Plastic Crate Dimensions: Conversion of 1 Tấc, 2 Tấc, 3 Tấc and How to Choose

When purchasing plastic crates, the most common question is not about which color or plastic type to choose, but "which tấc crate to get." First-time buyers often nod and move on, then when the goods arrive at the warehouse, they find the crate is either too tall to fit the shelf or too short to hold as much as expected.

The root of this issue lies in the naming convention. Plastic crates are not named by volume, length, or width, but by height. One tấc equals ten centimeters, so a 1 tấc crate is about ten centimeters tall, and a 3 tấc crate is about thirty centimeters tall.

The article below converts the tấc naming into the actual measurements of each crate model currently available, clarifies the differences between closed and open crates of the same tấc size, and suggests how to choose the appropriate height for your application.

1. What is a Tấc and Why Are Plastic Crates Named by Tấc

Tấc is a traditional unit of measurement equal to 10 cm. In the industrial plastic sector, tấc is used to denote the crate wall height. This naming is convenient because within a product line, the length and width of the base usually remain constant, only the height varies. The letter "T" in the model code stands for tấc: a closed plastic crate 1T is 1 tấc high, an open plastic crate 3T9 is 3 tấc 9, approximately 39 cm. The number after the letter T indicates the fractional part in centimeters.

One point to note: the tấc naming is rounded, not an exact measurement. For example, a closed plastic crate 4T5 listed on the product page is actually 44.7 cm high, not exactly 45 cm. An open plastic crate 5T4 is 53.4 cm high. This slight difference of a few millimeters does not affect storage but matters when calculating clearance between two shelf levels. In that case, use the actual measurement, not the model name.

2. Quick Conversion from Tấc Naming to Actual Height

Below are the actual heights for each tấc size, combining both closed and open crates for easy reference:

• 1 tấc - 10 cm high for open crates, 10.2 cm for closed crates

• 1 tấc 5 - 15 cm high for both types

• 1 tấc 8 - 18 cm high, only available in open crates

• 1 tấc 9 - 19 cm high for both types

• 2 tấc 2 - 22.3 cm high, only available in closed crates

• 2 tấc 5 - 25 cm high for both types

• 3 tấc 1 - 31 cm high for both types

• 3 tấc 9 - 39 cm high for both types

• 4 tấc 5 - 44.7 cm high for closed crates, 44.5 cm for open crates with wheels

• 5 tấc 4 - 53.4 cm high, only available in open crates with wheels

The two crate types do not cover all sizes equally: if you need exactly 18 cm, only open crates are available; if you need exactly 22.3 cm, only closed crates are available. Therefore, decide on the type first, then the tấc size.

3. Actual Dimensions of Closed Plastic Crates

Closed crates have solid walls and bottoms, made from HDPE, packed one per carton, available in four colors: blue, red, green, and yellow. Full measurements are length x width x height:

• Closed plastic crate 1T - 62.6 x 42.4 x 10.2 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

• Closed plastic crate 1T5 - 62.6 x 42.4 x 15 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

• Closed plastic crate 1T9 - 62.6 x 42.4 x 19 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

• Closed plastic crate 2T2 - 52.3 x 43.2 x 22.3 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

• Closed plastic crate 2T5 - 61 x 42 x 25 cm

• Closed plastic crate 3T1 - 61 x 42 x 31 cm

• Closed plastic crate 3T9 - 61 x 42 x 39 cm

• Closed plastic crate 4T5 - 77.8 x 49.6 x 44.7 cm, solid walls and bottom with handles

There is also a 4T5 closed crate model with wheels, used for pushing goods between stages without lifting. See the full line in the closed plastic crates and solid trays category.

The crate bottoms listed above differ: 1T, 1T5, 1T9 have a bottom of 62.6 x 42.4 cm; 2T5, 3T1, 3T9 have a bottom of 61 x 42 cm; 2T2 has a bottom of 52.3 x 43.2 cm; and 4T5 has a bottom of 77.8 x 49.6 cm. If stacking crates in columns, choose models with the same bottom group to keep columns straight and even.

4. Actual Dimensions of Open Plastic Crates

Open crates have mesh walls, also made from HDPE, packed one per carton, available in the same four colors as closed crates. Measurements are length x width x height:

• Open plastic crate 1T - 61 x 42 x 10 cm

• Open plastic crate 1T5 - 61 x 42 x 15 cm

• Open plastic crate 1T8 - 61 x 42 x 18 cm

• Open plastic crate 1T9 - 61 x 42 x 19 cm

• Open plastic crate 2T5 - 60.9 x 42.4 x 25 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

• Open plastic crate 3T1 - 60.9 x 42.4 x 31 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

• Open plastic crate 3T9 - 60.9 x 42.4 x 39 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

• Open plastic crate 4T5 with 5 wheels - 77.8 x 49.6 x 44.5 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

• Open plastic crate 5T4 with 8 wheels - 84 x 62.2 x 53.4 cm, tolerance ±0.5 cm

The first seven models share a base around 61 x 42 cm for compact stacking and easy size changes within the same production line. The last two models have wheels and wider bases for stability when pushing. See the full line in the open mesh plastic crates category.

