MIL-DTL-117 Bag Size Calculator

A flat bag has to reach around the item, not just across it, and it has to carry enough length for the closure seal. Enter what you are packing and this tool will return the minimum inside width and length, the recommended whole-inch size, and the MIL-DTL-117J tolerance, seam width, and size and weight limitations that come with it. Use the quick RFQ button to send a request to our team for pricing.

1 The item

Square or rectangular Round or cylindrical Irregular

Inches Millimetres

Length in Width in Height in

Wrap or cushioning in optional Item weight lb optional

Cushioning is the thickness on one face — foam, bubble, VCI wrap or barrier wrap — and is added to every dimension twice, once for each side. Weight is used only to check the limitations in 6.5.

2 The bag MIL-DTL-117J type, class and style

Closure allowance in Fit ease in

Closure allowance is the length above the item for the final heat seal plus clearance for the sealer jaws. Two inches suits most jaw and impulse sealers; raise it for vacuum or gas-flush equipment that has to grip more material. Fit ease is set from the type and class above and can be overridden.

Desiccated pack, Method 51 or 52 — add length for two subsequent reseals after inspection, as MIL-STD-2073-1E 5.2.3.7 requires The filled bag will be packed in an outer supporting container

Classification, materials, intended use, inside dimensions, tolerances, seam widths, size limitations and weight limitations are reproduced from MIL-DTL-117J, 26 June 2026, which supersedes MIL-DTL-117H w/AMENDMENT 2. The reseal allowance follows MIL-STD-2073-1E w/CHANGE 4, 5.2.3.7. Complex construction is MIL-DTL-6060E. Fit ease and the irregular-shape allowance are shop practice, not specification requirements, and are shown as separate line items so they can be adjusted or removed. This tool is provided for reference only; it does not replace the packaging engineer's judgment on bag type, material or method of preservation. Always verify against the current revision of each document at the DLA ASSIST database and against the requirements of your specific contract or drawing.