The most used envelope size in Canada is #10. The dimensions of #10 are 245 mm x 156 mm (9.6” x 6.1”). This is the maximum size; a standard Canada Post envelope shouldn’t exceed this size. Usually, the standard envelope dimensions in Canada range from 140 mm x 90 mm (5.5 inches x 3.5 inches) to 245 mm x 156 mm (9.6 inches x 6.1 inches).
We use envelopes every day. Whether you’re using them in an office environment for letters/documents, or at a special occasion for wedding/birthday invitations. If you often struggle to pick a perfectly sized envelope for your inserts, you’re in luck. This blog will guide you through the variety of envelopes we use across Canada. Understanding standard envelope size dimensions makes it easier to pick the right fit for letters, invitations, or important documents
What Are The Dimensions Of A Standard Envelope?
All standard envelope dimensions in Canada range from 140 mm x 90 mm to 245 mm x 156 mm. Envelopes exceeding this range cost more in postage and are referred to as non-standard envelopes. There are various envelope styles such as business/commercial, catalog, booklet, and announcement.
These designs come in different dimensions. The most used sizes are 7, #9, or #10; they fall in business/commerical category of envelopes. You might be thinking why it is even important to learn standard letter size envelope dimensions; it’s not just random information. You need it for the safety of your inserts and money.
Envelope Dimensions For Standard Postage
Before mailing anything, knowing the standard size envelope dimensions used commonly across Canada will help you. The rule is no different for standard postage. If your letter is larger than standard mailing envelope dimensions, which are 245 mm x 156 mm, it will be referred to as a non-standard envelope.
You have to pay more for oversized envelopes. The non-standard or oversized envelopes range from 140 mm x 90 mm (5.5 inches x 3.5 inches) to 380 mm x 270 mm (15 inches x 10.6 inches). In short, if the weight of your envelope is under 50 g, it is a standard envelope, and if it weighs more than 50g it is a non-standard envelope.
The Importance Of Knowing Envelope Dimensions
Information about envelope type and dimensions saves you money. Usually, people are unaware of envelope dimensions, and they crumple their document, putting it in an inaccurate envelope. Don’t be one of them! In the next section, let’s explore types of envelopes and what they are used for. We will also explain all envelope dimensions and the insert sizes you can add to them.
Types Of Envelopes And Their Dimensions
The envelopes that are used in our daily routine include booklet, business, announcement, and catalog envelopes. Business envelopes are the ones always in demand, so let’s get started with them.
Business/Commercial Envelope
The most used business envelope is #10. It is used for direct mail and transactional purposes. Standard business envelope dimensions are suitable for most common paper sizes. Look at the table below to see standard size 10 envelope.
These envelopes are offered with open-end, square-shaped flaps with a pointed tip. Business envelopes may be the perfect mailing solution for you because it saves cash and provide a readily useful product. They also have windows, especially #10. The window displays the address from inside rather than printing it outside. Standard window envelope dimensions for a #10 envelope are 4⅛ × 9½ inches, with the window placed about ⅞ inch from the left edge and ½ inch from the bottom.
The Envelope sizes chart for business envelopes will help you select the one you are looking for.
| Envelope Size | Overall Measurements | Suggested Insert Dimensions | Typical Use |
| No. 6¾ | 92.1 x 165.1 mm (3.625 x 6.5 in) | 85.7 x 158.8 mm (3.375 x 6.25 in) | Personal letters, small statements |
| Monarch | 190.5 x 98.4 mm (7.5 x 3.875 in) | 184.2 x 92.1 mm (7.25 x 3.625 in) | Personal/executive stationery |
| No. 9 | 98.4 x 225.4 mm (3.875 x 8.875 in) | 92.1 x 219.1 mm (3.625 x 8.625 in) | Invoices, return envelope for No. 10 |
| No. 10 | 104.8 x 241.3 mm (4.125 x 9.5 in) | 98.4 x 235 mm (3.875 x 9.25 in) | Standard business letters (most common) |
| No. 12 | 120.7 x 279.4 mm (4.75 x 11 in) | 114.3 x 273.1 mm (4.5 x 10.75 in) | Legal documents, larger mailings |
When shopping for stationery, checking the dimensions standard envelope sizes come in can save you from ordering the wrong fit.
Catalogue Envelopes
Catalogue envelopes are designed with a single-side seam and a centre seam and are open-ended. The specific design is created so documents or books can be sent without any creases. Usually, these envelopes also come with insulation, like bubble wrap, to keep your insert safe.
Catalogue envelopes can easily hold an A4 paper because they are available in 228.6 x 304.8 mm (9” x 12”). These envelopes are vertical , designed with an open flap on the shorter dimension. This feature differentiates catalogue envelopes from other envelopes.
