Will It Fit Through a Letterbox?

Enter your item's dimensions to check if it will fit through a standard UK letterbox slot.

How wide is your item?
The dimension through the letterbox slot
For reference only

UK Standard Letterbox Dimensions

Standard BS EN 13724: 250mm wide × 38mm tall
Most residential letterboxes: 250-280mm wide × 38-50mm tall
Conservative safe range: ≤250mm wide × ≤38mm thick

Why Letterbox Delivery Matters

If your item fits through a UK letterbox, the courier can deliver it directly through the slot without leaving a card or requiring a signature. This increases successful delivery rates and reduces redelivery attempts, which is better for your customers and your reputation as a seller.

Royal Mail Large Letter Format

Royal Mail will attempt letterbox delivery for items in Large Letter format if they're up to 25mm thick. However, items up to 30-38mm often fit residential letterboxes too, though delivery isn't guaranteed through the slot.

Understanding Letterbox Dimensions

The critical measurement is the height of the letterbox slot (typically 38mm minimum, per BS EN 13724 standards). Your item must be able to slide through this 38mm gap.

Thickness Guidelines

  • 0-25mm: Guaranteed to fit most letterboxes safely (Royal Mail Large Letter standard)
  • 25-30mm: Should fit most residential letterboxes, but some older boxes may be tighter
  • 30-38mm: Might fit, but depends on letterbox condition — risky for important items
  • 38mm+: Unlikely to fit safely; item may get stuck or damaged

Tips for Successful Letterbox Delivery

Packaging Tips

  • Measure your packaged item before shipping, not just the product inside
  • Use padded envelopes or thin boxes to minimise thickness
  • For items just over the limit, wrap in soft material to compress slightly during delivery
  • Avoid hard, rigid boxes that can't flex to fit the slot
  • If your item is 35-40mm, consider a different packaging method or use a tracked service
  • Always pad items to prevent damage during letterbox delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my item is borderline (35-38mm)?

Borderline items are risky. Some letterboxes will accept them, others won't. The courier may leave a card instead. For important items, opt for a tracked service or ensure the recipient is home to collect in person.

Do old letterboxes have different dimensions?

Yes. Older British letterboxes may be slightly tighter or have smaller slots than modern ones. The 38mm standard is the minimum per BS EN 13724, but some older boxes may only be 30-35mm tall. This is why we recommend staying under 30mm for certainty.

What about business or institutional mailboxes?

Commercial mailboxes vary widely. Some are much larger slots, others are smaller for security. Always err on the side of caution with business addresses.

If it doesn't fit, what delivery options do I have?

You can use a tracked service (e.g., Royal Mail Special Delivery, ParcelForce 24, DPD) where the courier holds it for collection or requires a signature. This costs more but guarantees safe delivery.

How accurate is this tool?

This tool uses UK standard letterbox dimensions (BS EN 13724). However, individual letterboxes vary due to age, condition, and custom installations. Always measure your packaged item and consider the flexibility of your packaging material.