Flyer Sizes: A4, A5, A6 and DL — Which Format to Choose
An A4 flyer measures 210×297 mm (216×303 mm with bleed), A5 is 148×210 mm (154×216 mm), A6 is 105×148 mm (111×154 mm) and DL is 99×210 mm (105×216 mm), based on 3 mm bleed on each side. For handing out and single-message campaigns, choose A6 or DL; for an offer covering several services, A5; and for a price list or folded leaflet, A4 on 130–170 g/m² paper. Set up your file at 300 DPI in CMYK, with key elements at least 3–5 mm inside the trim line.
Flyer size affects everything: how much text you can fit, what paper it can be printed on, and whether it will go into an envelope, a display rack or a letterbox. Below you'll find a chart of formats in millimetres (trimmed and with bleed), what each one is best used for, a rough guide to how much content fits, and the rules for double-sided and folded leaflets. That way you can choose a format to suit a specific purpose rather than guessing.
What are the dimensions of A4, A5, A6 and DL flyers?
The A4, A5 and A6 formats come from the ISO 216 standard: each size is half of the one before it. DL is one third of an A4 sheet, giving a tall, narrow rectangle. The trimmed size is the finished flyer after cutting, while the size with bleed is the artwork extended by 3 mm on every side, so that no white slivers are left along the edges after trimming.
The safe area is the zone where all text, logos and phone numbers must sit. The chart assumes a 5 mm margin from the trim line; 3 mm is the minimum, but with thin borders and small type it's safer to stick to 5 mm. Some printers trim DL to 98×210 mm, so check your printer's specification before sending your file.
| Format | Trimmed size (mm) | With 3 mm bleed (mm) | Safe area with 5 mm margin (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 216 × 303 | 200 × 287 |
| A5 | 148 × 210 | 154 × 216 | 138 × 200 |
| A6 | 105 × 148 | 111 × 154 | 95 × 138 |
| DL | 99 × 210 | 105 × 216 | 89 × 200 |
What is each flyer format used for?
Start choosing your format with how it will be distributed, not how much text you have. A flyer handed out on the street needs to fit in a hand and a pocket, and one going into an envelope has to match the envelope size. Only then should you fit the content to the format.
- A6 – handing out, counter flyers by the till, parcel inserts, discount vouchers, event invitations. Cheap to print and ideal for a single message.
- DL – inserts for DL envelopes (110×220 mm), leaflet racks in receptions and hotels, takeaway menus, gift vouchers, timetables. The narrow format leads the eye neatly from top to bottom.
- A5 – service offers for letterbox drops, trade show flyers, short price lists, announcing a new venue. The most versatile format for local campaigns.
- A4 – detailed price lists, menus, product sheets for business clients, leaflets folded to A5 or DL, mini posters for noticeboards.
How much content fits on an A6, DL, A5 and A4 flyer?
How much text fits depends on font size, the number of images and how much white space you leave. The figures in the chart are a rough guide for one side, with body text at 9–10 pt and one image. Body text shouldn't go below 8 pt, and the phone number and website address are best set at 10–12 pt or larger.
A practical rule: a flyer should have one main headline, one key benefit and one call to action. If your content doesn't fit the guide for your chosen format, cut it down or move up to a larger format or double-sided printing, rather than shrinking the font.
| Format | Headline | Body text (approx.) | What else fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 18–28 pt, 3–6 words | 30–60 words or 3–4 bullet points | logo, 1 image, contact details or QR code |
| DL | 20–32 pt | 60–120 words or 4–6 bullet points | logo, 1–2 images, contact details, small map or QR |
| A5 | 24–40 pt | 100–200 words | 2–3 images, short price list, contact details |
| A4 | 36 pt and above | 250–500 words | price list, several images, location map, opening hours |
Single-sided or double-sided flyer?
A single-sided flyer works well when the message is simple: a promotion, a venue opening, an event invitation. It also suits flyers that will be pinned up or stuck to a surface, as the back wouldn't be visible anyway. Double-sided is the better choice for hand-outs and rack flyers: the front grabs attention, and the back holds the detail.
A typical double-sided layout: on the front, the headline, image and key benefit; on the back, a list of services, prices, a map, opening hours and contact details. Both sides should share the same colours, fonts and logo so they read as one design. At plakaty.shop, the second side of a flyer is an optional extra and is designed to match the first.
- Choose single-sided for: a short message, pinning up, newspaper inserts, the lowest cost.
- Choose double-sided for: handing out, display racks, offers with a price list, vouchers with terms and conditions on the back.
Folded leaflets: sizes and fold types
A folded leaflet lets you fit more content into a small format once folded. It's most often printed on an A4 sheet and folded to A5 or DL. In a roll fold (C-fold, also called a letter fold), the inside panel must be 2–3 mm narrower, otherwise the paper will buckle when folded.
