Sleeves for boxes are easy to measure: length, width, height. Round things like jars, tins, cups and tubes are different, because the sleeve wraps around them like a label. The good news is that the maths is simple, and you only need two numbers.
The two numbers you need
- The distance around. This becomes the length of the sleeve.
- The height. How tall you want the sleeve to be on the product.
For the distance around, wrap a flexible tape measure (or a strip of paper, then measure the paper) around the product at the spot where the sleeve will sit. If you only have a ruler, measure the width across the middle and multiply by 3.14.
Add the overlap
A sleeve is a strip that wraps around the product, so its two ends have to meet. We glue one end over the other. That overlap is usually about half an inch, and it goes on top of the distance around.
So the sleeve length is: distance around + about 1/2 inch.
Worked examples
Here are four common round products, using diameter x 3.14 + 1/2 inch.
| Product | Distance around | Sleeve length |
|---|---|---|
| Candle jar, 3 in wide | 9.4 in | About 9.9 in |
| Tea or spice tin, 2.5 in wide | 7.9 in | About 8.4 in |
| Cosmetic jar, 2 in wide | 6.3 in | About 6.8 in |
| Paper tube, 1.5 in wide | 4.7 in | About 5.2 in |
These are examples. Your jar may be slightly different, so measure yours. Then enter the distance around as the length in the calculator or quote form, and the height as the height. We confirm the exact length, including the overlap, on your free proof.
How tall should the sleeve be?
It depends on the look you want.
- A band around the middle (about 1 to 2 inches) is the lowest cost. It shows your product and your brand together.
- A wrap that covers most of the product gives more room for print and a full, finished look.
Measure the straight part of the product only. Do not include a curved shoulder or the lid, because the sleeve will not sit flat there.
Tapered products: cups and cones
A paper cup is wider at the top than at the bottom, so a straight strip would not fit. A cup sleeve or cone sleeve is cut as a curved piece that matches the slope.
- Cup sleeves: measure around the cup at its mid-height, because that is where the sleeve grips, and measure the height you want covered.
- Cone sleeves: measure around the cone just below the rim, where it is widest, and the height you want covered.
Common mistakes
- Measuring across the product instead of around it, which gives a sleeve far too short.
- Forgetting the overlap, so the ends do not meet.
- Measuring at the rim or the base, where the product is narrower or wider than the middle.
- Making the sleeve too tight. Leave a little room if it has to slide on.