Choosing the right envelope size can greatly affect how your mail is received and viewed. Whether you’re sending invitations, documents, or personal notes, selecting the correct size ensures a professional appearance and avoids issues. Balancing size with presentation is key, as each choice impacts the overall impact of your correspondence.
Commercial Envelope Size Chart
| Name | Size (In) | Size (mm) |
| 6¼ | 3.5×6 | 88.9×152.2 |
| 6¾ | 3.63×6.5 | 92.2×165.1 |
| 8⅝ | 3.63×6.63 | 92.2×218.4 |
| 7 | 3.75×6.75 | 94×171.5 |
| Monarch | 3.88×7.5 | 98.6×190.5 |
| 9 | 3.88×8.88 | 98.6×225.6 |
| 9 (Policy) | 4×9 | 101.6×228.6 |
| 10 | 4.13×9.5 | 104.9×241.3 |
| DL | 4.31×8.63 | 109.5×219.2 |
| 11 | 4.5×10.38 | 114.3×263.7 |
| 12 | 4.75×11 | 120.7×279.4 |
| 14 | 5×11.5 | 127×284.5 |
| 16 | 6×12 | 152.4×304.8 |
Baronial Envelopes Size Chart
| Name | Size (In) | Size (mm) |
| 1 Bar | 3.63×5.13 | 92.2×130.3 |
| 5 Bar | 4.13×5.5 | 104.9×139.7 |
| 5½ Bar | 4.38×5.75 | 111.3×146.1 |
| 6 Bar | 4.75×6.5 | 120.7×165.1 |
| 7 Bar | 5.25×7.25 | 133.4×184.2 |
| 8 Bar | 5.5×8.13 | 139.7×206.5 |
| 9 Bar | 5.75×8.75 | 146.1×222.3 |
| 10 Bar | 6×9.5 | 152.4×241.3 |
Catalogue Envelopes Size Chart
| Name | Size (In) | Size (mm) |
| 1 | 6×9 | 152.4×228.6 |
| 1¾ | 6.5×9.5 | 165.1×241.3 |
| 3 | 7×10 | 177.8×254 |
| 6 | 7.5×10.5 | 190.5×266.7 |
| 8 | 8.25×11.25 | 209.55×285.75 |
| 9¾ | 8.75×11.25 | 222.25×285.75 |
| 10½ | 9×12 | 228.6×304.8 |
| 14¼ | 10×15 | 254×381 |
Announcement Envelopes Size Chart
| Name | Size (In) | Size (mm) |
| A1 | 3.63×5.13 | 88.4×124 |
| A2 | 4.38×5.75 | 108×139.7 |
| A6 | 4.75×6.5 | 118.6×158.75 |
| A7 | 5.25×7.25 | 127×177.8 |
| A8 | 5.5×8.125 | 137.4×196.9 |
| A9 | 5.75×8.88 | 139.7×219.2 |
| A10 | 6×9.5 | 149.4×235 |
Square Envelopes Size Chart
| Name | Size (In) | Size (mm) |
| 5 | 5×5 | 127×127 |
| 5½ | 5.5×5.5 | 139.7×139.7 |
| 6 | 6×6 | 152.4×152.4 |
| 6½ | 6.5×6.5 | 165.1×165.1 |
| 7 | 7×7 | 177.8×177.8 |
| 7½ | 7.5×7.5 | 190.5×190.5 |
| 8 | 8×8 | 203.2×203.2 |
| 8½ | 8.5×8.5 | 215.9×215.9 |
| 9 | 9×9 | 228.6×228.6 |
| 9½ | 9.5×9.5 | 241.3×241.3 |
| 10 | 10×10 | 254×254 |
| 13½ | 13.5×13.5 | 342.9×342.9 |
Booklet Envelopes Size Chart
| Name | Size (In) | Size (mm) |
| 3 | 4.75×6.5 | 120.7×165.1 |
| 4½ | 5.5×7.5 | 139.1×190.5 |
| 5 | 5.5×8.13 | 139.7×206.5 |
| 6 | 5.75×8.8 | 146.1×225.6 |
| 6½ | 6×9 | 152.4×228.6 |
| 6⅝ | 6×9.5 | 152.4×241.3 |
| 6¾ | 6.5×9.5 | 165.1×241.3 |
| 7¼ | 7×10 | 177.8×254 |
| 7½ | 7.5×10.5 | 190.5×266.7 |
| 9 | 8.75×11.5 | 222.25×292.1 |
| 9¼ | 9×12 | 228.6×304.8 |
| 10 | 9.5×12.63 | 241.3×320.8 |
| 13 | 10×13 | 254×330.2 |
Remittance Envelopes Size Chart
| Name | Size (In) | Size (mm) |
| 6¼ | 3.5×6 | 88.9×146.1 |
| 6½ | 3.5×6.25 | 88.9×152.4 |
| 6¾ | 3.63×6.5 | 92.2×156 |
| 9 | 3.88×8.88 | 92.7×219.2 |
Understanding Envelope Sizes
Before diving into envelope sizes, it’s crucial to grasp the common classifications and terminology used in the industry. Understanding these basics helps you choose the right size effectively. While standard sizes offer convenience, custom options provide flexibility.
