Flyer Printing Sizes: A6, A5, A4, Which Works Best?

Dec 22

The right flyer size depends on what you are trying to do with it. A leaflet shoved through a letterbox follows different rules to one handed out at an event. Here is how we think about flyer sizing with London businesses.

The standard sizes

Size Dimensions (mm) Comparison
A7 74 x 105 Postcard-small
A6 105 x 148 Half of A5
DL 99 x 210 Fits in a standard envelope
A5 148 x 210 Half of A4
A4 210 x 297 Standard letter size
A3 297 x 420 Large poster

A6: compact, cheap to distribute

Best for:

  • Hand-to-hand event flyers
  • Quick takeaway menu
  • Discount voucher
  • Business card alternative with more content

Advantages: tiny, portable, cheap to print at volume.

Disadvantages: limited space for detail. Text shrinks and images become small.

Pricing for 500 A6, 300gsm silk: around £45.

DL: ideal for envelopes and countertops

Best for:

  • Direct mail campaigns (fits a DL envelope without folding)
  • Leaflet racks and countertops
  • Property brochures
  • Restaurant takeaway menus

Advantages: versatile shape, narrow enough for display stands.

Disadvantages: awkward for complex layouts. Tall narrow shape limits design options.

Pricing for 500 DL, 300gsm silk: around £55.

A5: the most versatile size

Best for:

  • General promotional leaflets
  • Menus
  • Event info cards
  • Direct mail marketing

Advantages: enough space for good headline, body copy, image, and call-to-action. Easy to hold and read.

Disadvantages: a bit large for pocket distribution. Slightly more expensive per unit than A6.

Pricing for 500 A5, 300gsm silk: around £65.

A5 is what we recommend when you are not sure.

A4: the marketing piece

Best for:

  • Property brochures
  • Menus for restaurants
  • Detailed service pamphlets
  • Trade show handouts

Advantages: lots of room for content. Can include a map, features list, pricing, and imagery.

Disadvantages: expensive to print in volume. Too big for handout distribution (people do not take them).

Pricing for 500 A4, 300gsm silk: around £95.

A3: posters and promotional

Best for:

  • Event posters
  • Shop window promotions
  • Exhibition backdrops

Pricing for 100 A3, 200gsm silk: around £85.

Paper weight for flyers

Weight influences how “substantial” the flyer feels:

  • 130 to 150gsm: cheap, for mass distribution where feel does not matter
  • 170gsm silk: standard, acceptable for most jobs
  • 250 to 300gsm: premium feel, for better-quality menus, property brochures
  • 350gsm+: rigid, almost card-like (used for premium invites)

Silk finish is the default for flyers (slight sheen, nice feel). Matt is used for premium or text-heavy designs.

Folding options

Adding a fold lets you fit more content into a smaller handout:

  • DL (folded from A4): the classic tri-fold leaflet
  • A5 from A4: half-fold, like a mini brochure
  • Gate fold: two side panels folding inward to a centre panel, premium feel
  • Z-fold: zigzag, good for sequential content

Folding adds £15 to £40 setup plus a small per-unit cost.

Distribution rule of thumb

  • Handing out at events: A6 or DL (small, easy to pocket)
  • Posting through letterboxes: A5 or DL (fits the letterbox)
  • Leaving on tables or counters: A5 or A4 (will be seen)
  • Mail drop with a letter: A4 or folded (fits envelopes)

Design tips specific to flyers

  1. One clear headline: people decide in 2 seconds if they will keep the flyer
  2. Single call-to-action: phone number, website, or QR code
  3. Logo top or bottom: middle reserved for main message
  4. Image at eye-catch position: top third or full background
  5. Bleed and safe zone: 3mm bleed, 4mm safe margin

Same-day flyer printing

For simple designs up to 500 A5 units, we can produce same-day. Order by 11am, collect by 5pm.

Complex finishes (spot UV, foil, laminate) need 2 to 4 days.

Ordering

Email your design or brief to [email protected] with:

  • Size preference (or ask us to recommend)
  • Quantity
  • Paper weight preference
  • Deadline

We will quote within 24 hours and produce a digital proof before printing.


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