One of the biggest advantages of ordering a custom acrylic display case is getting a case made around the item you actually own.
To do that, you need three measurements:
Width × Height × Depth
The process is simple, but getting those measurements right matters.
Here's exactly how to measure your item before ordering.
Step 1: Decide How the Item Will Be Displayed
Before grabbing a ruler or tape measure, position the item exactly how you intend to display it.
For example, will it be:
- Standing vertically?
- Lying horizontally?
- Sitting on a display stand?
- Mounted to a base?
- Displayed with several related pieces?
Measure the finished display setup, not simply the main object.
If a figure will permanently sit on a stand, the stand should be part of the measurement.
If a model includes a base, measure the base too.
Step 2: Measure the Width
Width is the distance from the furthest point on the left to the furthest point on the right.
For a simple rectangular box, this is easy.
For an irregularly shaped object, make sure you measure the widest point.
A figure's arm, model airplane's wing, or decorative part may extend farther than the main body.
Imagine an invisible rectangular box surrounding the entire display.
The width of that invisible box is the measurement you need.
Step 3: Measure the Height
Measure from the lowest point of the finished display to the highest point.
If your collectible sits on a base or stand that will remain inside the acrylic case, include it.
Don't measure just the object and then forget that the stand adds another inch to the total height.
Use the tallest point of the complete presentation.
Step 4: Measure the Depth
Depth measures from the frontmost point to the furthest point toward the back.
This measurement can be easy to overlook, particularly with products that are normally advertised using only width and height.
Your custom enclosure needs all three dimensions:
Width × Height × Depth
Again, use the deepest points of the complete object.
Measurement Example
Suppose your collectible measures:
5.75" Wide × 8.25" High × 2.00" Deep
You would enter:
- Width: 5.75"
- Height: 8.25"
- Depth: 2.00"
That's it.
Should You Add Extra Clearance?
For an Aegis Acrylic custom case, enter the actual outside dimensions of your item.
Do not try to calculate additional clearance yourself.
You don't need to decide whether the case should be 1/8", 1/4", or 1/2" larger.
We use the measurements you provide to account for appropriate fitting room when designing the case.
This helps eliminate one of the biggest sources of confusion when ordering a made-to-size display.
What If the Item Is Shrink-Wrapped?
Measure what will actually go inside the acrylic case.
If the item is sealed in shrink wrap and you intend to leave that wrap in place, measure the product with the wrap installed.
The same idea applies to protective sleeves, permanent packaging, stands, or bases.
We want the maximum real-world dimensions of what needs to fit inside.
How Do You Measure an Irregular Object?
Not everything is shaped like a booster box.
For statues, figures, models, awards, electronics, and unusual memorabilia, imagine placing the item inside an invisible rectangular container.
Find:
The furthest left and right points = Width
The lowest and highest points = Height
The furthest front and back points = Depth
Those three maximum measurements give us the overall space your display requires.
Common Measurement Mistakes
Forgetting the Display Stand
If a stand or base will remain inside the case, include it in your measurements.
Measuring Only the Main Body
Always account for protruding parts.
A model's wing still has to fit inside the case even if the body is much narrower.
Adding Your Own Clearance
For our custom cases, enter the actual dimensions of your display and let us account for the fitting room.
Mixing Inches and Millimeters
Double-check which unit you are using before submitting your measurements.
Rounding Too Aggressively
If your item measures 5.75", don't automatically call it 6".
Providing an accurate measurement gives us better information to work with.
Measure Twice, Order Once
It's old advice because it works.
After measuring your item, write the dimensions down and measure it again.
Verify:
Width
Height
Depth
Those few extra seconds are worth it when the case is being made specifically for your item.
What Acrylic Thickness Should You Choose?
Once you have your measurements, the next decision is acrylic thickness.
Shield 3mm is our lightweight and economical option for most everyday display applications.
Aegis 6mm provides a thicker, heavier, more substantial premium presentation.
If you're unsure which is right for you, read our 3mm vs 6mm acrylic display case guide.
Ready to Build the Case?
Once you have the object's:
Width × Height × Depth
you have what you need to begin.
Enter your measurements in our Custom Acrylic Display Case calculator and build a case around the item you actually want to display.