The table below shows Standard envelope size in mm and inches.
| Envelope Type | Overall Measurements | Suggested Insert Dimensions | Typical Use |
| #9 x 12 | 228.6 x 304.8 mm (9 x 12 in) | 222.3 x 298.5 mm (8.75 x 11.75 in) | Full-size documents, catalogs, presentation materials |
| #6 x 9 | 152.4 x 228.6 mm (6 x 9 in) | 146.1 x 222.3 mm (5.75 x 8.75 in) | Booklets, brochures, small catalogs |
| #10 x 13 | 254 x 330.2 mm (10 x 13 in) | 247.7 x 323.9 mm (9.75 x 12.75 in) | Legal documents, large reports, bulky mailings |
Booklet Envelopes
The standard size of booklet envelopes is capable of mailing large-sized and large articles that aren’t able to fit in regular envelopes. Booklet envelopes ship your content without folding them. However, you may need to fold smaller sizes. The most common size is 228.6 x 304.8 mm (12” x 9”).
Booklet envelopes are designed with open-sided and double-sided seams. Their opening flap is on the longer side of the envelope. This feature allows your inserts to slide in without any trouble. These envelopes might have a clasp closure or a tear closure for mailing. If your inserts are heavy or they have to travel long distances during shipping, use cardboard envelopes.
Internationally, we might see standard envelope dimensions in cm; Canada typically lists envelope sizes in millimeters or inches.
Here are dimensions of standard envelope :
| Envelope Type | Overall Measurements | Suggested Insert Dimensions | Typical Use |
| No. 9½ | 228.6 x 304.8 mm (9 x 12 in) | 222.3 x 298.5 mm (8.75 x 11.75 in) | Marketing kits, larger brochures |
| No. 6 | 146.1 x 225.4 mm (5.75 x 8.875 in) | 139.7 x 219.1 mm (5.5 x 8.625 in) | Small brochures, folded flyers |
| No. 6½ | 152.4 x 228.6 mm (6 x 9 in) | 146.1 x 222.3 mm (5.75 x 8.75 in) | Booklets, half-fold mailers |
| No. 9 | 222.3 x 292.1 mm (8.75 x 11.5 in) | 215.9 x 285.8 mm (8.5 x 11.25 in) | Full-page documents, letter-size booklets |
Announcement Envelope
Announcement envelopes, also called A-style envelopes, are used for greeting, gift, and wedding invitation cards. These envelopes are open-sided and have a square and deep flap. You can get them in various colours and paperweights. A-style envelopes give rise to innovation and creativity. You can contact a custom printing company to add text or dazzling designs in your favourite colour.
Standard envelope dimensions in inches and mm of announcement envelopes:
| Envelope Type | Overall Measurements | Suggested Insert Dimensions | Typical Use |
| A7 | 184.2 x 133.4 mm (7.25 x 5.25 in) | 177.8 x 127 mm (7 x 5 in) | Wedding invitations, formal announcements (most common) |
| A2 | 146.1 x 111.1 mm (5.75 x 4.375 in) | 139.7 x 104.8 mm (5.5 x 4.125 in) | Greeting cards, small notes |
| A8 | 206.4 x 139.7 mm (8.125 x 5.5 in) | 200 x 133.4 mm (7.875 x 5.25 in) | Large invitations, photo cards |
Baronial Envelopes
Like announcement envelopes, baronial envelopes are also used for sending greeting cards, invitations, and personal mail materials. The one small difference is in design. Baronial envelopes have point-shaped flaps, whereas announcement envelopes have square flaps
The size chart of baronial envelopes:
| Envelope Type | Overall Measurements | Suggested Insert Dimensions | Typical Use |
| 4 Bar | 130.2 x 92.1 mm (5.125 x 3.625 in) | 123.8 x 85.7 mm (4.875 x 3.375 in) | Small notecards, RSVP cards (most common) |
| 5 Bar | 142.9 x 104.8 mm (5.625 x 4.125 in) | 136.5 x 98.4 mm (5.375 x 3.875 in) | Standard greeting cards |
| 6 Bar | 165.1 x 120.7 mm (6.5 x 4.75 in) | 158.8 x 114.3 mm (6.25 x 4.5 in) | Mid-size announcements |
The Right Envelope
You can choose the right envelope for your inserts easily if you know all types and sizes.
- First, see if your content is for business, personal, or formal invitation
- After identifying the purpose, you can choose the type of envelope.
- See the dimensions of your insert and accordingly select the right size.
Conclusion
The standard envelope dimension in Canada is 245 mm x 156 mm. Business is the most used type. However, you can choose catalog, booklet, or announcement if you want. Now you know all types and every dimension they come in. If you want to be creative and want custom-printed envelopes, you can contact Packlim. We have always made our clients happy with our excellent services.
