Flyer and brochure sizes: standard dimensions guide

The standard flyer size in the United States is 8.5 x 11 inches, the same as a letter sheet. The most common brochure is a tri-fold made from an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet, which folds to about 3.67 x 8.5 inches. This guide lists the standard sizes, the panel widths for a tri-fold and the paper that folds cleanly.

To print on recycled paper, see our flyers and brochures.

Standard flyer sizes

• 8.5 x 11 in (letter): the standard flyer. Easy to post, hand out and file.
• 5.5 x 8.5 in (half letter): a smaller handout that costs less to print, because two fit on a letter sheet.
• 11 x 17 in (tabloid): a large flyer or small poster.
• 4.25 x 11 in: a rack card or menu insert.
• A4, 210 x 297 mm (8.27 x 11.69 in): the standard flyer outside North America.
• A5, 148 x 210 mm (5.83 x 8.27 in): the international half sheet.

Standard brochure sizes

• Tri-fold, 8.5 x 11 in flat: folds to about 3.67 x 8.5 in with six panels. The most common brochure.
• Bi-fold, 8.5 x 11 in flat: folds in half to 5.5 x 8.5 in with four panels.
• Tri-fold, 8.5 x 14 in flat: folds to about 4.67 x 8.5 in, with more room on each panel.
• Bi-fold, 11 x 17 in flat: folds to 8.5 x 11 in, a four page folder for programs and price lists.

Tri-fold panel widths

The panel that folds inside has to be slightly narrower than the others, or the brochure will not close flat. For an 8.5 x 11 in tri-fold:

• Fold-in panel: 3.625 in
• Other two panels: 3.6875 in each

If you are not sure how to lay out the panels for another size, mention it when you request a quote.

Bleed and pixel dimensions

• 8.5 x 11 in: 8.75 x 11.25 in with bleed. 2550 x 3300 px at 300 ppi, or 2625 x 3375 px with bleed.
• 5.5 x 8.5 in: 5.75 x 8.75 in with bleed. 1650 x 2550 px, or 1725 x 2625 px with bleed.
• 11 x 17 in: 11.25 x 17.25 in with bleed. 3300 x 5100 px, or 3375 x 5175 px with bleed.

Keep text at least 0.125 in inside the trim and away from the folds. Our guide to print-ready files covers bleed and export settings.

Paper for flyers and brochures

• Flat flyers: 70lb or 80lb text for handouts, or 100lb text for a heavier feel.
• Folded flyers and brochures: 80lb text folds cleanly without cracking.
• Cover weights: heavier cover stock needs to be scored before folding, which adds a finishing step.

All of these weights are available on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Our paper weight guide explains text and cover weights.

Sizes that keep costs down

Standard sizes cut efficiently from a press sheet, which means less waste and a lower price per piece. A half letter flyer prints two to a letter sheet. If a design works at a standard size, it is almost always cheaper than a custom size. Our guide to eco friendly brochure printing covers paper and finishes in more detail.

Common questions

What is the standard flyer size?

8.5 x 11 inches in the United States. A4 is the standard outside North America.

What size is a tri-fold brochure?

A standard tri-fold is printed on an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet and folds to about 3.67 x 8.5 inches.

What are the panel sizes for a tri-fold brochure?

On an 8.5 x 11 inch tri-fold, the fold-in panel is 3.625 inches wide and the other two panels are 3.6875 inches.

What paper weight is best for a brochure?

80lb text is a good choice for folded brochures, because it folds cleanly and still feels substantial.

To price flyers or brochures on recycled paper, request a quote with the size, fold and quantity.