5. Comparison of Closed and Open Crates of the Same Tấc Size

Both named 2 tấc 5, but the two types serve different purposes.

Differences in Walls, Bottoms, and Goods Stored

Closed crates have solid walls and bottoms, preventing goods from falling out and minimizing dust ingress, suitable for small components, screws, mechanical parts, loose materials, and packaged goods. Open crates have mesh walls and ventilated bottoms, allowing water drainage and airflow, suitable for agricultural products, seafood, washed goods, and garments awaiting processing.

Differences in Bottoms and Counting Methods

At sizes 2T5, 3T1, and 3T9, closed crates have a bottom of 61 x 42 cm, while open crates have 60.9 x 42.4 cm. The slight difference is negligible when stacking each type separately but should be tested if stacking mixed types in the same column. Mesh walls allow visual counting without lifting the crate, whereas solid walls require viewing from above.

6. Specialized Crate Sizes for Seafood and Fruits

Besides the two tấc-based lines, there is a group made specifically for certain goods, named directly by use, smaller and flatter:

• Fish storage crate - 51.9 x 31.9 x 14.6 cm, PP plastic, open walls and ventilated bottom, packed 25 per carton

• Shrimp storage crate - 46.5 x 33.3 x 15.5 cm, PP plastic, packed 50 per carton

• Squid storage crate - 50.6 x 30.6 x 10.2 cm, PP and HDPE plastic, packed 25 per carton

• Durian storage crate - 43 x 36 x 21 cm

• Fruit storage crate with handles - 71.4 x 46 x 33 cm, HDPE plastic, open walls with handles

This group is smaller and flatter so one person can carry it even when fully loaded with wet goods. Deeper crates are heavier and goods at the bottom are more easily crushed. In assembly and spare parts warehouses, open-front plastic trays with hooks for hanging or stacking are also used, in sizes labeled A3, A4, A6, A8, A9, and B2.

7. How to Choose the Right Crate Size for Your Needs

Instead of asking "which tấc crate is best," start from your specific application.

Choose by Carrying Capacity

If workers carry crates by hand all shift, avoid deep crates. Sizes from 1 tấc to 1 tấc 9 keep the load manageable. Sizes 3 tấc 9 and above should only be used with carts or by selecting models with wheels.

Choose by Shelf Height

Measure the actual clearance between two shelf beams, subtract about 5 cm for hand clearance to pull out the crate. The remainder is the maximum crate height. Use the actual measurement of the model, e.g., 44.7 cm not 45 cm, and add ±0.5 cm tolerance if specified.

Choose by Height of Goods Inside

The crate should be slightly taller than the goods so when stacking, the upper crate does not press directly on the goods below. For goods 13 cm high, choosing a 1 tấc 5 crate means the stacked part presses on the goods; 1 tấc 8 or 1 tấc 9 is safer.

Choose by Pallet Surface

If crates will be stacked on pallets and lifted by forklifts, consider the pallet deck thickness. Plastic pallets come in various sizes: cross-type 1100 x 1100 mm, cup-foot type 1200 x 1200 mm, solid deck without feet 1000 x 600 mm. The 61 x 42 cm crate bottom does not divide evenly into these pallet surfaces, so try stacking a layer before finalizing order quantity.

8. Tips for Long-lasting Use of Plastic Crates

Most crate damage is not due to poor plastic but improper use:

• Do not stack too high. The bottom crate bears the weight of the entire column; the higher the stack, the more the bottom crate walls bulge and bend. Use multiple low columns instead of one tall column.

• Stack within the same bottom group. Crates with 61 x 42 cm bottoms stack together; crates with 77.8 x 49.6 cm bottoms stack together. Mixing groups causes uneven columns.

• Do not drag fully loaded crates. Dragging on concrete wears down the bottom edges, thinning and cracking over time.

• Wash with water and mild soap. HDPE resists moisture and is easy to clean; strong solvents are unnecessary. After washing, invert to dry before stacking.

• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight. Crates left outdoors year-round will fade and become brittle. Store under cover when not in use.

• Use colors for zoning. The four colors blue, red, green, yellow should be assigned to specific stages or goods types, so color indicates the process step.

• Keep one or two samples for measurement. When ordering replenishments, measure the sample rather than relying on the tấc name to avoid ordering the wrong model with the same name but different bottom group.

In summary, the tấc naming only indicates height and is rounded. To choose correctly, you need the three dimensions length, width, and height of the specific model. The crate bottom determines stacking and palletizing; height determines the amount of goods per carry. The most efficient approach: identify whether goods are dry or wet to choose closed or open crates, measure shelf clearance and goods height to select tấc size, then test stack a layer on a pallet before finalizing quantity.

If you are unsure between two tấc sizes or need to check if the crate bottom fits your shelves and pallets, call 0907 722 345 for consultation and a quote based on actual quantity. Prepare three pieces of information for faster service: what goods you intend to store, the clearance between shelf levels, and the quantity needed. Minh Quân Plastic stocks closed crates, open crates, and specialized crates for seafood and fruits, with nationwide delivery.