FEFCO 0201 Box: Dimensions, Uses & Custom Sizes

FEFCO 0201 is probably the cardboard box you picture when someone says "cardboard box".

It has four sides, four flaps at the top and four at the bottom. When closed, the larger outer flaps meet in the middle and the box is normally secured with packaging tape.

Simple.

Versatile.

Cost-effective.

And used for everything from ecommerce orders and shipping to storage and manufacturing.

But what does FEFCO 0201 actually mean, how is it different from other box styles and when should you use one?

Here's what you need to know.

What is a FEFCO 0201 box?

A FEFCO 0201 is a standard slotted corrugated cardboard box.

It's manufactured from a single piece of corrugated board which is folded and joined to form the box.

It has flaps at both the top and bottom.

The two outer flaps meet when the box is closed, creating the familiar cardboard carton used throughout ecommerce, retail, manufacturing, distribution and storage.

You may also hear this style described as a:

Regular slotted container

RSC box

Standard cardboard box

Slotted cardboard box

0201 carton

If you've received a parcel in a conventional brown cardboard box, there's a good chance you've already encountered this style.

What does FEFCO mean?

FEFCO is the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers.

The FEFCO Code provides a standardised system for identifying different styles of corrugated packaging.

Instead of one manufacturer describing something as a "standard shipping box" and another using a completely different name, a FEFCO code identifies the structural style.

For example:

FEFCO 0201

FEFCO 0203

FEFCO 0401

Each refers to a particular box construction.

That makes communication between packaging manufacturers, buyers and designers much easier.

What does the 0201 code mean?

FEFCO groups packaging into different families.

The 02 family covers slotted-type boxes.

These are generally manufactured from one piece of corrugated board with a manufacturer's joint and top and bottom flaps.

They're normally supplied flat and erected before use.

The final two digits identify the particular design within that family.

So:

02 = slotted-type box family

01 = the particular flap configuration

Together:

0201

It's one of the most widely recognised corrugated cardboard box styles.

What does a FEFCO 0201 box look like?

Imagine a conventional cardboard shipping carton.

When the box is open, you'll see four flaps at the top:

Two shorter side flaps.

Two larger outer flaps.

When you close the box, the smaller flaps fold in first.

The larger flaps then fold over them and meet in the middle.

The bottom works in the same way.

Packaging tape is normally used to secure the top and bottom.

It's a very simple design – which is one reason it's so widely used.

What dimensions can a FEFCO 0201 box be?

This is where FEFCO codes are sometimes misunderstood.

0201 doesn't describe the size of the box.

It describes its style.

A FEFCO 0201 could be a small box for an ecommerce product or a considerably larger box for an industrial component.

For example, all of these could potentially be FEFCO 0201 boxes:

200 × 150 × 100mm

350 × 250 × 200mm

500 × 400 × 300mm

They're different sizes but share the same basic box construction.

That's one of the advantages of the FEFCO system.

Style and size are separate decisions.

How are FEFCO 0201 dimensions measured?

Box dimensions are normally expressed as:

Length × Width × Depth

or:

L × W × D

At ASC Direct, dimensions entered into our Box Builder are internal dimensions.

That means they describe the approximate usable space inside the box rather than the finished external parcel size.

For example:

400 × 300 × 200mm

means you're specifying approximately:

400mm internal length
300mm internal width
200mm internal depth.

This distinction is important because corrugated cardboard has thickness.

The finished external dimensions will therefore be larger than the internal dimensions.

If you're designing a box around a courier's maximum parcel dimensions, make sure you're comparing the courier's external limit with the finished external box size, rather than simply entering that limit as your internal Box Builder dimensions.

What is a FEFCO 0201 box used for?

One reason 0201 boxes are so common is their versatility.

They can be used for:

• Ecommerce orders

• Shipping products

• Retail goods

• Books

• Clothing

• Components

• Household products

• Manufacturing parts

• Storage

• Warehouse distribution

• Export packaging

• Product bundles

• Business-to-business deliveries

And because the style can be manufactured in different dimensions and board grades, it can be adapted to a very wide range of products.

Why is FEFCO 0201 so popular?

There isn't one single reason.

It's the combination of several advantages.

It's a simple design

A 0201 doesn't require a complicated assembly process.

The box is supplied flat, opened into shape and the bottom flaps are folded and sealed.

Add the product.

Close the top.

Seal it.

Done.

It's versatile

The same basic design can be manufactured in many different sizes.

It can be made in different cardboard grades

A 0201 isn't limited to one board strength.

