Not every part of owning a business is glamourous. Sometimes it’s about filling out paperwork correctly, paying bills – or finding the right envelopes. We can help with that one! Bookmark this guide to come back to any time you need to double check your envelope requirements.
Business envelope sizes and uses
So the first thing you might be wondering is, what envelope is used for standard business sized letters? There are two main types. #10 envelopes, also known as “commercial envelopes”, are considered standard and typically used for business mailings. #9 envelopes are common as well, sent inside #10 envelopes to be used for a reply to the sender.
Business envelopes come in sizes #6 ¼ – #14. If you’re looking to mail letters, checks, announcement cards, and other standard sized business communications, you’ll need one of these. Here’s a chart to help you compare the sizes.
Tip: Business envelopes come in security tinted and plain variations. More on this below.
| Envelope number | Envelope size |
| #6 ¼ Envelope | 3-1/2 x 6 in |
| #6 ¾ Envelope | 3-5/8 x 6-1/2 in |
| #7 Envelope | 3-3/4 x 6-3/4 in |
| #8 5/8 Envelope | 3-5/8 x 8-5/8 in |
| #9 Envelope | 3-7/8 x 8-7/8 in |
| #10 Envelope | 4-1/8 x 9-1/2 in |
| #11 Envelope | 4-1/2 x 10-3/8 in |
| #12 Envelope | 4-3/4 x 11 in |
| #14 Envelope | 5 x 11-1/2 in |
Next, we’ll look at specialty business envelopes.
Catalog envelope sizes and uses
Imagine if you had to fold a catalog to mail it – yikes! It’s a good thing we have catalog envelopes to keep catalogs, magazines, and other oversized pieces safe from creases.
You’ll find these with either clasp and tie or sticker closures, usually in deep yellow but sometimes in white, gray, or another neutral color.
Catalog envelopes, also known as open end envelopes, come in a few different sizes to accommodate different inserts.
Tip: Catalog envelopes can also be used to mail oversized pieces you’d want framed, such as professional photos or a diploma.
| Envelope width x height | Insert width x height |
| 6 x 9 in | 5.75 x 8.75 in |
| 9 x 12 in | 8.75 x 11.75 in |
| 10 x 13 in | 9.75 x 12.75 in |
Booklet envelope sizes and uses
The dimensions for booklet envelopes are going to look very familiar. They use the same sizing as catalog envelopes but flipped. The closure is on the long side, giving them a longer flap.
Booklet envelopes, also known as open size envelopes, come in handy when you’re mailing something bulky or including a few different pieces in one envelope. They’re easier to stuff than catalog envelopes.
Tip: The most common type of booklet envelope, 12 x 9 in, fits A4 paper perfectly.
| Envelope width x height | Insert width x height |
| 9 x 6 in | 8.75 x 5.75 in |
| 12 x 9 in | 11.75 x 8.75 in |
| 13 x 10 in | 12.75 x 9.75 in |
Coin envelope sizes and uses
Made with heavy-duty paper, coin envelopes are great for holding not only coins but also small items like paper fasteners, beads, thumbtacks, screws, and more.
Depending on the industry of your business, you may use these envelopes regularly. Dental offices often buy them to store rubber bands for braces. Gardeners use them to store seeds.
There are so many ways these little envelopes can be a big help, especially since they come in a variety of sizes to meet various needs.
Tip: Coin envelopes are not suitable to mail on their own, so you’ll want to include them within another envelope.
| Envelope number | Envelope size |
| 00 | 1-11/16 x 2-3/4 in |
| 1 | 2-1/4 x 3-1/2 in |
| 3 | 2-1/2 x 4-1/4 in |
| 4 | 3 x 4-1/2 in |
| 4 ½ | 3 x 4-7/8 in |
| 5 | 2-7/8 x 5-1/4 in |
| 5 ½ | 3-1/8 x 5-12 in |
| 6 | 3-3/8 x 6 in |
| 7 | 3-1/2 x 6-1/2 in |
Security tinted and window envelopes
Businesses and other organizations sometimes need to send sensitive information by mail. This can include financial documents, personal information, and checks. That’s where security tinted envelopes can provide extra privacy, available in standard business sizes.
These envelopes often come with windows, which help provide a clear view of the addresses to reduce the risk of misdelivery. Envelopes with windows come in single-window and double-window so you can choose what’s best for your mailing needs.
Tip: It’s recommended to send tax forms in security tinted, window envelopes. If you’re looking for more tax tips, check out our post Guide to Common Tax Forms for SMBs and Where to Buy Them.
Shop envelopes
At Quill, we have an envelope for your every business need. You can search by type, size, color, and more to find exactly what you need. Plus, you can always come back to this handy guide.