Box compression
strength calculator.
Estimate BCT from board grade and box dimensions, derate for real warehouse conditions, and check whether your pallet stack holds. The same first-pass math our engineers run on every spec.
McKee estimate of peak compression strength, as-manufactured, lab conditions.
After environment factors and safety factor — the number you can actually stack against.
At the loaded box weight you entered, bottom box governs.
No black box.
| Factor | Condition | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Storage time | Cross-dock (<1 day) | 1.00 |
| 10 / 30 / 90 / 180+ days | 0.65 / 0.60 / 0.55 / 0.50 | |
| Humidity | 50 → 90% RH | 1.00 → 0.52 |
| Stacking pattern | Interlocked vs column | 0.55 vs 1.00 |
| Pallet overhang | Any edge overhang | 0.68 |
Method: simplified McKee formula, BCT = 5.87 × ECT × √(caliper × perimeter), with derating multipliers in the ranges published by the Fibre Box Handbook and TAPPI. This is a first-pass engineering estimate — it assumes standard RSC construction and does not replace physical compression testing (TAPPI T804) or ISTA transit validation. For a spec you can put a PO against, send it through and a Rox engineer will verify board grade, run samples, and quote it firm.
Get this spec verified & quoted.
Send the same dimensions and board grade through our RFQ — firm price and lead time back within 24–48 hours, reviewed by a real packaging engineer.
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