Ordering safety pins by the box: how many boxes do you need?
Shops and factories ordering pins by the box usually get stuck on one question: how many boxes? Here is a single formula that works for every size, the per-box count for all ten sizes, and three worked examples.
The formula
Work out how many pins you need
Multiply the number of items by the pins used per item. 5,000 shirts with one tag pin each need 5,000 pins.
Divide by the per-box count for that size
Take the per-box count from the table below and divide. The result is the number of boxes.
Round up to whole boxes
Always round up: 5.8 boxes means ordering 6.
Pins per box, all ten sizes
| Size | Length | Per box | Packed as |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 19 mm | 720–1,500 | Sachet |
| 00 | 23 mm | 864–1,440 | Sachet |
| 0 | 28 mm | 864–1,728 | Sachet |
| 1 | 32 mm | 864 | Sachet |
| 2 | 38 mm | 864 | Bunch |
| 3 | 46 mm | 408–432 | Bunch |
| 4 | 56 mm | 432 | Bunch |
| 5 | 65 mm | 216 | Bunch |
| 6 | 75 mm | 144 (1 gross) | Bunch |
| 7 | 85 mm | 144 (1 gross) | Bunch |
Sizes 000–1 come in sealed lion-brand sachets and sizes 2–7 in bunches with a hanging tag. Counts are each lot's standard; full details are on the wholesale page.
Worked examples
A factory tagging 5,000 shirts
- One pin each: 5,000 pins
- At 864 per box: 6 boxes, 5,184 pins
- At 1,440 per box: 4 boxes, 5,760 pins
A 1,000-runner race
- Four per runner: 4,000 pins
- At 864 per box: 5 boxes, 4,320 pins
A canvas job needing 500 pins
- 144 per box (one gross)
- Order 4 boxes: 576 pins
Units worth knowing
- 1 bunch = 1 dozen = 12 pins
- 1 gross = 12 dozen = 144 pins. Sizes 6 and 7 are packed 144 to a box, exactly one gross.
- Size 000 is also called 3/0, and 00 is 2/0.
Not sure which size yet? Start with the size guide, or for product tags see the tag-pin page, which compares sizes 000 and 00.
Common questions
How many pins in a gross?
A gross is 12 dozen, 144 pins. Sizes 6 and 7 are packed exactly 144 to a box, so one box is one gross.
Why is the per-box count a range for small sizes?
Each production lot has its own standard count, so small sizes vary from lot to lot; size 00, for example, runs 864–1,440 per box. Ask for the count of the lot in stock so your numbers are right.
Are pins counted or weighed?
Every box is counted, not estimated by weight, so shops and factories can plan stock accurately.
Is there a minimum? Can I mix sizes?
No minimum. Sachets and bunches are fine, wholesale pricing starts at a full box, and you can mix sizes in one order.
Can you issue a tax invoice?
Yes, a full tax invoice. Send the company name, tax ID and address on LINE when you order.
Read next
Tell us the size and the job size, and we'll work out the boxes
Message us the size, how many items, and the destination province, and we'll send the lot's per-box count, wholesale price and shipping.