Paper Tube
Size Guide
Find the right fit before you order. Understand inner diameter, usable height and lid fit—then turn your product measurements into a clear packaging brief.
Dimensions in millimeters and inches · Updated September 25, 2026
Inside dimensions determine fit.
A quote that only says “Ø70 × 100 mm” leaves room for error. State which diameter and which height you mean, and use the same definitions in your drawing, quotation and sample approval.
- Inner diameter · ID
- The clear diameter inside the finished tube, after any liner. Measure your product at its widest point and add total diametral clearance.
- Usable inner height · Hᵢ
- The clear vertical space available with the lid fully closed, after accounting for the bottom, lid intrusion and any internal obstruction. Reserve space for inserts separately.
- Body outer diameter · OD
- The outside diameter of the tube body. The lid or rolled rim may be wider; use the largest assembled diameter for shipping and display planning.
- Wall thickness · t
- The finished body wall build-up. Include relevant liner and wrap layers when relating ID to OD.
- Lid depth and external height
- Lid depth describes the cover; overlap describes how far it extends over the body. Neither is a universal addition to usable height.
Body OD ≈ ID + 2t
Example: 72 mm ID with 1.5 mm walls gives approximately 75 mm body OD. The maximum assembled OD still depends on the lid.
Specify it clearly: “Target ID 72 mm × usable inner height 105 mm; product Ø70 × 100 mm; no insert. Confirm external dimensions, lid fit and tolerances before sampling.”
Start with your
product dimensions.
For a round, rigid product without an insert, use this calculator to prepare a starting point for discussion. It does not determine final tooling, production tolerances or the assembled outside height.
Total diametral clearance is the difference between tube ID and product diameter. A 2 mm total allowance means 1 mm per side when centered.
Start with 1–2 mm total clearance and 3–5 mm usable height allowance, then validate the fit. A 0.5–1 mm tight-fit trial needs closer tolerance review. Inserts must be sized from their own outside dimensions.
Ask Xinhe to review your measurements →Example target ID × usable inner height
Ø72 × 105 mmØ2.83 × 4.13 in
Approx. body OD: 75 mm / 2.95 in.Sample approval required. No insert included.
How to measure your product
Measure the finished product you will actually pack. Calipers help with diameter; a flat surface and a height gauge or suitable ruler help establish overall height.
Measure the widest point
Use calipers across the product’s maximum outside diameter. Include the cap, label seams and other projections. For a non-round item, send its full dimensions or a drawing rather than assuming its width equals its required tube diameter.
Measure the full height
Measure from the base to the highest point with the product closed and ready to pack. Check several samples or provide the product drawing’s maximum dimensions.
Record weight and handling
Include filled weight, product material, fragility, manual or automatic filling, and the intended shipping conditions.
Define the complete pack
Specify the lid, liner and insert. For direct-fill tea or powders, provide fill weight and bulk density; a jar-fit calculation does not establish fill capacity.
Agree clearance and tolerances
Choose a trial fit allowance, then have the manufacturer check the tightest possible fit, including product variation and tube tolerances.
Approve a physical sample
Check insertion, removal, lid opening force and protection with the actual product. Approve the drawing and sample before bulk production.
Have a product drawing or sample?
Include it with your measurements so the fit can be reviewed.
Paper tube size chart
These worked examples add 2 mm total diameter clearance and 5 mm usable height allowance. Tube sizes below mean ID × usable inner height, not outside dimensions.
| Product (mm) | Product (in) | Target internal size (mm) | Target internal size (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ø50 × 100 | Ø1.97 × 3.94 | Ø52 × 105 | Ø2.05 × 4.13 |
| Ø70 × 150 | Ø2.76 × 5.91 | Ø72 × 155 | Ø2.83 × 6.10 |
| Ø90 × 180 | Ø3.54 × 7.09 | Ø92 × 185 | Ø3.62 × 7.28 |
1 inch = 25.4 mm. Inch values are rounded to two decimals for reference; retain the agreed metric dimensions for production.