Depending on the product and dimensions, it can be manufactured using different corrugated board grades.

It's efficient to store

Because the boxes are generally supplied flat, they can be stored before being erected when required.

It's familiar

Warehouse and packing staff already know how to assemble and seal this style of box.

Sometimes the simplest solution is popular because it works.

Is a FEFCO 0201 suitable for shipping?

Yes.

The 0201 is widely used as a shipping box.

But the FEFCO style alone doesn't determine whether a particular box is suitable for your product.

You also need to consider:

Dimensions

Board grade

Product weight

Fragility

Weight distribution

Internal protection

How the parcel will be handled

A small lightweight product and a large heavy product could both be packed in 0201 boxes – but they shouldn't necessarily use the same cardboard specification.

The FEFCO code tells you the style. It doesn't tell you the complete packaging specification.

Can a FEFCO 0201 be Single Wall or Double Wall?

Yes.

FEFCO 0201 describes the box design rather than the corrugated board grade.

At ASC Direct, a custom 0201 can be manufactured using different board specifications depending on the dimensions and application.

Our Single Wall board is approximately 3mm B flute.

Our Double Wall and Heavy Duty boards are approximately 6mm thick, with Heavy Duty using a stronger board specification for more demanding applications.

Which should you choose?

That depends on the product.

A lightweight, compact and robust product may be perfectly suited to Single Wall.

A larger, heavier, fragile or more demanding product may benefit from Double Wall or Heavy Duty.

Don't automatically choose the strongest board available.

Choose the board that's appropriate for the product, dimensions and journey.

Does a FEFCO 0201 need tape?

Generally, yes.

A conventional 0201 doesn't have an integral self-locking closure.

Once the bottom flaps have been folded, they're normally secured with packaging tape.

The product is then inserted before the top flaps are folded and sealed.

The appropriate tape and sealing method will depend on factors including the size and weight of the parcel.

What is the difference between FEFCO 0201 and 0203?

They look similar, but there's an important difference.

A 0201 has outer flaps that meet when the box is closed.

A 0203 uses fully overlapping outer flaps.

That means one outer flap extends across the width of the box, with the other overlapping it.

The additional cardboard can provide greater reinforcement to the top and bottom.

This can make a 0203 particularly useful for certain narrow, long or more demanding packaging applications.

But it also uses more cardboard.

So again:

More cardboard isn't automatically better packaging.

If a standard 0201 provides the performance your product requires, there's little benefit in using additional material simply for the sake of it.

What is a 0201 ALT box?

At ASC Direct, you'll also see an option called:

0201 ALT – End Opening

The underlying box style is similar, but the orientation is changed so that the box opens from the end.

This can be particularly useful for long products.

Examples might include:

Golf clubs.

Long components.

Rolled products.

Equipment.

Long, narrow items.

The dimensions and orientation of a long product can have a significant effect on both how practical the box is to pack and how efficiently it can be manufactured.

So if your product is unusually long and narrow, don't automatically assume a conventional 0201 orientation is the best solution.

FEFCO 0201 vs 0201 ALT: which should I choose?

For conventional products, the standard 0201 is normally the obvious starting point.

For particularly long or narrow products, compare it with 0201 ALT.

The important thing is to think about:

How will the product enter the box?

Which end needs to open?

How will the box be handled?

How will the product be protected?

Which orientation works best for the dimensions?

If you're unsure, speak to us before ordering.

Is a 0201 suitable for long items?

Sometimes.

But very long, shallow or narrow boxes deserve extra consideration.

As a box becomes longer, its large panels can become more susceptible to flexing.

Board grade becomes increasingly important.

And an alternative style or orientation may make better use of the cardboard.

Depending on the product, a 0201 ALT, 0203 or another box style could be more appropriate.

Don't choose the box style simply because 0201 is the one you recognise.

Start with the product.

What are the disadvantages of a FEFCO 0201?

0201 boxes are extremely versatile, but they're not perfect for everything.

They normally require tape to close.

For some very long or narrow products, another style may be more appropriate.

They don't provide the presentation experience of certain die-cut postal boxes.

And because the flaps meet rather than overlap, applications requiring additional reinforcement may benefit from a different design such as 0203.

That's the point of having different FEFCO styles.

There isn't one cardboard box design that's best for every product.

Stock FEFCO 0201 or custom-sized 0201?

Both have their place.

Stock 0201 boxes are manufactured in predetermined dimensions, often in large quantities.

If you can find a stock size that fits your product well, it can be an extremely cost-effective option.

Use it.

Custom manufacture becomes interesting when the available stock dimensions don't fit particularly well.

