Just real-world testing.
Here’s what happens when your product arrives:
Our engineers measure your product precisely.
We select the closest matching mold from our library.
We run a sample tin and actually insert your product.
We video the whole process and send you proof.
We check the fit from every angle. Does it slide in easily? Is there enough breathing room? Does the lid close without force? If it’s too tight, we go up one size and test again.
The result: You get a video of your product going into our tin. No guesswork. No surprises.
Which Option Is Right for You?
| If you... | Choose Option |
|---|---|
| Want the fastest, cheapest solution | A – Existing Mold Match |
| Need a unique custom shape or size | B – 3D Plastic Mock-up |
| Are ordering for the first time or have complex product shape | C – Ship Us Your Product |
At TDTIN, we don’t just take orders—we solve problems. Whatever option you choose, our goal is the same: make sure your tin fits perfectly before you pay a single dollar for mass production.
Ready to test your fit? Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the fastest path to a perfect match.
6. Standard Tin Box Size Chart (Reference)
You’ve measured your product. You understand the 1mm rule. Now you’re probably wondering: “What sizes actually exist?”
After 35 years, we’ve built a catalog of over 3,000 sets of existing molds, please download as below:
The following is a selection of our most popular standard sizes – the ones that ship fastest because the tooling is already made and tested.
Note: All dimensions are in millimeters (mm) and follow the industry standard order: Length x Width x Height (LxWxH). For round tins, we list Diameter x Height.
A. Square Tins (Best for Modern, Symmetrical Branding)
| Mold Code | Dimensions (mm) | Common Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD-SQ-5 | 50 x 50 x 13.5 | Sample tins, mints | Ultra-slim |
| TD-SQ-6 | 50 x 50 x 30 | Small gift boxes | |
| TD-SQ-15 | 65 x 65 x 90 | Loose tea (50g) | |
| TD-SQ-20 | 70 x 70 x 70/105 | Tea / Candy | Two height options |
| TD-SQ-29 | 80 x 80 x 107/140/143 | Premium tea | Three height options |
| TD-SQ-31 | 80 x 80 x 150 | Large tea canister | |
| TD-SQ-41 | 86 x 86 x 92 | 100g loose tea | Most popular tea size |
| TD-SQ-57 | 95 x 95 x 65/70/137 | Cookie / Gift | Multiple heights |
| TD-SQ-65 | 103 x 103 x 180 | Large gift tin | |
| TD-SQ-71 | 115 x 115 x 190 | Premium hamper | |
| TD-SQ-74 | 115 x 115 x 350 | Bulk storage | |
| TD-SQ-101 | 198 x 198 x 290/300 | Large utility tin |
B. Rectangle Tins (Best for Stacking, Biscuits, and Kits)
| Mold Code | Dimensions (mm) | Common Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD-RE-3 | 40 x 23 x 60/76/84 | Small samples | Three height options |
| TD-RE-5 | 60 x 28 x 99/115 | Tea bags (10-15 bags) | |
| TD-RE-21 | 80 x 60 x 122/130/135 | Tea bags (20-30 bags) | |
| TD-RE-26 | 83 x 73 x 143 | Cookie tin | |
| TD-RE-35 | 90 x 70 x 91/128/135 | Gift set | Multiple heights |
| TD-RE-66 | 150 x 100 x 50 | Small biscuit tin | Popular cookie size |
| TD-RE-78 | 160 x 110 x 55 | Medium gift box | |
| TD-RE-113 | 178 x 133 x 80 | Large biscuit tin | |
