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Tips for measuring flat, guesseted and reclosable bags!


Measuring for any poly or cell bag that is to be filled is important. Listed below are tips for measuring flat cello bags, gusseted cellophane bags & reclosable poly bags sold on this site.

  • All poly bag measurements are inside diameter (ID).
  • The first dimension stated when describing a poly bag is the width.
  • Please note also that gauge is the thickness of the bag. It is not really a necessary measurement for sizing bags. Gauge is important when you are using the bags for heavy items - you may require heavy duty.

Bag Type Order of Measurement
Flat Bags: Width x Length x Gauge
Side Gusset Bags: Width x Gusset x Length x Gauge
Bottom Gusset Bags: Width x Length x Gusset x Gauge



Measuring Cello Bags FlatMeasuring for Flat Bag: Width x Length

Width = Opening of bag (across the top of the bag)
Length = Usable portion of bag (from top to bottom of the bag)
Gauge = Film thickness, measured in mils or microns

Example
Width = 8 inches
Length = 5 inches
Gauge = .002 inches

Bag size is written as: 8” x 5” 2 mil





Measuring Cello Bags SquareMeasuring for Side Gusseted Bags: Width x Gusset x Length

Width = Across opening of the bag (with gusset tucked in)
Gusset = Depth or Distance across the open face of side pleat
Length = From the opening to the bottom of the bag
Gauge = Thickness of bag, measured in mils.

Example:
Width = 8 inches
Gusset = 5 inches
Length = 10 inches
Gauge = .002 inches

Bag size is written as: 8”x 5” x 10” 2 mil




Measuring Reclosable Bags ImageMeasuring for a Reclosable Poly Bag: Width x Length x Gauge

Bags are measured width by length. Width is the outside dimension. Depth is measured from the bottom of the zipper to the bottom of the bag. Due to reinforced side seals, bag openings are approximately 1/2" less than their listed width.

Width = Across opening of the bag (with gusset tucked in)
Length = From the opening to the bottom of the bag
Gauge = Thickness of bag, measured in mils.

Example:
Width = 8 inches
Length = 10 inches
Gauge = .002 inches

Bag size is written as: 8” x 10” 2 mil




Measuring a round object? Click here.
Sizing for Round Objects Measuring Shrink Bags Measuring for Vacuum Pouches

Find the perfect size bag for your round object (candle, cup, jar, etc..)


To find the perfect FLAT bag size for your round object, follow the below steps:
  1. Measure the diameter of your object.
  2. Calculate the circumference by multiplying your object diameter by 3.14
  3. The width of your flat bag = ( 1/2 of your circumference ) + .5" minimum
  4. The height of your flat bag = Height of your object + (1.10 * diameter)

For example:Candle diameter = 4", height = 5"
  1. 3.14 x 4 = 12.56 = circumference
  2. Width of bag = (12.56" / 2) = 6.28" + .5 " = 6.78" minimum width
  3. Height of bag = ( 5" + (1.10 * 4)= 4.40 = 9.40" minimum height.
  4. Find a bag size written a minimum of 6.78" x 9.40" (rounding up helps) 7"w x 10 "h
Flat Bag Size Calculator for Round Objects

Flat Bag Size Calculator for Round Object

Results:

Width of Bag: - inches

Length of Bag: - inches


To find the perfect SQUARE bag size for your round object, follow the below steps:
  1. Measure the diameter of your object.
  2. Calculate the circumference by multiplying your object diameter by 3.14
  3. Your circumference is equal to or less than (bag width x 2) + (bag depth x 2).
  4. Your bag height is equal to or greater than the object height.
For example:
  1. Candle diameter = 4", height = 5"
  2. 3.14 x 4 = 12.56"
  3. Our CS3 bag size is 4" x 2.75" x 10.75"
  4. To figure out if this bag will fit our object = ((2x4)= 8 + (2.75 x 2) = 5.5) = 13.5". Our object will fit width & depth wise because 12.56" (our circumference) is less than 13.5". Bag height is also greater than 5" & will allow for a nice tie & fan ( or open) at the top.

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