However, opting for custom sizes can lead to additional costs and longer processing times. Therefore, balancing standard and custom choices impacts both presentation and practicality.
Standard Envelope Sizes
A-Series Envelopes
The A-series envelopes are among the most commonly used, each designed to fit a specific range of paper sizes. For instance, A4 is a popular size for documents, while A7 works well for invitations.
Choosing between sizes like A2 or A6 depends on your needs—larger sizes can accommodate more content but may be less convenient for mailing. Additionally, selecting the right A-series size ensures a professional appearance and proper fit for your documents, balancing practicality with presentation.
Series Envelopes
The # series envelopes are popular in North America and are often used for business correspondence. Sizes like #10 are commonly used for standard letters, while #9 and #7 ¾ are suitable for smaller documents. Transitioning between these sizes involves considering the content’s dimensions and the envelope’s appearance.
Larger envelopes offer more space but may result in higher mailing costs. Therefore, understanding these trade-offs helps in making an informed decision that aligns with both budget and presentation needs.
Specialty Envelope Sizes
Invitation Envelopes
Invitation envelopes come in various sizes, catering to different types of invitations and announcements. For example, sizes like A1 and A2 are perfect for small, formal invitations, while A7 and A9 offer more space for elaborate designs.
Opting for larger sizes can enhance presentation, but may increase mailing costs and require additional planning. Therefore, balancing size with budget and style is essential for achieving the desired impact.
Square Envelopes
Square envelopes offer a unique presentation and are often used for special occasions or unique mailings. Sizes such as 5 ¼ x 5 ¼, 6 x 6, and 7 ¼ x 7 ¼ provide a distinct look that stands out in the mailbox.
However, their non-standard shape may lead to higher postage rates and handling challenges. Choosing square envelopes can add a personal touch, but it’s important to weigh the increased cost and potential delivery issues against the benefits of their distinctive appearance.
Booklet Envelopes
Booklet envelopes are ideal for mailing larger documents or catalogs, providing extra room and durability. Sizes like 9 x 12 and 10 x 13 are commonly used to accommodate brochures, reports, or multiple-page documents.
While they offer ample space, they can also lead to higher postage costs and may require more careful handling. Assessing the trade-offs between size, cost, and presentation helps ensure that the envelope choice aligns with your mailing needs and budget.
FAQs
FAQ 1: What is the difference between A-series and # series envelopes?
Answer: A-series envelopes, such as A4 or A7, are commonly used worldwide and are designed to fit specific international paper sizes. These envelopes are often used for personal and formal correspondence. On the other hand, # series envelopes, like #10 or #9, are popular in North America and are primarily used for business documents. The main difference lies in their dimensions and regional usage. Choosing between them depends on your location and the type of correspondence you are sending.
FAQ 2: Are there any additional costs associated with using specialty envelopes like square or booklet envelopes?
Answer: Yes, specialty envelopes such as square or booklet envelopes can incur additional costs. Square envelopes may require extra postage due to their non-standard shape, which can affect mailing rates. Booklet envelopes, being larger and heavier, can also lead to higher postage costs. Additionally, specialty envelopes may have specific handling requirements, potentially increasing overall mailing expenses. It’s important to factor in these costs when choosing the right envelope for your needs.
FAQ 3: How do I determine the best envelope size for my documents or invitations?
Answer: To determine the best envelope size, first measure the dimensions of your document or invitation. For documents, select an envelope that allows for a snug fit without folding or damaging the contents. For invitations, choose an envelope that complements the size and design of the invitation while considering the overall presentation. Balance the size with practicality, such as postal requirements and handling, to ensure your mail arrives in excellent condition and makes a positive impression.