How to Measure your Custom Printed Bag

Although adding a gusset increases the amount of film required to product your bag, it is often mandatory based on what you are putting in it.

Will this bag be lining a box, holding a carry out container, or filling a trash bin?  These are just a few instances when a gusset (side or bottom) may be appropriate for your application.

Lay-flat

There are Three dimensions for each Lay-flat bag.

– Length (L)
– Width (W)
– Gauge

The first measurement is the width across the opening of the bag. The second measurement runs from the bag opening to the base of the bag. The Gauge is a measurement of the Thickness of the material an is usually listed in Mils.

Gusseted

There are four dimensions for each Gusseted bag.

– Length (L)
– Width (W)
– Depth (D)
– Gauge

The first measurement is the width across the opening of the bag. The second measurement is the Depth measured by fully extending the gusset. The third measurement is the length which runs from the bag opening to the base of the bag. The Gauge is a measurement of the Thickness of the material an is usually listed in Mils.

Fitting Bags To Containers

For a Round Container

Width: To determine the width of the bag, multiply the diameter of the container by 3.14 and divide by 2. Add 1″ for a looser fit.

Length: For Liners Only: To determine the length of the bag, add 1/2 of the diameter to the length of the container. Add 5″ to this for the total for overhang.

For Tying Bag Only: Same as liners but add 1/2 the diameter to the bag length.

To Line Cartons/Boxes

Add the Width and the Length of the sides. Add 2″ for a looser fit. The total equals the “Flat width” of the bag needed.

Add 1/2 of the Height of the container. Add 5″ for an overhang. This equals the length of the bag needed.)

Tying Bag
If tying bag rather than lining carton, add 1/2 the length of the shortest side of the bag length.

Example:
To line a carton sized 14(L) x 12(W) x 21(H)
To determine the width of the bag: L+W+2 or 14(L)+12(W)+2=28
To determine the height of the bag: 21(H)+6(1/2W or 10)+5=32
The ideal size to line the carton is: 28 x 32 x gauge or 16 x 12 x 32 x gauge