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How to read FEFCO box style codes
A FEFCO code names the construction of a corrugated box. The catalogue above lists the styles with their diagrams; this section explains what the code means and what it changes in a packaging calculation.
What it calculates
The FEFCO/ESBO code is the international style catalogue for corrugated and solid board packaging. A four-digit code names one construction: the first two digits are the series, the last two the style within it. 0201, the regular slotted container, is the box most shipments travel in.
The reference lists the styles of series 02 to 07 with their diagrams: search by code or name, filter by series, and open a style for its closure, material, whether it nests flat, and typical applications. A style opens straight in the packaging calculation.
In the calculation the code matters for the cavity: the flaps of some styles take board thickness out of the inner height at the closure, others do not. PackDev applies that allowance per style, so the same outer box can hold a different number of units.
Standards and methods behind it
- FEFCO/ESBO International Fibreboard Case Code: the catalogue of box styles the codes come from.
- Series 02 slotted boxes, 03 telescope boxes, 04 folder-type boxes and trays, 05 slide-type boxes, 06 rigid boxes, 07 ready-glued boxes.
- The diagrams are drawn for PackDev from the published construction; the catalogue itself is the reference for the exact geometry.
Worked example
One outer box 400 × 300 × 250 mm in C flute (4 mm board, 1 mm clearance), for a product 190 × 140 × 119 mm. Only the style changes: 0201, the regular slotted container, against 0300, a telescope box.
1. Inner height of style 0201: the closure takes 1 × t
H_i = 250 − 2 × 4 − 2 × 1 − 1 × 4 = 236 mm
2. Inner height of style 0300: the closure takes 0 × t
H_i = 250 − 2 × 4 − 2 × 1 − 0 × 4 = 240 mm
3. Height two upright layers of the product need
2 × 119 = 238 mm; 236 < 238 ≤ 240
4. Units per box, from the nesting calculator
0201: 6; 0300: 4 × 2 = 8
One board thickness at the closure decides whether the product stands in two layers: the same outer box holds 6 units as 0201 and 8 as 0300. Pick the style before you size the box, not after.
One outer box 16 × 12 × 10 in in C flute (0.16 in board, 0.04 in clearance), for a product 7.5 × 5.5 × 4.75 in. Only the style changes: 0201, the regular slotted container, against 0300, a telescope box.
1. Inner height of style 0201: the closure takes 1 × t
H_i = 10 − 2 × 0.16 − 2 × 0.04 − 1 × 0.16 = 9.45 in
2. Inner height of style 0300: the closure takes 0 × t
H_i = 10 − 2 × 0.16 − 2 × 0.04 − 0 × 0.16 = 9.61 in
3. Height two upright layers of the product need
2 × 4.75 = 9.5 in; 9.45 < 9.5 ≤ 9.61
4. Units per box, from the nesting calculator
0201: 6; 0300: 4 × 2 = 8
One board thickness at the closure decides whether the product stands in two layers: the same outer box holds 6 units as 0201 and 8 as 0300. Pick the style before you size the box, not after.
The results are the calculator’s own for these inputs; converted and rounded figures can differ in the last digit.
Common mistakes
- Quoting a code without the variant: styles such as 0201 and 0203 look alike on a drawing and differ in the flaps, which changes board use and strength.
- Sizing a box by its inner dimensions from one style and ordering another: the cavity moves with the closure.
- Taking the diagram for a production drawing: the catalogue names the construction; the die line with glue flap and scores comes from the box maker.
- Choosing a style for looks alone: a telescope or a folder box uses more board than a slotted container of the same size.
When this tool is not the right one
- Die lines and blank sizes: the reference names the construction, it does not draw the cut and crease plan.
- Board use and cost of a style: not calculated here.
- Strength per style: the box strength calculator uses McKee, a relation for regular slotted containers; other styles are estimated as if they were one.
Questions
What is a FEFCO code?
A four-digit code from the FEFCO/ESBO catalogue that names a box construction. The first two digits are the series (02 slotted, 03 telescope, 04 folder, 05 slide, 06 rigid, 07 ready-glued), the last two the style.
What is FEFCO 0201?
The regular slotted container (RSC): one piece of board with four flaps at the top and at the bottom, the outer flaps meeting in the middle. It is the most common shipping box.
What is the difference between FEFCO 0201 and 0203?
Both are slotted boxes. In 0201 the outer flaps meet in the middle; in 0203 they run the full width and overlap, which gives a stronger top and bottom and uses more board.
Does the box style change the calculation?
Yes, in the inner height: PackDev subtracts the closure allowance of the chosen style from the outer box, so the number of units per box can change — the worked example above shows it.
Every formula with its units and defaults: the calculation method →