Measuring a book for a custom book-box

To obtain a cost estimate, measurements accurate to 1/2-inch are sufficient.
For actual construction, measurements accurate to within 1/16-inch are necessary.

If it is not possible to send the item to us, this page will show you how to accurately measure the book using commonly available tools.

For further details, just send an EMail message by using the link at the bottom of this page.

Tools that can be used: carpenter's square, tri-square, draftsman's triangle. If you don't have these, borrow from a neighbor, friend, or relative. If using an adjustable tri-square, make sure that the end of the ruler is absolutely flush with the edge of the 90-degree angle. All rulers used must have the measurement starting at the very end, not starting a small distance in from the end. You will also need a box or surface that has a right-angle back-wall. In this series of photos, I'm using a kitchen-counter and the back-splash. If using this type of set-up, it will be necessary that the counter-top and back-splash meet at a sharp 90-degree angle. If there is any curvature, you won't be able to obtain accurate measurements.

Step 1: Measure the width
Place the fore-edge of the book against the back-stop. In this photo, I'm using the tri-square and draftsman's triangle. Push the tri-square against the back-stop and push the triangle against the spine (back-strip) of the book. The triangle should just touch the book, don't force it against the book such that the book would be pushed out of shape. Read the measurement where the edge of the triangle intersects the tri-square ruler, making sure to use the tri-square ruler scale where the 'zero-mark' is against the back-stop. Round up to the nearest 1/16-inch.

Note: Books aren't necessarily 'square'. Measure at more than one place, use the largest measurement obtained.

Step 2: Measure the height
In a similar manner, measure the height of the book.

Step 3: Measure the thickness
I couldn't use the triangle here, since the ruler doesn't start at the edge. Where the bottom edge of the tri-square ruler intersects the carpenter's square is the thickness measurement.

Just remember to always round up to the nearest 1/16-inch, and measure in more than one place just in case the book isn't 'square'.

Click here for main slip-case & clam-shell box page.