Casing Guide
Fibrous casing sizing terminology can be confusing. This guide explains the difference between nominal caliber and stuffing diameter, how to read a size table, how to estimate product yield, and how to select the right casing size for your specific product and equipment.
Fibrous casing sizes are described using two key measurements: nominal caliber and stuffing diameter. These are different numbers and should not be confused with each other or with the size code.
The size code is a label used to identify and order a specific casing, for example, size code 7, 2-½, or 6-½. The size code is not a measurement in inches or millimeters. It is simply a product identifier. When you order from Globe Casings, you use the size code to specify which casing you want. Always refer to the full size reference table below to find the correct nominal caliber and stuffing diameter that correspond to any size code.
The nominal caliber is the actual diameter of the dry, unstuffed casing in millimeters, measured before filling. For example, size code 7R has a nominal caliber of 105mm. This is the physical dimension of the casing as manufactured.
The stuffing diameter, also called the Recommended Stuffing Diameter or RSD, is the actual diameter of the filled casing after it has been stuffed. Because fibrous casings stretch when filled, the stuffing diameter is always larger than the nominal caliber. This is the measurement that determines the final slice diameter of your finished product. For example, size code 7R (105mm nominal caliber) has a stuffing diameter of 115mm (4.53 inches).
Some processors measure casings by lay flat width (the width of the casing pressed flat) or circumference (the distance around the casing) instead of diameter. These measurements can be used as a reference, but a lay flat or circumference measurement taken on the dry, unstuffed casing will not account for stretch and is generally less precise than the stuffing diameter.
A circumference measurement can be accurate, but only if it is taken on the stuffed product, right after stuffing, before cooking, smoking, or further processing. Heat processing can expand or shrink the casing, so a circumference measurement taken after processing will not reflect the true stuffed size. When precision matters, use the stuffing diameter (RSD) from the table below rather than converting from a lay flat or circumference measurement.
Diameter
Straight line measurement across the casing.
Example: 105 mm (4.13 in)
Circumference
Distance around the casing.
Example: 330 mm (12.99 in)
Lay Flat Width
Width when the casing is pressed flat.
Example: 165 mm (6.49 in)
Example measurements above are for a 105mm (4.13 in) diameter casing, dry/unstuffed. Actual stuffed measurements will be larger due to stretch, see stuffing diameter above.
When matching a casing to your existing product, always match to the stuffing diameter (RSD), not the nominal caliber or size code. If your current product slices at approximately 4.5 inches (about 114mm), look up which size code has a stuffing diameter closest to that measurement in the table below.
Size chart from our product datasheet, 27 common size codes from 36mm through 180mm. Nominal caliber is the dry unstuffed diameter. Stuffing diameter is the actual filled product diameter after stuffing.
This table is intended as a general reference guide, not a complete or guaranteed inventory list. We carry sizes beyond what is shown here, if you do not see the size you are looking for, give us a call and we will let you know what is available. And because inventory changes, even a size listed below is not guaranteed to be in stock, please call 201-939-3335 to confirm availability before placing your order.
| Size Code | Nominal Caliber (mm) | Stuffing Diameter (mm) | Stuffing Diameter (in) | Approx. Stuffed Weight (lbs/ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 37 | 38 | 1.49" | 0.77 |
| 1SK | 40 | 43 | 1.70" | 1.00 |
| 1SL | 44 | 46 | 1.81" | 1.14 |
| 1S | 45 | 49 | 1.93" | 1.29 |
| 1 | 46 | 51.5 | 2.03" | 1.43 |
| 1-¼ | 50 | 54 | 2.14" | 1.59 |
| 1-½ | 53 | 56 | 2.19" | 1.66 |
| 2G | 57 | 59 | 2.32" | 1.87 |
| 2 | 58 | 61 | 2.40" | 2.00 |
| 2-¼ | 60 | 66 | 2.59" | 2.33 |
| 2-½ | 66 | 72 | 2.83" | 2.78 |
| 3-½ | 70 | 79 | 3.10" | 3.33 |
| 4 | 75 | 84 | 3.31" | 3.80 |
| 5 | 80 | 87 | 3.43" | 4.08 |
| 5N | 85 | 94 | 3.70" | 4.75 |
| 6M | 88 | 99 | 3.90" | 5.28 |
| 6 | 93 | 103 | 4.05" | 5.69 |
| 6-½ | 100 | 107 | 4.24" | 6.24 |
| 7 | 105 | 113 | 4.45" | 6.88 |
| 7-½ | 106 | 117 | 4.60" | 7.34 |
| 8 | 110 | 122 | 4.80" | 8.02 |
| 9 | 118 | 128 | 5.06" | 8.88 |
| 9-½ | 130 | 137 | 5.38" | 10.04 |
| 10 | 135 | 142 | 5.58" | 10.80 |
| 11 | 145 | 150 | 5.92" | 12.16 |
| 12 | 157 | 167 | 6.56" | 14.93 |
| 14 | 180 | 198 | 7.80" | 21.10 |
Use the calculator below to estimate how much product weight fits in a single casing piece, and how many pieces you need to fill a given production run. Enter your size code or stuffing diameter and piece length to get started.
Look up in the size table above
Cut length. We deduct 5" total for clip & tie (1" front tie + 4" closure end)
Optional, for pieces needed
Estimates only. Contact our team at 201-939-3335 for a confirmed recommendation.
Shirred sticks contain a large amount of casing compressed into a short stick. The stick length refers to the physical length of the shirred stick itself, not the length of the finished stuffed product.
When ordering shirred fibrous casings, you specify the stick length. The stick must fit onto your stuffing horn, so it should never be longer than your horn. You also specify how many feet of casing you want per stick, common stick lengths are 84 feet, 100 feet, and 132 feet. Longer sticks mean fewer changeovers and better production efficiency. We also make custom stick lengths upon request to match your specific equipment and production needs.
For cut piece products such as clip and loop formats, the piece length is the actual cut length of the individual casing before stuffing. Common piece lengths are 18", 20", 22", 24", and 26", the right length for your product depends on your target piece weight and stuffing diameter. Use the yield calculator above to estimate finished weight at different lengths, then choose the piece length that hits your target. Custom piece lengths are available to match your specific production requirements.
💡 Use the Size Reference table above to find your starting caliber, or call us at 201-939-3335 and we will help you confirm the right fibrous casing size for your product.
Have questions about casings for your specific product? Our specialists are ready to help.
Contact Globe Casings Inc. for pricing, availability, and expert guidance.
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