One of the first things I noticed when I started out as a Graphic Designer was that there was very limited information on standard sizing for most design projects I was working on. While there seemed to be a shared consensus between other designers and printers on what these details were, I was unable to easily locate this information without some research, as well as, reaching out to more experienced designers and printing companies I was working with.
Not knowing standard sizes for a design project is challenging because there are so many elements that stem from knowing your project size, and many last minute details tend to pop up that you can't plan for without this information.
Now, even though there are standard design sizes, we value creativity and thinking outside of the box, so we use these sizes as a starting point for our projects. Depending on the outcome that we or our client are looking for, we'll sometimes adjust the project size to be smaller or larger than the standard size after considering possible implications of this change.
For example, by not choosing the standard design size for a print product or marketing project, you could run into one or more of the below issues. Issues such as these can be resolved quite easily and shouldn't deter you from choosing an alternative project size or layout that differs from the norm.
May be unable to/experience challenges in finding a frame that fits (Art Print)
May incur additional costs to design and print both custom envelopes and presentation folders (Letterhead)
May not convey information in a legible/suitable manner (Magazine/Booklet)
May incur additional costs for postage (Postcards)
May incur additional costs for printing (any project; depends on printing company and type of paper/material being used)
Knowing the standard design size for a particular project is extremely helpful, so below you'll find a list of common projects for print products & marketing (please note: all sizes are in decimal inches):
Art Print – 5 x 7 in / 8 x 10 in / 11 x 14 in / 12x16 in
Poster – 16 x 20 in / 20 x 24 in / 24 x 36 in / 36 x 48 in
Greeting Card – 4.25 x 5.5 in (Closed/Flat) / 5.5 x 8.5 in (Open)
Letterhead – 8.5 x 11 in / 11 x 14 in
Business Card – 2 x 3.5 in
Rack Card – 3.5 x 8.5 in / 4 x 9 in
Bi-Fold Brochure - 8.5 x 5.5 in (Folded) / 8.5 x 11 in (Flat)
Tri-Fold Brochure – 3.625 x 8.5 in (Closed) / 8.5 x 11 in (Open)
Flyer - 5.5 x 8.5 in (Half Sheet) / 8.5 x 11 in (Standard) / 11 x 17 in (Large)
Booklet or Magazine – 5.5 x 8.5 in / 6 x 9 in / 8 x 10 in / 8.5 x 11 in
Postcard (Standard) – 4.25 x 6 in (Standard) / 5.5x8.5 in (Oversized)
Bookmark – 2 x 6 in / 2 x 7 in / 2 x 8 in
Return Address Label – 0.66 x 1.75 in
Mailing Address Label – 1 x 2.625 in
Notepad – 4 x 5.5 in / 4.25 x 11 in / 8.5 x11 in
Presentation Folder – 9 x 12 in
Sticky Note – 3 x 3 in
Thanks for reading! We hope this list of standard design sizes helps you with your current or upcoming project(s)! You can read the other parts of our Standard Design Sizes series here:
Have a question or comment? Please reach out to us via our contact page or directly through email at hello@laurenbakerpd.ca - we can't wait to hear from you!