An envelope is a packaging item, often made of thin flat material. They are designed to contain flat objects, such as a card or a letter. Customarily, they are made from sheets of paper cut into one of three shapes; short arm-cross, kite, or a rhombus. These shapes allow for the creation of the envelope structure by folding the sheet sides around a central rectangular area. In this manner, a rectangular-faced enclosure is formed with four flaps on the reverse side.
Envelopes are commonly used for sending cards, documents, and letters using regular postal mail; however, they can also be used for other purposes such as:
- Storing extra receipts
- Storing allowance for each family member
- Storing and organizing stamps and return address labels
- making announcements
- Storing promotional pieces
- Sending invitations
- Etc.
If you are planning on using one and are wondering what size you should choose, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This article will provide you with a detailed description of some of the most commonly used ones and their sizes to help you make the right decision and choose the right envelope for the job. Below we’ve also outlined some of the most popular sizes with an overview of their common uses. Continue reading this article to find out more.
Free Templates
Types of Envelopes
Envelopes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and they all have their different uses. Here are some of the most commonly used ones and their sizes:
A-Style
A-style is commonly used for invitations, announcements, small booklets, promotional pieces, and brochures. A-style envelopes have square flaps come in various sizes, and are designed for use with matching text and cover papers.
| Number | Size (in.) |
| A-1 | 3.625 x 5.125 |
| A-2 | 4.375 x 5.75 |
| A-6 | 4.75 x 6.5 |
| A-7 | 5.25 x 7.25 |
| A-8 | 5.5 x 8.125 |
| A-9 | 5.75 x 8.75 |
| A-10 | 6 x 9.5 |
Baronial
They are more traditional and formal compared to A-style ones. They are deeper and have a large pointed flap. Baronial envelopes are popularly used to send out invitations, greeting cards, event announcements, and more.
| Number | Size (in.) |
| 4 | 5.125 x 3.625 |
| 5 ½ | 4.375 x 5.75 |
| 6 | 4.75 x 6.5 |
| Lee | 5.25 x 7.25 |
Square
Square envelopes are normally used for advertising, announcements, invitations, and specialty greetings.
| Number | Size |
| 5 | 5 x 5 |
| 5 ½ | 5 ½ x 5 ½ |
| 6 | 6 x 6 |
| 6 ½ | 6 ½ x 6 ½ |
| 7 | 7 x 7 |
| 7 ½ | 7 ½ x 7 ½ |
| 8 | 8 x 8 |
| 8 ½ | 8 ½ x 8 ½ |
Commercial
Commercial or business envelopes are the most commonly used ones for business correspondence. They come in a variety of flap styles, including square, policy, and commercial. They have dimensions that are uniquely suited to common standard paper sizes.
| Number | Size (in.) |
| 6 ¾ | 3.625 x 6.5 |
| Monarch | 3.875 x 7.5 |
| 9 Commercial | 3.875 x 8.875 |
| 10 Commercial | 4.125 x 9.5 |
| 10 Square | 4.125 x 9.5 |
| 10 Peel ~ Seal | 4.125 x 9.5 |
| 10 Commercial (Standard Poly Window) | 4.125 x 9.5 |
| 10 Policy | 4.125 x 9.5 |
| 10 Commercial (Canadian Window) | 4.125 x 9.5 |
| DL | 4.33 x 8.66 |
Booklet
Booklet envelopes are comparably larger than announcement ones and are mostly used when mailing in catalogs, folders, and brochures. They are usually meant for containing documents without the need to fold them.
| Number | Size (in.) |
| 9 x 12 | |
| 10 x 13 |
Catalog
catalog envelopes, just like booklet ones, are meant to house documents without the need to fold them. When a document is mailed in it, it arrives without creases making it ideal for mailing documents that may be presented or otherwise framed.
| Number | Size (in.) |
| 9 x 12 | |
| 10 x 13 |
Generating an Envelope Template
Here is a step-by-step guide for you to generate one of your choice :
Step 1
To generate an envelope template, you have to open a new Word document or start from the document which you want to add. Then select the “mailings” tab.
Step 2
Click on “Envelopes” in the Create group to open the envelopes and labels dialog box. Then click on the “Options” button to open the Options dialog box.
Step 3
Next, click the arrow in the Size Box dialog and select the template size that you want to print. Click on “Customize Size” and manually enter the dimensions if the size you want is not included in the templates provided.
Step 4
In the Delivery Address or Return Address section, click the “Font” button
Now, choose a custom font type, style, and color for either or both addresses, then click “OK” when done.
Step 5
If you wish to use the template you have created again, add it to the document by clicking on “Add to Document.” This can be beneficial for form letters, official letters and other related documents.
Step 6
The final step is to follow your printer’s instructions and insert a blank envelope into the printer. Then click on the “Print” button when ready to print. It is important that you add the document to the document if you are planning to use it again, as it will disappear after printing.
Formatting Double Window Envelope
Most small businesses normally use double-window envelopes to save on printing costs. Setting it up is not hard and should only take a few minutes. Here is how to format a double-window envelope:
- Step 1: Open MS Word and click on the “Mailings” tab located on top of your screen next to “References” and “Review.”
- Step 2: Click on “Envelopes,” and you will see a small window loading in the middle of your screen
- Step 3: Click on the “Envelopes” tab in the window and key in the delivery address in the “Delivery Address” section. Include your return address in the lower space in the window.
- Step 4: Click on “Add to Document,” and the proper formatting for the double-window one will automatically be placed on the document. Print the document on a standard piece and fold it accordingly. All the information included should align with the two blank windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they can qualify for first-class mail. As long as they are rectangular and at least 3 ½ inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inches thick and no more than 6 1/8 inches high x 11 ½ inches long x ¼ inches thick.
Any envelope that is larger than the maximum dimensions for a United States postal letter, i.e., 6 1/8 inches high x 11 ½ inches long and ¼ inches thick, will require extra postage.
Final Words
Whether you are looking to use an envelope for personal use or business, you will always find yourself needing to send out things such as documents, cards, and invites. This is why it is important that you understand the different styles available and their specific purpose.
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