How to Fold a Paper Box from One Sheet

What You’ll Need

One square sheet of paper. Origami paper is convenient, but a square cut from printer or craft paper works too.
A flat, clean surface for folding.
Scissors and a ruler if you need to trim a rectangular sheet into a square.

A larger square makes a larger box, while thicker paper makes firmer walls but can be harder to fold neatly. This method makes a small open box without glue. The finished box is suitable for lightweight items, not heavy objects or liquids.

Step-by-Step

Make a square. If your paper is rectangular, bring one short edge diagonally across the sheet until it lines up with the long edge, forming a triangle. Crease the diagonal and cut or tear away the rectangular strip below it. Unfold the triangle to reveal a square.
Fold the square in half. Place the paper with the side you want inside the box facing up. Fold the bottom edge to the top edge, align the corners, and crease. Unfold, then fold the left edge to the right edge and crease. Unfold again. The two creases should cross at the center.
Fold all four corners inward. Bring each corner to the center point where the creases meet. Match the edges carefully and press each fold flat. You should now have a smaller square with four triangular flaps meeting in the middle.
Fold two opposite edges to the center. Fold the top edge of the smaller square toward the center line, then fold the bottom edge toward the same line. Crease both folds well. Open these two folds again, leaving the corner flaps in place.
Fold the other two edges to the center. Turn the paper a quarter turn. Bring the left and right edges to the center line, crease, and unfold them. The creases now mark the sides of the box and help the walls stand upright.
Open two opposite sides. Lift the top and bottom triangular flaps away from the center. Keep the left and right sides folded in toward the middle. The paper should begin to resemble a shallow tray with two loose ends.
Raise the first pair of walls. Lift one open end upward along its crease to make a wall. While holding it upright, bring its two side corners inward. Fold the triangular corner flaps down against the inside of the wall, following the creases already made. Repeat on the opposite open end.
Lock and shape the box. Fold each raised end flap over the triangular corner flaps and into the bottom of the box. Press the base and inside corners gently so the walls stand upright. Adjust the corners until the box is square and the rim is even.

Common Mistakes

Starting with a rectangle: The corner folds will not meet correctly if the sheet is not square. Trim it to a square before folding.
Misaligned corners: Even a small mismatch can make the box crooked. Bring points and edges together before pressing the crease.
Weak creases: Loose folds let the walls collapse. Run a fingertip or fingernail along each crease, taking care not to tear thin paper.
Pulling the walls up too soon: If the preliminary folds are missing or inaccurate, the corners may buckle. Reopen the paper and check that the center and side creases are clear.
Using paper that is too thick: Heavy card may not bend cleanly at the layered corners. Choose lighter paper, or make a larger box with fewer tight layers at each corner.

Tips

Use a sheet with different colors or patterns on its two sides to make it easier to see which face will show inside and outside.
For a neat result, fold on a hard, flat surface rather than on a soft couch or bed.
Make the first box from scrap paper. Once the folds are familiar, use decorative paper for the finished version.
For a matching lid, make another box from a slightly larger square so it can fit over the first. Test the fit as you fold; the size difference needed depends on the paper thickness and the base box.
Keep the box dry and use it for light, dry items. Paper walls are not reinforced, so avoid loading the box with anything that could pull the corners open.

Troubleshooting

The corners do not meet at the center: Unfold the corner flaps and check that the paper is square and the first two creases cross at the true center. Refold one corner at a time, aligning its point to the crossing.

The box is lopsided: Flatten it carefully, compare opposite edges, and correct any folds that do not line up. If the paper has become badly creased in the wrong places, starting again with a fresh sheet is often simpler.

A wall will not stay upright: Reopen the end and sharpen the base and corner creases. Make sure the triangular corner flaps are tucked inside before folding the end flap down over them.

The paper tears at a corner: Avoid forcing a thick stack into place. Rebuild the box with thinner paper, or use a larger square so the corner folds are less cramped. A small tear may be held temporarily with tape, but it will weaken the box.

The base is uneven: Set the box on a flat surface and press the bottom gently from inside. Check that all four corner folds lie flat and that the walls rise from the base creases rather than from diagonal folds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size paper should I use?

Any square sheet can work. A sheet around 15 cm (6 in) on each side is a handy starting size for a small box, but the finished box will be smaller than the sheet because the edges form its walls.

Can I make a box without cutting paper?

Yes, if you already have a square sheet. You can also fold a rectangular sheet diagonally to mark a square, but you will need to remove the extra strip before making the box.

Can I use printer paper?

Yes. Printer paper is easy to crease and works well for a light-duty box. It may be less rigid than origami or craft paper, especially at the walls and corners.

How do I make the box stronger?

Use somewhat heavier paper that still folds cleanly, press the creases firmly, and avoid placing heavy objects inside. For more strength, make a second box that fits snugly around the first or use a suitable small piece of card as a base insert.

How can I make a lid?

Fold a second box in the same way from a slightly larger square, then check that it slips over the first box. If it is too tight, use a larger sheet; if it is loose, try one that is only a little larger.

Can I fold this box from a rectangular sheet without scissors?

You can make a square by folding one corner diagonally to the opposite edge and tearing the excess strip along the crease, if the paper tears cleanly. For a crisp edge, scissors are more reliable.

Sources: OrigamiUSA. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.