What is meant by "girth" in the context of mail?

In the context of mail, "girth" refers to the distance around the thickest part of a package. This measurement is important for postal services when determining shipping costs and ensuring that packages fit within size limits for various shipping options. Girth is calculated by measuring the width and height of the package and then applying the formula: girth = (2 × width) + (2 × height).

Understanding girth is crucial for compliance with postal regulations, as many shipping carriers have specific girth requirements that must be met for packages to be eligible for certain rates and services. By accurately measuring girth along with length, senders can avoid additional charges or delays in shipment.

This concept helps to distinguish it from weight, which assesses how heavy the package is, or length and height, which are separate dimensions that do not encompass the full volumetric measurement of the package necessary for effective shipping logistics.