Envelopes 101

We all know what an envelope is and what one looks like, however, many people may not know the name of a particular envelope, the different sizes, what size piece will fit inside, or what other options are available.

The next time you need to send an invite, thank you card, letter, or packet of information, be sure to consider the below when purchasing the envelopes you need. There are probably more options available than you thought!

ENVELOPE

ENVELOPE SIZE

FINAL SIZE OF INSERTED PIECE

A2

4 3/8” x 5 3/4”

4 1/4” x 5 1/2”

A6

4 3/4” x  6 1/2”

4 1/2” x 6 1/4”

A7

5 1/8” x 7 1/8”

5” x 7”

A8

5 1/2″ x 8 1/8”

5 3/8” x 7 7/8”

A9

5 3/4” x 8 3/4”

5 5/8” x 8 5/8”

A10

6” x 9 1/2”

5 7/8” x 9 3/8”

#9

3 7/8” x 8 7/8”

3 3/4″ x 8 3/4″

#9 Policy

4” x 9”

3 7/8” x 8 7/8”

#10

4 1/8” x 9 1/2”

4” x 9 3/8”

#11

4 1/2” x 10 3/8”

4 3/8” x 10 1/4”

#9 ½ Booklet

9” x 12”

8 3/4” x 11 3/4”

#13 Booklet

10” x 13”

9 3/4” x 12 3/4”

#10 ½ Catalog

9” x 12”

8 3/4” x 11 3/4”

#13 ½ Catalog

10” x 13”

9 3/4” x 12 3/4”

*This list is not inclusive of every envelope size. These envelope sizes are commonly used and typically readily available.

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Announcement-style envelopes are commonly used when sending photographs, greeting cards, promotional pieces, informal mailings, and both social and commercial announcements. Baronial-style envelopes are traditionally used for formal announcements and invitations. These envelopes are not recommended for machine insertion. Announcement and Baronial envelopes represent the A-size envelopes in the above chart. These envelopes can be printed on either laser printers or on a press.

Business-style envelopes are your standard everyday business, or personal, correspondence envelopes. These commercial, or side seam, business envelopes are well suited for inserting contents by machine. Business envelopes are also available in wallet flaps or square flaps, which are not recommended for machine insertion. Business envelopes can be printed on a laser printer or press. The most common of this style envelope is the #10 size, often seen with or without windows. Business-style envelopes represent the #9, #9 policy, #10, and #11 envelopes in the above chart.

Booklet-style envelopes are great for annual reports, large brochures, and various sales materials. These envelopes open on the long side and cannot be processed through inserting equipment. In addition, these envelopes cannot run through a laser printer and must be run on a printing press. To protect the contents, this style envelope typically has a heavily gummed flap to seal. Booklet style envelopes represent the #9 1/2 and #13 booklet envelopes listed in the above chart.

Catalog-style envelopes are similar to booklet-style, the main difference being that they open on the short side rather than the long side. These envelopes also have heavily gummed flaps for sealing. This style envelope is great for sending catalogs, books, manuals, or packets of documents. Catalog envelopes are unable to be processed through inserting equipment or run through a laser printer. Catalog-style envelopes represent the #10 1/2 and #13 1/2 catalog envelopes listed in the above chart.

All the envelopes mentioned above are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes. Contact Avalon today if you have questions or need envelopes printed!