4 Standard Flyer Sizes: How to Pick the Right One?

Both small businesses and big brands use flyers to capture attention and deliver a compelling message to their target audience. These powerful marketing tools come with various customization options to ensure that their design and size will suit the content and distribution method.

When designing your flyers, one of the most important things to decide on is the size. Although you can opt for custom sizes, there are industry standards and best practices to consider so you can deliver a compelling and memorable message to the target audience.

Standard Flyer Sizes and Their Common Uses

Sizes	Description	Best For
8.5″ x 11″	Letter-size flyers, similar to a computer paper	Menus, product catalogs, service plans and packages, and event schedules
5.5″ x 8.5″	Half-letter flyers, offering a perfect balance between portability and readability	Discount offers, event promotions, retail ads, and informational flyers
5″ x 7″	Slightly larger than a standard postcard	Direct mail marketing, event invitations, and business promotions
4″ x 6″	Size similar to a standard postcard	Direct mail, simple message, and high-traffic handouts

 

1.) 8.5″ x 11″ or Letter Size

The letter size offers plenty of space for text and images, making it the go-to size for product catalogs, service packages and plans, menus, and business promotions. Check out these tips on how to create compelling and effective flyers to make the most out of this popular size.

The letter size is also a great option if you need to post flyers on community boards and designated public spaces. Although you can also hand out these flyers on busy streets or at trade shows and other business events, you might need to fold them before distributing.

The most popular folds for 8.5″ x 11″ flyers are trifold and half-fold.

 

2.) 5.5″ x 8.5” or Half-Letter

The half-letter size is another popular option because it strikes the perfect balance of being portable and spacious enough for compelling messages and impactful images. As a result, it is suitable for direct mail campaigns, wall-mounted announcements, and public distribution.

 

3.) 5″ x 7″ Flyer Size

This flyer size has unique dimensions, being slightly larger than a standard postcard, which makes it ideal for mass distribution in public places and at events.

The 5″ x 7″ flyer size is also ideal for event invitations and innovative business promotions, like those with QR codes that allow users access to discounts, exclusive offers, product details, or app downloads with a quick scan.

 

4.) 4″ x 6” or Postcard Size

This flyer size is excellent for brands that need printed materials that will be handed out in high-traffic areas like shopping malls and public transportation centers.

Because of the limited space, these flyers should only have a single and concise message accompanied by one captivating image. The use of multiple graphics and text-heavy designs often leads to a cluttered look.

Being the smallest standard flyer size, it is suitable for simple invitations, point-of-sale promotions, and insert marketing (i.e., slipping promotional materials into shopping bags or packaging).

Postcard-sized flyers are also suitable for businesses needing a budget-friendly option for their marketing campaign.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular flyer size?

The 8.5″ x 11″ or letter size is the most popular flyer size. It is often folded in half or divided into multiple panels to make it more convenient to distribute and carry.

I need information-heavy flyers. What size should I pick?

The 8.5″ x 11″ size (or bigger) is an excellent option if your flyer design includes multiple images and detailed information.

Which flyer size is best for events and promotions?

The 4″ x 6″ or postcard size provides enough space for simple event announcements and business promotions.

Does the distribution method determine the ideal flyer size?

Definitely! Smaller flyers are suitable for public distribution, trade shows, and business events where people are walking around and need quick information. By contrast, you can go bigger if you need to post flyers on bulletin boards and public spaces where people are more likely to read information-heavy materials.

Do smaller flyers cost less?

Yes. Small flyers can deliver big results on a smaller budget.

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Conclusion

The size of your flyer can influence how the readers perceive your message. The general guideline is to consider the design, amount of information, and distribution method when deciding on the size.

Your target audience also determines the ideal size. For instance, trade show attendees are often on the move, so smaller flyers with a single compelling message typically suit them. By contrast, employees and students who are checking the bulletin boards are likely to be more receptive to bigger flyers with more information.

If you don’t have a flyer design yet, NextDayFlyers offers a wide selection of templates that will make the design process quick and easy. You can also check out this step-by-step guide on how to create flyers that will make an impact.