Flyer sizes explained: A6 to A3, and which to use when
The A sizes are simple once you see the pattern: each one is the one above folded in half. A3 folds to A4, A4 to A5, A5 to A6. DL is the odd one out, a third of an A4 sheet, the size that fits a standard envelope.
The sizes in millimetres
| Size | Millimetres | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DL | 99 x 210 | Letterbox drops, envelope inserts, takeaway menus |
| A6 | 105 x 148 | Handouts, postcards, table drops |
| A5 | 148 x 210 | The everyday flyer: events, offers, services |
| A4 | 210 x 297 | Price lists, menus, anything with detail |
| A3 | 297 x 420 | Posters and window displays |
How to choose
DL is the letterbox size. It fits through every door, costs the least per piece, and is the right shape for a single offer with a phone number. It is also the easiest to ignore, so the offer has to be clear from a glance while it is being carried from the hall to the bin.
A6 is the handing out size. Small enough to go in a pocket rather than be folded and dropped, which is why it works at events and on counters.
A5 is the default for good reason. Enough room for a picture, a headline and the details, small enough to feel like something you can read in a moment. If you are unsure, this is the one.
A4 is for information rather than attention: a menu, a price list, a programme, a specification. Nobody takes an A4 flyer because it looks interesting, but they will keep one that is useful.
A3 is a poster. Made to be read from across a room and pinned to a board, not handed to anyone.
What size does to the cost
Paper is the smaller part of the bill on a short run, so an A5 flyer does not cost half of an A4 one. What changes the cost most is the quantity, because the press setup is the same either way. If you are choosing between 500 A5 and 250 A4, the price will be closer than you expect. Check both on the flyers page, where the price for every size and quantity is shown before you order.
Set it up properly
Add 3mm bleed on every edge, keep text 5mm inside the trim, and work at 300dpi in CMYK. If you would rather not, send us the words and a logo: our designers can set flyer artwork for you, quoted with the job. A5 flat leaflets are the usual starting point.
