How to make an origami rectangular box (Letter paper)
Origami Rectangular Box (Letter Paper): try all 9 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.
A deep rectangular box folded from one uncut sheet of letter paper, with narrow rims at both ends. This Origami Tutor sequence opens the traditional basic-box shape without cutting or glue.
- You need
- One sheet of US letter paper (8.5 × 11 in). Use a ruler. No scissors or glue.
- Start
- Lay a sheet of letter paper in front of you, short edge at the top. Start with the color face down and use a ruler to mark the wall and rim guides.
- Tips
- Measure the guides from the original sheet edges before raising the walls.
- Ordinary 80 gsm printer paper is stiff enough; thinner paper makes softer walls.
Your model is ready
Your rectangular box is open. Pinch its corners square and keep both rims level.
Step-by-step diagrams
- 1
Mark the left wall
Measure 2⅛ in (5.4 cm) in from the left long edge. Fold along that line, crease, and open flat.
- 2
Mark the right wall
Measure 2⅛ in (5.4 cm) in from the right long edge. Crease that line and open flat.
- 3
Mark the upper end
Measure 2¾ in (7 cm) down from the top short edge. Crease across the sheet and open flat.
- 4
Mark the lower end
Measure 2¾ in (7 cm) up from the bottom short edge. Crease across the sheet and open flat.
- 5
Mark the upper rim
Measure ⅝ in (1.6 cm) down from the top short edge. Crease this narrow strip and open it again.
- 6
Mark the lower rim
Measure ⅝ in (1.6 cm) up from the bottom short edge. Crease the matching strip and open it again.
- 7
Raise the long sides
Lift both long sides until they stand upright beside the floor. At each end, mark a diagonal from the floor corner to the nearby end of the rim crease.
- 8
Pinch the four corners inward
Pinch each diagonal inward as the two end walls rise. Flatten the small triangular gussets against the inside of the ends, keeping the floor flat and the long sides upright.
- 9
Turn out the two rims
Turn the narrow strip at each end outward over the corner triangles, making two broad, level handles.
- ✓
Finish
Your rectangular box is open. Pinch its corners square and keep both rims level.
Fold next
Masu box ↗
Fold the traditional square masu box, with upright walls and both end flaps locked onto the floor.
Masu lid ↗
A matching masu box and lid. Fold the same pattern from two different-sized squares, then turn the larger tray over and fit it onto the smaller box.
Basic box ↗
A rectangular tray with two broad folded rims. This Origami Tutor sequence opens the traditional basic-box shape while keeping its floor flat.
Gift box ↗
A two-piece gift box: a traditional masu box and a matching lid folded from a square a quarter inch larger, so the lid slides over the box. No scissors or glue.