4 Standard Bookmark Sizes: How to Pick the Right One

Bookmarks are not just a marking tool for readers—they also have creative marketing uses and deliver repeated brand exposure at a low cost. Moreover, most people perceive them as a practical gift rather than just a promotion, making it easy for businesses to distribute them to their target audience.

Aside from serving as a functional promotional item, bookmarks are also perfect as gift tags, wedding souvenirs, and invitation cards.

When designing your bookmarks, one of the most important things to decide on is the ideal size, which depends on the design, content, and purpose. To help you pick the ideal bookmark size, check out these standard sizes and their corresponding uses and recommended features.

Standard Bookmark Sizes and Their Ideal Uses

 

1.) 2” x 3.5” — Mini Bookmark

The smallest standard size is perfect for simple designs, such as logos, slogans, and short quotes. It is notably shorter than the two most commonly used bookmark sizes, which are 2″ x 6″ and 2″ x 7″.

The mini bookmark size is a budget-friendly option, especially if you need promotional materials for mass distribution and gift tags and inserts as part of your brand packaging.

To make up for the diminutive size, consider using a thicker cardstock to give your bookmarks a more premium and “heftier” feel and make them more resistant to tearing and bending.

2.) 2” x 6” — The Classic Choice

The 2″ x 6″ is a popular size because it fits into most books while offering enough space for design and customization. This classic size is ideal for keepsake gifts, party invites, coupons, and promotional items. The 2″ x 6″ is also ideal for school and corporate bookmarks.

3.) 2” x 7” — Additional Vertical Space

The 2″ x 7″ is another popular size because it fits into most books, just like the classic choice. The only difference is that it offers additional vertical space (1 inch) that allows you to include more information.

However, having an extra space doesn’t mean you should fit as much information as you want. It’s critical to leave enough white space to create a natural flow to guide the viewers’ eyes, allowing them to remember the key design elements and the overall message.

4.) 2” x 9” – Long and Sleek

As the longest standard size, this option is ideal for art bookmarks, high-end souvenirs, and promotional giveaways with text-heavy information (example: menu and product catalog). But to reiterate, it’s important to leave enough white space to promote excellent readability.

The 2″ x 9″ is also ideal for books with innovative designs that include a scannable QR code that links to a site, file, questionnaire, downloadable app, etc. This size option is also excellent for wedding and party invites with a map location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common bookmark sizes?

The 2″ x 6″ and 2″ x 7″ size options are the most common because they can fit into most books.

Are oversized bookmarks popular?

Although oversized bookmarks are not as popular as the smaller standard sizes, they have unique benefits and uses. For instance, publishers and schools use them to market college textbooks, while brands include them in press or information kits distributed at conferences and trade shows.

What is the best size for promotional bookmarks?

Although the ideal size depends on the design, content, and purpose, the most common sizes for promotional bookmarks are 2″ x 6″ and 2″ x 7″ because they can fit into most books.

 

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The ideal bookmark size depends on the design and amount of information. However, if your top priority is to hand out bookmarks that can fit into most books, the 2″ x 6″ and 2″ x 7″ standard sizes are the practical options.

If you don’t have a bookmark design yet, you can use NextDayFlyers’ free templates that come with bleed and margins. These design guidelines help prevent the appearance of white borders and cut-off designs on the final products. To further ensure a professional and error-free bookmark design, we offer free design proofs upon request.