| TD-RE-139 | 200 x 120 x 70 | Premium gift set | |
| TD-RE-165 | 200 x 150 x 60 | Family-size cookies | |
| TD-RE-225 | 205 x 120 x 55/65/75 | Tea gift set | Multiple heights |
| TD-RE-360 | 500 x 400 x 105/160 | Bulk industrial | 21L–32L capacity |
C. Round Tins (Most Common for Tea, Candles, and Food)
| Mold Code | Dimensions (mm) | Common Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD-RO-7 | 50 x 45 | Mini sample tin | |
| TD-RO-15 | 60 x 105 | Travel tea tin | |
| TD-RO-28 | 65 x 185 | Slim canister | |
| TD-RO-43 | 73 x 112 | 50g tea tin | |
| TD-RO-53 | 80 x 70 | 50–75g tea | |
| TD-RO-70 | 86 x 145 | 100–125g tea | |
| TD-RO-81 | 90 x 88 | 100g tea | |
| TD-RO-85 | 95 x 80/87 | 100–125g tea | Two height options |
| TD-RO-96 | 100 x 68/100 | 150–200g tea | Two height options |
| TD-RO-110 | 105 x 90/115/140 | 200–250g tea | Multiple heights |
| TD-RO-115 | 108 x 35/44/56 | Slim gift tins | Low profile |
| TD-RO-125 | 112 x 120 | 250g premium tea | |
| TD-RO-135 | 120 x 160/180 | Large canister | |
| TD-RO-155 | 135 x 35/55/95/100 | Candle / Food | Multiple heights |
| TD-RO-166 | 150 x 210/230/270 | Bulk food storage |
D. Irregular & Specialty Shapes (Best for Gifts and Seasonal Items)
| Mold Code | Dimensions (mm) | Shape / Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD-IR-6 | 88 x 88 x 45 | Heart shape | Valentine's gifts |
| TD-IR-8 | 98 x 85 x 30 | Oval | Soap / Cosmetics |
| TD-IR-12 | 100 x 70 x 22 | Book shape | Stationery / Hidden gifts |
| TD-IR-20 | 110 x 110 x 70 | Hexagon | Premium packaging |
| TD-IR-27 | 120 x 80 x 95 | House shape | Novelty gifts |
| TD-IR-35 | 130 x 130 x 130 | Cube | Multi-purpose |
| TD-IR-42 | 143 x 143 x 70/89 | Square with dome lid | Premium look |
| TD-IR-58 | 165 x 115 x 58 | Oval | Cosmetic set |
| TD-IR-72 | 182 x 182 x 45 | Heart (large) | Chocolate gift box |
| TD-IR-89 | 200 x 200 x 60 | Cube (large) | Multi-purpose |
| TD-IR-95 | 215 x 215 x 32 | Compact disc style | Unique gift |
| TD-IR-112 | 240 x 150 x 80 | Oval tray | Display packaging |
How to Use This Chart？
A.Find your product category – food tins like tea, cookie, gift tins or others?
B.Match your dimensions – Compare your product’s LxWxH against our standard sizes
C.Check the mold code – If you see a code that matches, you’re looking at zero mold cost and fast production
Quick Reference by Application
| What Are You Packing? | Recommended Mold Codes | Best Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Loose Tea (50–100g) | TD-RO-43, TD-RO-53, TD-RO-70, TD-SQ-15 | Round or Square |
| Loose Tea (200–250g) | TD-RO-96, TD-RO-110, TD-RO-125 | Round |
| Tea Bags (10–30 bags) | TD-RE-5, TD-RE-21, TD-RE-35 | Rectangle |
| Tea Bags (50–100 bags) | TD-RE-113, TD-RE-139, TD-SQ-65 | Rectangle or Square |
| Cookies / Biscuits | TD-RE-66, TD-RE-78, TD-RE-165 | Rectangle |
| Chocolates / Candy | TD-IR-6, TD-IR-72, TD-RE-3 | Heart or Rectangle |
| Kratom / Capsules | TD-RE-35, TD-RE-26, TD-SQ-20 | Rectangle |
| Gift Sets | TD-RE-139, TD-SQ-71, TD-IR-42 | Rectangle or Specialty |
| Industrial / Bulk | TD-SQ-74, TD-RE-360, TD-RO-166 | Large formats |
What If You Don't See Your Size?
