A simple way to calculate your package dimensions

One common problem faced by those who have a package to send is being able to measure the box correctly when they don't have a tape measure to hand. So, you can imagine the excitement when we at Parcel Monkey HQ came across the brand new, brilliant and free app, AirMeasure, that turns your smartphone into a virtual tape measure.

It's not often you come into work and have an exciting discussion about a tape measure, but when we read about and tried this great tool, we saw it as a Product Hunt that really happened.

What is AirMeasure?

With the release of the latest iOS software, came more progress in augmented reality technology. Augmented reality uses the existing environment around you and projects your smartphone overlay information on top of it. Augmented reality in its very nature is designed to improve "reality" and the AirMeasure app has a hugely useful purpose in making everyday life easier.

AirMeasure is the ultimate measuring toolkit for your phone, so that if you ever need to take a measurement, at any time, or in any place, then you can pull out your phone and record the accurate measurements of almost anything. Loaded with useful features, you can use this app for numerous practical uses including taking those all-important package dimensions when you have a package to ship.

Make use of AirMeasure to make shipping packages even easier

We have found another use for this great tool and that is measuring any package you want to ship. Parcel Monkey has been built from the ground up to take away the stress of shipping, so anything that makes the process of sending easier, gets the thumbs up from us.

To use Parcel Monkey, once your item is all packaged and ready to go, all you have to do is enter the dimensions into our shipping calculator, to get the best delivery prices to destinations all over the world.

The beauty of AirMeasure is that you can get those all-important package dimensions in just a matter of seconds, without a tape measure.

1. Pack your box as per our packaging guidelines.

2. Using the app's '3D Cube' feature to capture all the box dimensions including the length, width and height

3. Simply focus your camera on the box and make use of the video tutorial on how to take an accurate measurement.

4. Enter the dimensions into our shipping calculator along with the weight to find the best courier to ship your package.

We do advise that no matter how you measure your package, to add a little more in terms of the measurements so this will reduce the risk of any additional courier charges for excess dimensional weight.

What else can I use AirMeasure for?

Of course, you can think outside the box with AirMeasure. Other useful features include virtual furniture, so you can see what an item will look like in your room before you buy it.

You can use AirMeasure to see if an item is going to fit inside a box, another useful feature if you are thinking of shipping something, so you can work out what size box you may need.

There is a laser level to ensure anything hanging on the wall is nice and straight, as well as a floor plan tool to get the dimensions of your room.

What we love most about AirMeasure is, of course, the '3D cube' feature but there is also the air ruler so you can use your phone as a traditional tape measure, whilst the Point&Shoot mode allows you to take dynamic measurements.

Why we're bananas about AirMeasure

The latest Apple iPhone launch grabbed our attention due to the development of AR technology and in turn the development of AR apps, none more so than AirMeasure. It provides a great solution to something many of our customers have previously had difficulty with.

Being able to provide accurate dimensions is key to being able to obtain the best prices for your package on our global shipping marketplace. Likewise, if you are selling online and need to know what size of the box to send your item in, you can use AirMeasure to help you overcome many common issues.

You may not always have a tape measure handy, especially if you don't sell goods on a regular basis or ship many packages, but generally these days a smartphone is always within reach.

We think the app was 'made to measure' when it comes to helping small businesses, individuals and online sellers who use Parcel Monkey and hope you enjoy its great functionality. Now, where are those virtual scales...

If you would like more information about how to ship a package, check out our guides.