Planning examples by application
The following nominal dimensions are adapted from the existing guide. For comparison, they are presented here as internal planning targets. They do not confirm stock, tooling availability, fill capacity or a fit for every product in that category.
| Application | ID × usable height (mm) | ID × usable height (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Ø25 × 90 | Ø0.98 × 3.54 |
| Cosmetics | Ø35 × 120 | Ø1.38 × 4.72 |
| Cosmetics | Ø40 × 150 | Ø1.57 × 5.91 |
| Candles | Ø70 × 100 | Ø2.76 × 3.94 |
| Candles | Ø80 × 120 | Ø3.15 × 4.72 |
| Candles | Ø90 × 150 | Ø3.54 × 5.91 |
| Tea & coffee | Ø76 × 150 | Ø2.99 × 5.91 |
| Tea & coffee | Ø90 × 200 | Ø3.54 × 7.87 |
| Tea & coffee | Ø99 × 250 | Ø3.90 × 9.84 |
| Food & supplements | Ø65 × 120 | Ø2.56 × 4.72 |
| Food & supplements | Ø83 × 150 | Ø3.27 × 5.91 |
| Food & supplements | Ø99 × 180 | Ø3.90 × 7.09 |
Keep the reference at hand.
Download the chart and measurement checklist for your packaging brief.
Lids, wall thickness & tolerances
Telescopic lid
The lid slides over a body or neck. Match lid ID to the mating OD, then agree overlap, opening force and the usable cavity when closed.
Rolled-edge or roll-on style
Supplier terminology varies. Specify the rolled rim and mating closure on a section drawing, and check the smallest clear opening along the insertion path.
Plug lid
A plug enters the tube opening. Its insertion depth can reduce usable height; its mating diameter affects retention and opening effort.
Choose wall thickness for the load
Discuss 1.2–1.5 mm as lightweight trial options and 2.0–3.0 mm for more demanding applications. Paper grade, diameter, winding and humidity also affect performance. Confirm the selection with the actual pack.
| Wall (mm) | Wall (in) |
|---|---|
| 1.2 | 0.047 |
| 1.5 | 0.059 |
| 2.0 | 0.079 |
| 2.5 | 0.098 |
| 3.0 | 0.118 |
Check the tightest fit
Ask the manufacturer to state minimum and maximum finished dimensions. The minimum tube ID must still accept the maximum product or insert envelope with the required clearance.
Nominal allowance ≠ tolerance.
Do not reuse the product clearance as the lid clearance or assume it covers production variation. Agree separate tolerances and test the approved structure.
For protective inserts, include their complete outer envelope and any compression allowance. For food or other direct-fill products, also review liner and closure requirements.
Explore food-grade paper tube packaging →Paper tube sizing FAQ
What is the standard size of a paper tube?
There is no single universal size. Paper tubes are specified around the product, structure and available tooling. The chart on this page provides planning examples, not guaranteed stock sizes. Confirm whether a supplier’s quoted diameter and height are internal or external.
How do I choose the right paper tube diameter?
Measure the widest part of the finished product, including its cap, label or protrusions. Add the agreed total diametral clearance to obtain a target inner diameter. For example, a 70 mm product plus 2 mm total clearance gives a 72 mm target ID, equivalent to 1 mm space on each side when centered.
How much taller should the tube be than my product?
For an initial estimate without inserts, allow 3–5 mm above the product within the usable internal cavity. This is not the assembled outside height. Bottom thickness, lid intrusion, shoulders and inserts must be included when the manufacturer establishes the final external height.
What wall thickness should I choose?
Wall thicknesses such as 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mm are useful options to discuss with the manufacturer. Product weight, tube diameter, paper grade, winding, humidity and shipping loads all affect strength. A thicker wall alone does not guarantee protection; approve the complete package through sampling and appropriate tests.
How much clearance does a telescopic lid need?
There is no universal lid clearance. The lid ID must be matched to the mating body or neck OD, allowing for paper layers, coatings, roundness, humidity and manufacturing variation. Confirm overlap depth and opening force on physical samples. Product-to-tube clearance is a different measurement.
How much extra room do protective inserts need?
Size the tube around the outside envelope of the selected insert, not simply the bare product. Include the insert thickness, compression and insertion allowance. A fixed 2–5 mm addition is not sufficient for every foam or paper insert.
What dimensional tolerances should I specify?
Agree numerical tolerances for ID, OD, usable height and lid fit with the manufacturer after the structure is selected. Check the smallest finished tube against the largest expected product. Nominal clearance is not a manufacturing tolerance, and this guide does not define a universal tolerance.
Can Xinhe make custom paper tube sizes?
Contact Xinhe with the product’s maximum diameter, full height, weight, quantity, closure preference and insert requirements. Tooling availability, structure and a fit sample should be reviewed before final dimensions and production are confirmed.
Get your size
reviewed by Xinhe.
Share your product dimensions and the way it will be packed. Use this brief to discuss the internal size, lid and insert before requesting a quotation.