Your Comprehensive Guide to Envelopes: Types and Sizes Explained

Your Comprehensive Guide to Envelopes: Types and Sizes Explained

Jul 31, 2023

Envelopes are an essential part of our daily lives, serving as vessels to securely carry and protect important documents and correspondence. However, with various envelope types and sizes available, it's natural to have questions about which one suits your specific needs. In this informative blog post, we'll explore the most commonly used envelopes, their sizes, and specific measurements for C6 and B4 envelopes, providing you with all the answers you need for hassle-free envelope selection.

1. Types of Envelopes: Envelopes come in diverse styles to cater to different purposes. Some common types include:

  • Standard Envelopes (C-style): The most widely used envelopes, these are available in various sizes (C1 to C10), with C4 and C7 being the most common. They are versatile and ideal for letters, cards, and small documents.

  • Window Envelopes: Featuring a transparent window, these envelopes are perfect for business correspondence, as the recipient's address can be seen without opening the envelope.

  • Catalogue Envelopes: Larger and sturdier, catalogue envelopes accommodate catalogues, brochures, and thick documents without bending.

  • Padded Envelopes: Padded with bubble wrap or foam, these envelopes provide extra protection for delicate items during shipping.

  • Coin Envelopes: Tiny and compact, coin envelopes are used for storing coins, small items, or seeds.

2. Standard Envelope Sizes: The standard envelope sizes are categorised using the C-series format, where each size is a half of the previous one. The most common sizes include C4 (210 x 297 mm) and C5 (162 x 229 mm). C4 envelopes are perfect for standard letters, while C7 envelopes suit small invitations and note cards.

3. C6 Envelope Size: C6 envelopes measure approximately 114 x 162 mm (4.5 x 6.4 inches). They are commonly used for C5-sized documents folded in half, invitations, and greeting cards. C6 envelopes strike a balance between being compact and accommodating slightly larger contents.

4. B4 Envelope Size: B4 envelopes are larger, measuring around 250 x 353 mm (9.8 x 13.9 inches). They are typically used for mailing unfolded A4-sized documents without any folding required. B4 envelopes are ideal for shipping large documents, photos, or marketing materials.

Choosing the right envelope type and size can make a significant difference in presenting your documents or gifts professionally and securely. Standard envelopes like C4 and C5 cater to general correspondence, while specialised envelopes like C6 and B4 serve specific purposes. Whether it's sending a heartfelt note, business correspondence, or protecting valuable items during shipping, knowing the right envelope size will ensure your content arrives intact and leaves a lasting impression.



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