This chart shows only a fraction of our 3,000+ molds. If your dimensions aren’t listed:
Send us your dimensions. We’ll search the full library. There’s a good chance we have an existing mold within 1–2mm of your needs.
No match? We move to Option B from Section 5: the 3D plastic mock-up. We can create a custom size just for you.
Need a specific size? Contact us today with your product or dimensions. We’ll find the fastest, most cost-effective mold for your brand—whether it’s from our existing library or a brand new custom design.
7. FAQ: Common Questions About Tin Box Measuring
Here are the most common questions I get from brand managers when they’re measuring products for custom tin boxes. These answers come from 35 years of solving fit problems before they happen.
Q1: What's the exact tolerance I should leave between my product and the tin?
David: After 35 years, I always tell clients the same thing: leave 1mm to 2mm total breathing room.
Here’s why. Metal doesn’t stretch. If your product is exactly 70mm wide and you order a 70mm tin, it will get stuck. You’ll have to shake it, bang it, or worse—your customer will struggle to get the product out.
The rule of thumb:
For products under 100mm: add 1mm total (0.5mm on each side)
For products 100–200mm: add 1.5mm total (0.75mm on each side)
For products over 200mm: add 2mm total (1mm on each side)
This “breathing room” ensures your product slides in and out easily, but doesn’t rattle around inside.
Real example: A client once sent us a soap bar that measured 95mm long. We recommended a tin at 96mm internal length. It fit perfectly—snug but not tight. If they had gone with 95mm, the soap would have jammed.
Q2: Can I just use a regular ruler, or do I need special tools?
David: A regular ruler is better than nothing, but it can cost you money.
Here’s the problem: rulers measure to the nearest millimeter, but tin box tolerances work in 0.5mm increments. If you’re off by even 1mm, your lid might not fit.
What we recommend:
Digital calipers – These measure to 0.1mm accuracy. You can buy a basic pair for $20–30. Worth every penny.
If you don’t have calipers: Measure your product in three different spots and take the largest number. Products aren’t always perfectly square.
Pro tip: When you send us your product (Option C from Section 5), we measure it with calibrated industrial calipers and send you the exact reading. No guessing.
Q3: My product is an odd shape—like a figurine or a bottle with a curved top. How do I measure it?
David: Odd shapes are tricky, but there’s a simple method: find the three largest points.
Imagine your product sitting inside a box. You need to know:
Length – The longest point from left to right
Width – The longest point from front to back
Height – The tallest point from bottom to top
The “Jiggle Test”: If your product has a curved top, measure to the highest curve. If it has a protruding handle, measure to the farthest point of the handle. The tin must accommodate the absolute maximum dimensions.
Better yet: For complex shapes, use Option C. Ship us one sample. We’ll physically test it in our existing molds and tell you exactly which size works—or if we need to create a custom mold.
Real example: A client had a ceramic tea pet (a small figurine) with an outstretched arm. They measured the body but forgot the arm. The first sample didn’t fit. We went back, measured the full arm span, and found a match in our library. Saved them a new mold fee.
Q4: I'm packing multiple items in one tin, and I plan to use an insert (like PET or EVA foam). How do I measure correctly?
David: Great question. When you add an insert, you’re not just measuring your products—you also need to account for the space the insert takes up.
Step-by-step method with inserts:
- Arrange your items inside the insert as they will sit in the finished tin. If you don’t have the insert yet, design it first or work with us to create one.
- Measure the total footprint of the insert itself (length x width). This is usually larger than your products’ combined footprint because the insert has walls between cavities.
- Add the insert’s height to your product height. If products sit in cutouts, the tallest point might be the product or the insert’s top surface—measure both.
- Add 1–2mm breathing room to all internal dimensions to ensure smooth insertion.
Important: The insert material (PET, EVA, foam) has thickness. A typical EVA insert might add 2–5mm to each dimension depending on design. Always factor this in.