A folded leaflet is designed as a spread: the outside and inside are set up separately, with the fold lines marked. Keep text at least 4–5 mm away from fold lines, as lettering loses legibility on the crease. Coated paper from around 170 g/m² should be creased (scored) before folding, so the ink doesn't crack along the fold.
| Flat sheet (trimmed) | Fold type | Folded size | Number of pages (panels) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 (210×297 mm) | 1 fold (half fold) | A5 – 148×210 mm | 4 | good for offers and short brochures |
| A4 (210×297 mm) | 2 roll folds (C-fold) | DL – approx. 99×210 mm | 6 | panels approx. 100 / 100 / 97 mm, narrower inside |
| A4 (210×297 mm) | 2 concertina folds (Z-fold) | DL – approx. 99×210 mm | 6 | 3 equal panels of 99 mm |
| A5 (148×210 mm) | 1 fold (half fold) | A6 – 105×148 mm | 4 | invitations, mini menus, discount cards |
| A3 (297×420 mm) | 1 fold (half fold) | A4 – 210×297 mm | 4 | larger offers, restaurant menus |
Which paper weight for each format?
A small format on thin paper feels cheap and creases quickly, so the smaller the hand-out flyer, the heavier the paper you should choose. Large formats and folded leaflets are printed on lighter paper so they can be folded and postage costs stay down. Gloss or silk (matt) coated paper is the most common choice; matt is better for writing on with a pen, for example on vouchers.
- A6 and DL, unfolded: 250–350 g/m², card-like and rigid, stands up well in racks.
- A5: 130–170 g/m² for mass distribution, 250–350 g/m² for a premium feel.
- A4 flat: 115–170 g/m²; for pinning up, 115–135 g/m² is enough.
- Folded leaflets: 130–170 g/m², heavier paper only with creasing.
- Finishes (matt, gloss or soft-touch lamination) are usually applied from 250 g/m², as lamination on thin paper causes curling.
How do you prepare a flyer file for print?
Save your print file as a PDF at the size with bleed, e.g. 154×216 mm for A5. Extend backgrounds and images that run to the edge right out to the end of the bleed, and keep text within the safe area. Images should be 300 DPI at 100% scale, and colours should be in CMYK, because screen RGB can come out duller once converted by the printer.
Set black text in 100% K, and large black areas in rich black (e.g. 40/30/30/100) so they come out deep and even. Convert fonts to outlines or embed them in the PDF. Avoid thin borders close to the edge, because with a cutting tolerance of around 1–2 mm they will look visibly uneven.
Checklist
- File size includes 3 mm bleed on each side (e.g. A5 = 154×216 mm)
- Text, logo and contact details at least 3–5 mm inside the trim line
- Images at 300 DPI, colours in CMYK
- Body text no smaller than 8 pt, phone number and website at least 10 pt
- For folded leaflets: narrower inside panel and text kept away from folds
- Paper weight matched to format and distribution method
- Fonts embedded or converted to outlines in the PDF
- All text, phone numbers, addresses and prices proofread yourself
- QR code tested – it scans and leads to the correct address
FAQs
What size is a DL flyer?
A standard DL flyer is 99×210 mm trimmed, and with 3 mm bleed the file is 105×216 mm. It's one third of an A4 sheet, which is why you can also get a DL leaflet by folding A4 twice. Some printers use 98×210 mm, so check the specification before sending your file.
How much bleed does a flyer need?
Standard bleed on a flyer is 3 mm on each side, so the file is 6 mm wider and taller than the finished flyer. The bleed is filled with background or image, which is trimmed off after cutting. Some printers require more bleed for folded or laminated leaflets, e.g. 5 mm.
Which flyer size is best for letterbox drops?
A5 or DL are the most popular choices for letterbox drops, as they hold a clear offer and slip easily through a letterbox. A6 can be too small to stand out among other flyers, and A4 has to be folded. For mass distribution, 130–170 g/m² paper is enough.
Will a DL flyer fit in an envelope?
Yes, a 99×210 mm DL flyer fits comfortably into a DL envelope measuring 110×220 mm. The same envelope will also take an A4 sheet folded twice to DL size. That's why DL is popular as an insert with letters and invoices.
What paper weight is best for A6 flyers?
For A6 flyers handed out by hand, 250–350 g/m² paper works best, as it's rigid and won't crease in a pocket. Choose lighter 130–170 g/m² paper when the A6 is meant to be a low-cost insert in a large print run. With heavier paper, you can add matt or gloss lamination.
What resolution should a flyer be for print?
Prepare your flyer for print at 300 DPI at its actual size including bleed. For A5, that means a file of approx. 1819×2551 px, and for A4 approx. 2551×3579 px. Vector graphics such as logos and text are best kept as vectors in the PDF.
