When it comes to your print project, it can be easy to say “whatever the standard size is will work fine for this piece.” Is that really the best way to go about designing a file? While there are certain sizes that are frequently used and more common than others, there is not necessarily a determined or set “standard” size for any type of project.

Honestly, "standard" in the print marketing is a pretty vague word. Print vendors can work with custom, atypical sizes, so it's really up to you as the client what size you want your documents to be. Remember the size of the print piece doesn't matter as much as the content on them. While it may be nice to know what the "standard" is, it is more important that all the information is addressed in a proportional manner. Pieces with too much information crammed into the "standard" size will likely not be very effective.

To help make your decisions a bit easier, we have developed a list for various project types and the common sizes you will find for each. Again, these are just the most commonly used sizes, and for the most part there are no rules or regulations on sizes, until you start to deal the post office that is. You can read more about that in our blog Postcard Mailings: Your Pocket and the Post Office. Other than that, feel free to size your documents however you see fit!

Banners

1. 2' x 4'
2. 2' x 5'
3. 2' x 6'
4. 3' x 4'
5. 3' x 8'

Business Cards 

1. Rectangle - 3.5" x 2"
2. Square - 2.25" x 2.25"
3. Folded  - 3.25" x 2"

Booklets (final folded size)

1. Square - 6" x 6" or 8" x 8"
2. Rectangle - 5" x 7" or 8.5" x 5.5" or 6" x 11"

Catalogs (final folded size) 

1. 8.5" x 11"
2. 9" x 12"

Folded Cards (final folded size) 

1. 4.25" x 5.5"
2. 4" x 6"
3. 5" x 7"
4. 5.5" x 8.5"
5. 6" x 9"

Folders (Final folded size) 

1. 8.75" x 11.75"
2. 9" x 12"

Flyers

1. 8.5" x 5.5"
2. 8.5" x 11"

Invitations (Flat or folded) 

1. 4" x 6"
2. 5"x7"
3. 5.5" x 8.5"

Magazines (final folded size) 

1. Full Size - 8.375" x 10.875"
2. Digest Size - 5.375" x 8.375"

Mounted Posters

1. 16" x 20"
2. 18" x 24"
3. 20" x 30"
4. 22" x 28"
5. 24" x 36"

Name Tags

1. 2"x4"
2. 2.25" x 3.5"
3. 3" x 4"

Postcards

1. 4" x 6"
2. 5" x 7"
3. 5.5" x 8.5"
4. 6" x 9"

Posters

1. 11" x 17"
2. 18" x 24"
3. 19" x 27"
4. 24" x 36"
5. 27" x 39"

Programs (final folded size) 

1. 8.5" x 5.5"
2. 8.5" x 11"

Rack Cards

1. 4" x 9"

Slicks

1. 4.25" x 11"
2. 8.5" x 11"
3. 8.5" x 14"
4. 11" x 17"

Tent Cards - A-Frame

1. 4" x 6" panels
2. 5" x 6.5" panels
3. 8" x 4" panels

Tent Cards - Standing Triangle

1. 4" x 4" panels
2. 6" x 4" panels
3. 8" x 4" panels

Tri-Folded Brochures

1. 8.5" x 11"
2. 8.5" x 14"
3. 11" x 17"
4. 11" x 25.5"

Yard/Lawn Signs

1. 12" x 18"
2. 16" x 20"
3. 18" x 24"
4. 24" x 32"

Once you have chosen the right size for your project, "standard" or not, call Avalon! We can help with any of these print projects and much more. 

If you liked this blog you might also be interested in reading: 7 Reasons to Rebrand? 

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