How to Weigh and Measure Products
This article explains how to weigh and measure products during Inbound Receiving. Accurate dimensions and weights are required for Cahoot's packaging selection and shipping cost optimization to work correctly. This is a one-time exercise per product — once entered, you won't be asked to do it again.
Tools Required
- Tape measure
- Scale
Standard Measurement (L × W × H)
Use these steps for standard rectangular or box-shaped products.
1Measure the Length — the longest side of the product.
2Rotate the product and measure the Width — the shortest side.
3Measure the Height — from the bottom-most surface to the top-most surface.
Weighing Products
1Tare the scale before each product so it reads zero. This ensures accurate measurements.
2Center the item on the scale to avoid inaccurate readings.
Important: Enter weight in pounds, to the nearest tenth of a pound (one decimal place). Do not enter pounds and ounces separated by a decimal — convert to decimal pounds first.
Example: 1 lb 12 oz = 1.75 lbs — not 1.12 lbs.
Special Cases
Blister Packs
1Measure Length along the longest side of the package.
2Measure Width along the shortest side of the package.
3Lay the package flat. Measure Height from the bottom-most surface to the top-most surface.
Irregularly Shaped Items (e.g. a Lampshade)
1Flip the item upside down. Measure Length and Width across the middle of the base to get the diameter.
2With the item still flipped, measure Height from the table surface to the highest point on the product.
3To weigh an item that won't sit stably on the scale, place a larger flat "base" on the scale, re-tare it, then set the item on top of the base.
Oblong Items
1Measure Length across the center of the longest part of the product.
2Measure Width along the middle of the widest part of the short side.
3Measure Height from the table surface to the highest point on the product.
Measuring Packaging Materials
Boxes
1Measure Length along the longest side of the box.
2Measure Width along the shortest side of the box.
3Lay the box flat. Measure Height from the bottom-most surface to the top-most surface.
Poly Bags / Bubble Mailers
Lay the mailer flat and measure at its widest points:
- Length — from one end to the other (along the sealed flap side when folded)
- Width — across the opening when laid flat
- Height — enter 0.5 inches
Important Notes & Input Rules
Dimensions:
- Enter in inches
- Round to the nearest ¼ inch
- Always round up, not down
Weight:
- Enter in pounds (decimal format)
- Round to the nearest tenth of a pound (one decimal place)
- Convert ounces to decimal pounds before entering — do not enter as lbs.oz