When it comes to envelopes, most of us tend to pop down to our local post office or newsagent and buy a pack that seems to look the appropriate size. Because of this, the majority of us tend not to understand the envelopes sizes and wouldn’t have a clue which envelope size they normally buy or what the other sizes are. However this could pose a problem if you’re buying your envelopes online and when ordering a business’s envelopes for the year ahead; you wouldn’t want to make any mistakes there! Luckily for you there is a simple envelope size guide online which is a site dedicated to giving you all the information you could need about envelopes in a straight forward and easy to understand way.

Most envelopes fall into the C series, which is defined by ISO 216 and are given names such as C4 (one of the more popular sizes), C5, C6 and so on. However one of the most widely used business envelopes is the DL size which has a format that does not fit into C series sizes, in fact it has a different aspect ratio altogether. The DL envelope originated in Germany back in the 1920’s where it was then known as DIN Lang. We now understand the abbreviation to stand for ‘Dimension Lengthwise’. This size is of course included and defined in the ISO standards for envelope sizes, as the most popularly used envelope size, it would have been negligent to exclude it!

Using DL Size Envelopes is considered to be the most professional way to mail a business document. Its contents – normally an A4 document – will need to be folded into 3 equal sections parallel to its shortest sides in order to fit into the envelope. The DL envelope measures 110 x 220 mm or 4⅓” x 8⅔” and a great example of a good quality DL envelope is the Basildon Bond Recycled DL Envelopes featured.

• Basildon Bond Envelopes
• Small packs, ideal for the small or home office
• Made from 100% recycled paper
• Window is made from corn (not petrochemicals) which is fully biodegradable and can be put in the paper recycling waste
• 100gsm
• White
• Wallet Style
• Peel & Seal
• Size: DL 110 x 220mm
• Boxed 100
• Just £4.44 inc VAT!

The Green Bit

All the paper used in some of their ranges are from UK paper mills, from 100% recovered material. The white envelopes all use a 100gsm paper that is exceptionally smooth and white, and the manilla use 90gsm paper. In addition, the window film, while perfectly clear, is 100% biodegradable, made remarkably from corn not petrochemicals. This also means that even the window envelopes in the range can be included in any paper recycling.

All their white envelopes feature a subtle green opaque with the recycled symbol.

We have envelope enquiries coming out of our back teeth here at LA Office which seems a little unusual that they’re all coming at once. They are a ‘trying’ item we appreciate, with so many envelope sizes available, paper thicknesses, quality and colours; which do you go for and why? It seems this one gets our customers knickers in a twist, but there’s no need, really! It very simple once you know and extremely easy to remember (that is if you know your paper sizes!), so it may be worth brushing up on the skills too. If you work in the mailing department at your place of work, I don’t envy you. I can see it now, you’ve been lumbered with the task of ordering in a year’s supply of company envelopes, but you don’t want to look silly by asking “which ones?” and “what does DL stand for?” Its okay, we have all the answers for you here. Take a look at our basic guide bellow:

• C4 Envelopes – Measuring 324 x 229mm, these envelopes are one of the more common sizes and can hold a sheet of A4 paper unfolded (C4 = A4).
• C5 Envelopes – Measuring 229 x 162mm, these envelopes are also relatively common and can hold a piece of A4 paper folded in half once or a piece of unfolded A5 paper (C5 = A5).
• C6 Envelopes – Measuring 114 x 162mm, these envelopes hold a piece of A4 paper folded into quarters, an A5 piece of paper folded in half once or a piece of unfolded A6 paper(C6=A6).
• DL Envelopes – Measuring 110 x 220mm, these are probably the most common office envelope and can hold an A4 piece of paper folded into thirds or an A5 piece of paper folded once.

There are also various different types of envelope to choose from, regardless of their size. A pocket envelope for example has it’s opening flap positioned along the short edge, where as a wallet envelope has it opening flap along the top edge. A banker envelope is the kind that has a triangular flap which we use for occasions cards and personal letters.  

Envelopes come in a variety of different seals too, three to be precise. Gummed envelopes are the sort in which you must moisten the adhesive strip in order to activate the ‘glue’. The Press & Seal variety are exceedingly popular in business as they only require that the two ‘glued’ flaps are applied together, it’s as simple as that. Peel & Seal envelopes are also straight forward and have a glued flap which is protected by a strip of paper. Peel away the strip and the adhesive is exposed ready for sealed shut the envelope.

Equipped with this knowledge you can now safely enter the world of envelopes, however should you need any further advise, please do not hesitate to call on 0870 7661722. More can be found out about the realationship between C4 Size, C5 Size, C6 Size and DL Size envelopes at EnvelopeSizes.info

Envelopes can be a tricky item to purchase when you have little knowledge of what the sizes mean. If you’ve been assigned the task of purchasing business envelopes to stock up for the year ahead, you could be out of your depth here! Ok, maybe I’m under estimating you, but I’m basing this theory on myself. Before I started work for LA Office I knew absolutely nothing about the names of the different sizes of envelopes and the different style closures, which would have made buying them online extremely difficult. Yes, I may have worked with them every day, but it’s not like their sizes are marked on them anywhere! The funny thing is though, is that it’s rather simple to remember once you’ve been told; in fact, if you know your paper sizes, then it’s a doddle!

Below is a chart which illustrates the envelopes and their sizes for quick reference. In basic, C4 envelopes are intended for use with A4 paper UNFOLDED. This is perfect when you are sending a document that mustn’t be creased. C5 envelopes are intended to be used with A5 paper UNFOLDED or with A4 paper FOLDED IN HALF ONCE. C6 envelopes are for use with A6 paper UNFOLDED, A5 paper FOLDED IN HALF ONCE, or A4 paper FOLDED TWISE INTO QUATERS. DL envelopes are one of the most popular envelope sizes in business and holds A4 paper FOLDED INTO THIRDS or A5 paper FOLDED IN HALF.

After choosing the correct size, you will then need to decide the style of envelope you are looking for. Wallet and banker envelopes have the opening flap placed on the long edge of the envelope which is what defines the envelope as a wallet or a banker. These are probably the most commonly used envelope styles. Pocket envelopes have their opening flap positioned on the short edge which is what defines the envelope as a pocket. There are other less commonly used envelope styles such as gusset envelopes which expand to hold their contents, or padded and protective envelopes which are reinforced with either board, foam or bubble wrap.

Your final decision is which type of seal would work best in your office (or home). For many the taste of a gummed envelope doesn’t put them off, nor does the risk of paper cuts to the tongue (ouch!). If this applies to you, then why pay the extra for a more ‘convenient’ seal? Alternatively, press and seal envelopes do not require any added moisture. To seal, simple apply the two glued flapped together. The last option is the peel and seal envelope which has a glued strip protected by a plastic strip. Simply fill the envelope, then peel back the plastic strip and close.  

Now you are equipped with the information you need, you will be able to make an informed decision, ordering the right envelopes for the job in hand. Remember, although our prices are already very low, if you buy in bulk (which is always useful with consistently used products such as envelopes) you will enjoy a further reduced price. Just ask for a quote!