# Flute

> A flute is the wave-shaped paper layer within corrugated board; flute profiles describe its height and spacing.

Canonical: https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/flute
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Materials

## What it means in packaging

Profiles such as B, E and F are used to describe corrugated constructions. They influence thickness, folding and surface behaviour, but actual caliper and strength depend on the complete board specification. Flute direction also affects how a blank converts.

## A practical example

Changing a mailer from one flute grade to another can require different wall allowances and fold clearances.

## What to check

Use the actual caliper supplied for the chosen grade, and confirm flute orientation on the production sheet.

## Use it in your project

- [Choose board, caliper and finishes](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/materials-and-finishes)
- [Mailer box template](https://dielinemaker.com/dielines/mailer-box)

## Related terms

- [Corrugated board](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/corrugated-board) — Corrugated board combines one or more fluted paper layers with flat liners to create a lightweight structural sheet.
- [Caliper](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/caliper) — Caliper is the measured thickness of a sheet material, commonly expressed in millimetres or micrometres.
- [Grain direction](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/grain-direction) — Grain direction is the predominant alignment of fibres in a paper or board sheet.

## Related

- [Packaging glossary](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary)