By size · 8 folder types
Folder Sizes, From 4 x 9 Mini to 11 x 17
Size the folder to the paper it carries. A folder that is too big lets inserts slide around, and one that is too small bends the pages.
Matching folder size to your paper
The closed folder should be a little larger than the sheet inside. A letter page is 8.5 x 11 inches, so it fits a 9 x 12 folder with room to slide in and out.
Legal pages need a taller folder, and half-letter cards need a smaller one. For drawings and plans, an 11 x 17 folder keeps large sheets flat.
Clients outside the US often use ISO paper. Our A4 presentation folders hold A4 sheets, which are slightly taller and narrower than letter.
Find your size in three steps
- Measure the largest sheet or card that goes inside.
- Add about half an inch on the width and one inch on the height.
- Pick the nearest standard size, or ask for a custom size on your quote.
Size tips
- Pocket height usually scales with the folder.
- Smaller folders often mail in standard envelopes.
- Oversized folders may need a heavier stock.
- A-sizes are measured in millimeters.
Folder sizes and what they hold
| Folder | Closed folder size | Paper it holds |
|---|---|---|
| 6x9 Presentation Folders | 6 x 9 in (152 x 229 mm) | Half-letter, 5.5 x 8.5 in |
| Legal Size Presentation Folders | 9.5 x 14.5 in (241 x 368 mm) | Legal, 8.5 x 14 in |
| Custom Oversized 11x17 Folders | 11.5 x 17.5 in (292 x 445 mm) | Tabloid, 11 x 17 in |
| 9x12 Presentation Folders | 9 x 12 in (229 x 305 mm) | Letter, 8.5 x 11 in |
| Mini Presentation Folders (4x9) | 4 x 9 in (102 x 229 mm) | Rack cards, tickets, gift cards |
| A4 Presentation Folders | About 220 x 310 mm | A4, 210 x 297 mm |
| A3 Presentation Folders | About 310 x 430 mm | A3, 297 x 420 mm |
| A5 Presentation Folders | About 160 x 220 mm | A5, 148 x 210 mm |
Folder Sizes: common questions
Still deciding? Call (503) 461-4788 and we will talk it through.
What is the standard presentation folder size?
The standard size in the US is 9 x 12 inches closed. It holds letter pages, and it is the size most people mean when they ask for a presentation folder.
Can you print a custom folder size?
Yes. Tell us the size of your inserts on the quote form and we will plan a folder and die-line around them.
Will A4 paper fit a 9 x 12 folder?
Usually, but it is a tight fit at the top because A4 is taller than letter. An A4 folder gives a cleaner fit.
Which size is best for mailing?
Smaller folders such as 6 x 9 and 4 x 9 fit common envelope sizes. A 9 x 12 folder ships in a 10 x 13 envelope.