# Drop test planner: ISTA 1A drop heights by weight

> Find the ISTA 1A drop height for your packed weight and run the ten-drop sequence of one corner, three edges and six faces on single- or double-wall board.

Source: https://sourcesquid.co/tools/drop-test-planner/

Quality tool · free

# Drop test planner. Packed to arrive perfect.

A drop test checks that a packed product survives the knocks of handling, and ISTA 1A sets the drop height by packed weight: 76 cm for packs under 9.5 kg, down to 31 cm for 27.7 to 45.4 kg. Set your packed weight and carton board and this planner shows the height and runs the ten ISTA 1A drops: one corner, three edges and six faces.

  * __Free, no sign-up
  * __Runs in your browser
  * __Save as PDF or email it

Packaging tests

## Packed to arrive perfect.

ISTA 1A drops a package ten times from a height set by its weight: one corner, three edges, six faces. Pick the board and the weight, then run the test the way our lab partners do.

Packed weight 8 kg

Drop heights per ISTA 1A. Results use an illustrative board-strength model to show the method; your packaging is tested by an accredited lab.

[Want your pack lab-tested before shipping? Ask us, free](https://sourcesquid.co/start/?from=drop-test-planner)

**Saved.** Want a copy in your inbox or on WhatsApp as well? Optional.

How it works

## Three steps. One clear answer.

  1. 01

Set the packed weight to see the ISTA 1A drop height for your pack.

  2. 02

Choose single-wall or double-wall carton board.

  3. 03

Run the ten drops and read whether the board is right or an upgrade is worth it.

Method and sources

Drop heights follow **ISTA 1A** by packaged-product weight: under 9.5 kg (21 lb) 76 cm (30 in); 9.5 to under 18.6 kg (41 lb) 61 cm (24 in); 18.6 to under 27.7 kg (61 lb) 46 cm (18 in); 27.7 to under 45.4 kg (100 lb) 31 cm (12 in). The sequence is ten drops: one corner, the three edges that meet at that corner, and the six faces. ISTA 1A also includes a vibration test, which this planner does not simulate. The pass or upgrade result uses an illustrative board-strength model to show the method; only an accredited lab test qualifies your packaging.

  * [International Safe Transit Association (ISTA)](https://ista.org/)

Results are estimates to support your decisions. For binding figures, ask our team or your customs broker.

Drop test planner questions

## Straight answers.

Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.

[anirudh@sourcesquid.co](mailto:anirudh@sourcesquid.co)

### What is the ISTA 1A drop height?

It depends on the packed weight: 76 cm under 9.5 kg, 61 cm from 9.5 kg, 46 cm from 18.6 kg and 31 cm from 27.7 kg up to 45.4 kg.

### How many drops are in ISTA 1A?

Ten: one corner, the three edges radiating from that corner, and the six faces of the pack.

### What is the difference between ISTA 1A and ISTA 3A?

ISTA 1A is a basic integrity test of vibration and drops at set heights. ISTA 3A simulates parcel delivery more closely, with more drops, different orientations and optional atmospheric conditioning, and is widely used for parcel and e-commerce packs.

### When should I upgrade from single-wall to double-wall board?

When the pack is heavy for its board, fragile, or stacked high in storage. A drop and compression test on the real pack is the reliable way to decide, and sometimes better inner packing does more than heavier board.

Use it with

## Tools that work well together.

[Quality**Test advisor** Product testing checks that goods from a factory meet your specification and the rules of your market, from alloy grade and colour fastness to electrical safety and restricted substances.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/test-advisor/)[Quality**AQL sampling** An AQL sampling plan tells an inspector how many units to pull from a lot and how many defects of each class the lot can contain and still be accepted.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/aql-sampling-planner/)[Logistics**Container loader** A container load plan shows how many cartons fit on each pallet and in each container, and whether space or weight runs out first.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/container-and-pallet-loader/)[Quality**Inspection checklist** A quality inspection checklist lists every check an inspector makes on a lot: quantity and packing, labels and market marks, workmanship, function, measurements, on-site tests and documents.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/inspection-checklist/)

From numbers to factories

## Turn this result into a free teardown.

Send one drawing, photo or quote. A principal returns how it is made, where it is made best and a realistic target price, free, in 48 hours.

[Get my free teardown](https://sourcesquid.co/start/?from=drop-test-planner)[Talk to a principal](https://sourcesquid.co/contact/)
