All shopping bags are measured the same way: Length (across the bottom) x Gusset (width across bottom) x Height (along the side) - See the illustration at the left. Common US measurements are given in inches and fractions although occasionally sizes may be given in metric units. Our measurements are given in inches and rounded to the nearest ¼ inch. Thus a bag size of 8 by 5 by 10 (8" x 5" x 10") would be 8 inches long by 5 inches wide (gusset) by 10 inches tall.

The other significant measurement is the paper weight. In the US, this is normally stated in pounds (#). It is a relative measure of the thickness and density of the paper and is derived from the actual weight of one ream (500 sheets) of the paper cut at a standard size. That standard size (ream dimensions) may vary from one type of paper to another.