Imagine your product and required protection need approximately:

330 × 220 × 140mm

but the most convenient stock box is:

400 × 300 × 200mm

Your product fits.

But you're also creating unnecessary empty space.

That can mean more void fill, more storage space and more room for the product to move.

With a custom-sized 0201, you can start with the dimensions the product actually requires.

Can I order a custom-sized FEFCO 0201 box?

Yes.

ASC Direct's online Box Builder allows you to create a 0201 cardboard box to your required internal dimensions.

Enter your:

Length × Width × Depth

Choose your board specification.

Select the available options.

Choose your quantity.

And get an instant online price.

Custom-sized boxes are available from just 25 boxes, so you don't need to order thousands simply because you want a made-to-measure size.

Can FEFCO 0201 boxes be printed?

Yes.

A standard-looking shipping carton doesn't necessarily need to stay standard-looking.

Depending on the specification, custom printing can be added to turn the box into part of your branding.

That could include:

Your logo.

Brand graphics.

Handling information.

A message to the customer.

Or other printed content.

Combining custom dimensions with printing means the box can be designed around both:

Your product and your brand.

Are FEFCO 0201 boxes supplied flat?

Generally, yes.

One of the advantages of the design is that corrugated 0201 boxes can be supplied flat and erected when required.

That makes them more space-efficient to transport and store than boxes supplied permanently assembled.

But box dimensions still matter.

A huge flat-packed box still takes up more storage space than a smaller one.

If you're consistently using boxes considerably larger than your products require, right-sizing can therefore help with storage as well as packing.

Is FEFCO 0201 the best cardboard box?

There's no universal "best" box style.

0201 is popular because it's simple, versatile and cost-effective.

For many products, it's exactly what you need.

For others, it isn't.

A long product may work better in an end-opening box.

A narrow or demanding product might benefit from overlapping flaps.

A book or flat product may work better in a wrap-style box.

A product where presentation is particularly important might be better suited to a postal-style design.

The best box isn't the most popular FEFCO code.

It's the box that suits the product.

Frequently Asked Questions About FEFCO 0201 Boxes

What does FEFCO 0201 mean?

FEFCO 0201 is the code for a commonly used slotted corrugated cardboard box design with top and bottom flaps. The larger outer flaps meet when the box is closed and are normally secured using packaging tape.

Is FEFCO 0201 the same as a regular slotted carton?

Yes. FEFCO 0201 is commonly described as a regular slotted container or regular slotted carton.

What size is a FEFCO 0201 box?

There is no single FEFCO 0201 size. 0201 describes the box style, not its dimensions. It can be manufactured in many different lengths, widths and depths.

How do you measure a FEFCO 0201 box?

Box dimensions are normally given as Length × Width × Depth. ASC Direct's Box Builder uses internal dimensions, so the measurements entered represent the approximate usable space inside the finished box.

What's the difference between FEFCO 0201 and 0203?

The outer flaps of a FEFCO 0201 meet when closed. On a FEFCO 0203, the outer flaps fully overlap, providing additional layers of cardboard across the top and bottom.

Can a FEFCO 0201 box be Double Wall?

Yes. FEFCO 0201 describes the structural style rather than the board grade. A 0201 can be manufactured from different corrugated board specifications depending on the application.

Are FEFCO 0201 boxes suitable for posting?

Yes. FEFCO 0201 boxes are widely used for shipping and ecommerce. The dimensions, cardboard grade and internal protection still need to be appropriate for the particular product and delivery journey.

Do 0201 boxes need tape?

A conventional FEFCO 0201 normally requires tape or another suitable sealing method to secure its top and bottom flaps.

Build a FEFCO 0201 Box to Your Dimensions

FEFCO 0201 has become one of the most familiar cardboard box styles for a good reason.

It's simple.

It's versatile.

It's easy to pack.

And it can be manufactured in an enormous range of dimensions.

But don't start with the FEFCO code and try to make your product fit.

Start with your product.

Measure the internal space it requires.

Consider the protection it needs.

Choose the appropriate cardboard grade.

Then manufacture the 0201 around those requirements.

With ASC Direct's online Box Builder, you can create a custom-sized FEFCO 0201 cardboard box from just 25 boxes and get an instant price online.

BUILD YOUR FEFCO 0201 BOX →

 

James Palfrey-Smith is the General Manager at ASC Direct with extensive experience in both operations and sales. James is passionate about solving packaging problems, delivering fast customer support, and building lasting relationships. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. A fan of real ale and business podcasts, he continuously seeks personal and professional growth. 

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