A6, A5 or DL? Flyer sizes explained

Choosing a flyer size is one of the first decisions in any print job. The right size depends on how much you need to say and how the flyer will be used. A flyer handed out on the street has a different job from one delivered through a letterbox or left on a counter, and the size should fit that job.

A6 (105 x 148mm)

A6 is postcard size. It is ideal for a single offer, a voucher, an event reminder or a simple handout. It is light and cheap to print, but there is not much room, so keep the message short.

A6 also works well for hand to hand distribution, because it is easy to take and slip into a pocket or bag.

A5 (148 x 210mm)

A5 is the most popular size for door drops. It has enough space for a strong headline, an image, a short list of services and your contact details, without feeling crowded. If you are unsure, A5 is usually a safe choice.

DL (99 x 210mm)

DL is a third of A4, the size that fits a standard envelope. Its tall, narrow shape suits price lists, menus, timetables and appointment reminders.

A4 (210 x 297mm)

A4 gives you the most space, and can be folded into a brochure-style leaflet. It suits detailed information, full price lists and menus.

Single or double sided?

Printing on both sides costs a little more but doubles your space. A common approach is to put the headline and offer on the front and the details on the back.

How to choose, step by step

• Write down the one thing you want people to do after reading the flyer.

• List the information they need to do it, such as an offer, a phone number and an address.

• Decide how the flyer will be used: door drop, handout, counter display or envelope.

• Pick the smallest size that holds your message clearly without crowding.

• Decide whether a second side would make the flyer easier to read.

Worked examples

A new salon in Hove. The goal is first bookings. An A5 flyer with a headline, one photo, a short list of treatments and an introductory offer has room to do the job without feeling busy.

A garden services price list. The goal is to show several services and starting prices clearly. A DL flyer suits a list that reads from top to bottom.

A one-day event in Lewes. The goal is to get people to turn up on a date. An A6 flyer with the event name, date, time and place is enough, and it is easy to hand out.

A takeaway with a long menu. A folded A4 leaflet gives the full range room to breathe. See our menu printing page for more on menus.

Tips for any size

• One clear message is better than lots of small text.

• Leave space around the edges, known as bleed and margins, so nothing is trimmed off.

• Use high resolution images so the print looks sharp.

• Make your phone number and website easy to find.

• Use colours with strong contrast so text is easy to read in any light.

Paper and finish

Size is only part of the decision. A thicker paper feels more solid in the hand and can make a flyer more likely to be kept, while a lighter paper is easier to carry in larger numbers. A gloss finish makes photos look bright and bold, and a matt or silk finish can feel more understated and is easier to write on. For door drops, think about how the flyer will feel when it lands on the mat, and keep it sensible enough to go through a letterbox. If you are unsure, ask us and we will suggest options that suit your job.

Common mistakes

Shrinking the text to fit. If the content does not fit, choose a larger size or cut the words. Tiny text is skipped.

Ignoring how it will be delivered. A flyer for a door drop needs to go through a letterbox easily, so keep thickness and folds sensible.

Low resolution images. An image that looks fine on screen can look blurry in print.

No call to action. Every flyer should tell people what to do next, such as call, book or visit.

Frequently asked questions

Which size is best for door to door distribution?

A5 is the most popular choice for door drops, but A6 and DL work well too. The best size is the one that fits your message.

Can I get a mix of sizes in one order?

Tell us what you need and we will advise on printing each item.

Should my flyer be portrait or landscape?

Portrait is the most common choice for door drops and handouts, because it reads naturally from top to bottom. Landscape can suit wide photos or a timetable.

What is bleed?

Bleed is extra image or colour that runs past the trim line, so the finished flyer has no white edges after cutting.

Can you deliver my flyers as well?

Yes. We print and deliver in one order. See our door to door leaflet distribution page.

Get your flyers printed

See our flyer and leaflet printing page. We can print your flyers and deliver them door to door in the same order, and you can check our leaflet distribution prices before you plan the drop. Call 07525 722 427 or email Brighton@leaflet-media.co.uk.