If you don’t have an insert design yet: No problem. Send us your products and tell us how you want them presented (e.g., snug fit, visible, stacked). Our design team can create a custom insert and recommend the right tin size. We’ve done this for countless gift sets.
Real example: A client wanted to package a tea bag set with a ceramic spoon and a sample tin. Without an insert, the items rattled. We designed an EVA insert with cutouts for each item. The insert added 3mm to width and 5mm to height. We upsized from TD-RE-35 to TD-RE-139 to accommodate. The final gift set looked premium and protected everything during shipping.
For multiple items without inserts: The original method still applies. Just arrange items directly in the tin and measure the total footprint plus tallest item, then add breathing room.
For sets like tea bag + spoon + sample tin with insert: Rectangle tins (like TD-RE-35 or TD-RE-139) are often best because they give you flexible space to work with insert layouts.
Q5: How do I know if my product will fit through the opening?
David: This is a detail many people miss. The lid opening is often slightly smaller than the main body.
The rule: Always measure your product against the smallest internal dimension of the opening, not the main body.
For round tins: The opening diameter is usually 1–2mm smaller than the body diameter. If your product is 85mm wide and the opening is 84mm, it won’t go in—even if the body is 86mm.
For rectangular tins: The length and width of the opening are the critical numbers. The product must pass through both.
Test: Before ordering, take the internal dimensions of the opening and see if your product can pass through. If it’s tight, you may need a larger tin or a different lid style (like a full-open lid).
Q6: What's the difference between internal and external dimensions again? Why does it matter for stacking?
David: Worth repeating because it’s the NO 1 cause of shipping surprises.
Internal dimensions = The space inside the tin where your product goes
External dimensions = The space the tin takes up on a shelf or in a shipping box
Why it matters for stacking:
If you’re stacking tins in a display or packing multiple tins into a master carton, you must use external dimensions.
Real example: A client once designed a beautiful retail display based on the internal dimensions of our tin. When the tins arrived, they were 3mm taller externally than internally (because of the lid). The display didn’t close. We had to recut the shelves—costly and embarrassing.
Our advice: Always ask us for both internal and external specs. We provide them on every quotation.
Q7: I have a product that needs to stay fresh—like coffee or tea. Does the tin size affect freshness?
David: Yes, but not for the reason you might think.
The real issue: Headspace (the empty air inside the tin).
If your tin is much larger than your product, you have a lot of headspace. That means more air (and oxygen) inside, which can accelerate staleness.
The ideal: Choose a tin where your product fills 80–90% of the internal volume. This minimizes trapped air.
The exception: If you’re using our “Double Shield” method (tin + sealed foil bag), headspace matters less because the foil bag does the real sealing work.
Quick reference:
50g tea → 70–80mm round tin (like TD-RO-53)
100g tea → 86mm round or square (TD-RO-70 or TD-SQ-41)
250g tea → 100–110mm round (TD-RO-96 or TD-RO-110)
Q8: Can I use the same tin for different products, or do I need separate molds for each?
David: This is where our 3,000+ mold library saves you real money.
If the products are similar in size: One tin can work for multiple products. For example, TD-RE-35 (90x70x128mm) works for:
Kratom capsules (tall bottles)
Small cookie stacks
Tea bag sets (20–30 bags)
Gift sets with small items
If dimensions vary significantly: You may need different tins. But before ordering new molds, send us all your product dimensions. We’ll search the library for matches across your entire line.
Real example: A client had three product lines—tea, candles, and bath salts. We found:
Tea → TD-RO-70 (86×145)
Candles → TD-RO-53 (80×70)
Bath salts → TD-RE-35 (90x70x128)
All from existing molds. Zero tooling fees. They saved over $8,000 in mold costs.
Still Have Questions?
Every product is different. If your measuring question isn’t answered here, send us a message with:
Your product (or dimensions)
Photos (if shape is complex)
Any special requirements (airtight, stackable, gift presentation etc)
We’ll reply within 8 hours with a solution – often with a specific mold code you can use immediately.
