What Size Keepsake Box Do I Need? Internal Dimensions & Fit
The keepsake size guide
From the album you reach for every anniversary to the letters you could never part with, a keepsake box should give your memories a comfortable place to belong.
Start with the outer measurements of your largest item, then measure the height of everything you want to store together. Compare those measurements with the box’s usable internal length, width and depth.
An album’s advertised page size or a photograph’s print size is only a starting point. Covers, sleeves, mats and envelopes can make the finished item larger.
At Photographer Boxes, our Classic and Book-Style keepsake boxes use ten internal footprints, each available in depths from 1 to 6 inches. Here’s how to narrow down your size before choosing your linen and personalization.
Measure what will actually go inside
1. Measure the largest finished item
Lay your album, stack of letters or photographs flat and measure its longest and shortest sides. Include anything that will stay around it: the album cover, a protective sleeve, a photo mat or an invitation envelope. For an album, measure the closed cover rather than relying on the page dimensions.
2. Measure the full stack
Arrange your items as you intend to store them. Measure the total height, including the album spine, envelopes, protective materials and any raised decorations. Choose a depth that leaves the contents easy to lift out and lets the lid close without pressing on them.
3. Leave a little breathing room
A box that only just matches an item’s dimensions can be awkward to use. Leave room for your fingers and any wrapping you plan to add. There is no single clearance that suits every album or keepsake. If the fit will be close, send us the finished item’s measurements before ordering.
Find your keepsake-box size
The measurements below are internal length × width in inches: the space available inside your box. Each footprint is offered with an internal depth of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 inches.
| Internal length × width | Available internal depths |
|---|---|
| 5.2 × 5.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 6.2 × 4.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 6.2 × 6.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 7.2 × 5.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 8.2 × 8.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 10.2 × 8.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 10.2 × 10.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 12.2 × 9.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 12.2 × 12.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
| 14.2 × 11.2 inches | 1–6 inches, in 1-inch steps |
A quick example: a bare 6 × 4-inch print leaves 0.2 inches of total spare space in each direction inside a 6.2 × 4.2-inch footprint. That is 0.1 inches on each side when centered. A sleeve may use some or all of that room, so measure the sleeve itself before choosing.
Choose the depth for your memories
The right footprint helps everything lie comfortably. The right depth gives your collection room to sit together without being compressed. Measure the arrangement you actually plan to keep.
On smaller screens, swipe across the table to see all three columns.
| What you’re storing | What to measure | What can change the fit |
|---|---|---|
| A wedding album | Closed cover length, width and maximum thickness | Cover overhang, a thick spine or a protective wrap |
| Loose photographs | Finished print or sleeve dimensions and full stack height | Paper thickness, borders, mats and sleeves |
| Letters and wedding cards | Largest envelope and the complete stack | Folded cards, layered envelopes, ribbons and wax seals |
| An album with letters or photographs | The combined arrangement, including any separating materials | Items placed above the album or beside its spine |
Putting the measurements together: suppose your album is 2 inches thick and your letters add another half inch when placed on top. You already need more than 2 inches of depth before allowing room to handle the contents. A 3-inch depth is a candidate to check, provided the footprint also fits.
This illustrates the measuring method; it is not a capacity guarantee for every album.
Classic or Book Style?
Both ranges use the internal size system above. Choose the style that suits how you want to keep and display your memories, then explore the linen and personalization choices on the product page.
Classic linen keepsake box
Traditional flat storage with a hinged lid and magnetic closure. A lovely home for an album, a bundle of letters or a collection of treasured little things.
Book-Style keepsake box
A book-like design for upright display, with the option of personalized wording on the cover and spine. Consider how loose items will sit when the box is standing.
Need a size that’s a little different?
If your largest item or finished stack does not fit comfortably within the standard choices, you can request a custom-size quote. To help us understand what you need, include:
- Your item’s measured length, width and height.
- Anything else you would like to store alongside it.
- The quantity of boxes you need.
- Your preferred linen and personalization.
- Any deadline you are working toward.
A photograph of the contents beside a ruler can also help explain an unusual shape or a close fit.
A few more questions about fit
Are these internal or external measurements?
They are internal measurements: the space available for your contents. If you also need the box to fit a shelf, drawer or shipping package, ask for the relevant outside measurements before ordering.
Will an 8 × 10-inch album fit the 10.2 × 8.2-inch footprint?
Only if its finished cover and any protective materials fit with practical room to spare. An album described as 8 × 10 inches may have a larger cover. Measure the closed album first.
How many photographs will fit?
That depends on the paper, sleeves, mats and chosen depth. Measure your actual stack rather than relying on a fixed count. Our variable-depth keepsake range is different from our standard photo-box range.
Does the preview confirm that my items fit?
The preview helps you review the box’s design and personalization. It does not measure your album or keepsakes. Check their measurements separately against the internal size you select.
Made for what matters to you
A place for your favorite memories
Once you have your measurements, choose your box style, linen and personal finishing touches.
Find your keepsake box