The Ultimate Guide to Flyer Shapes & Sizes

Interested in utilizing flyers in your next marketing campaign but unsure what size is right for your business? Just keep reading! In this article, we will go into detail on different flyer sizes and shapes in order to help you figure out what product is the best fit for your goals! 

Flyers are a tried and true, versatile marketing tool. You can slip them under doors, on car windshields, or simply just hand them out. But, how do you decide what flyer style is best for you? We are here to help! Below we will dive deep into all things flyers – dimensions, orientations, and paper stock. 

Flyer Dimensions

The first step in creating any flyer is deciding on size. In order to help you pick the right size for you, we will now discuss three of the most popular flyer dimensions and what each can be great for!

5.5’’ x 8.5’’ Flyers

Half-sheet flyers are great for small businesses because they are so affordable (since they are only a half sheet you pretty much get two for the price of one!). Not only are they cost-effective, but their smaller, more compact format makes them extra portable and easy to distribute. 

Half-sheet flyers have no limits, but they are most commonly used for: 

• Event/party flyers
• School or activity flyers 
• Church bulletin inserts 
• Community newspapers 

8.5’’ x 11’’ Flyers

The most popular flyer! 8.5’’ x 11’’ is considered your “standard flyer size” and is the same size as a regular piece of printer paper. You really can’t go wrong with this size as it is the most versatile and can be used for various marketing purposes some of which include:

• Standard handouts
• New product or service launches
• Real Estate Listings 
• In-store promotions
• Brochure substitute

11’’ x 17’’ Flyers 

Last but not least we have our biggest flyer – the 11’’ x 17’’. This flyer is a great marketing tool when you need to grab attention and convey a lot of information in a limited space. Some scenarios in which you might use an 11’’ x 17’’ flyer include:

• Window posters
• Printed restaurant menus
• Short community newsletters, or other printed newsletters
• Calendars
• Mini-posters
• Art prints
• Brochures 

Flyer Orientation 

After deciding on the size of your flyer, it’s time to decide how you want to orient it. Should your flyer read top to bottom? Or left to right? It’s up to you!

While most businesses opt for the more traditional top-to-bottom, portrait layout with the header located at the top, that doesn’t mean you can’t change it up. However, using a portrait orientation may be the most natural for your potential customers to read as that is traditionally how most books and magazines are laid out. 

So, if you do choose to take the landscape approach on your flyer, make sure that the layout you are choosing is easily understandable to the common eye. You want to ensure that you are still breaking up the texts with images or subheadings for an easy-to-read experience. 

Flyer Paper Stock

So, now you understand a little bit more about how to choose the correct flier dimensions and orientation, but what paper should your flier be printed on? 

Flyer paper stocks typically range from 60# GT (Gloss Text) to 100# GT. Unsure what that actually means? No worries. A good rule of thumb is: higher number, higher quality paper. So, 60# GT paper is thinner, more like typical home printer paper and 100# GT is heavier, more premium quality paper. All GT papers are coated to give off a shine and enhance ink color! 

The best-selling paper stock for flyers is 60# GT, however many businesses opt for 70# GT or 80# GT for a slightly more premium feel and texture. If you are creating a brochure, 100# GT is probably the best option for you as it’s more durable and has a noticeably more premium feel than lower-weight stocks.

It’s also important to note that although thinner paper stock is less expensive, it doesn’t always mean it's the right choice. In fact, according to a study conducted by FedEx, 90% of consumers believe there is a direct correlation between a company’s printed materials and its quality of services. So, it may be worth considering spending the extra dollars to achieve top-notch quality!

All in all, each and every flyer's size and shape can serve a unique purpose for your business’s goals. 

Ready to add flyers to your marketing strategy? Click here! With Taradel, flyer printing remains an effective, affordable way to create premium quality Flyers and Brochures available in a variety of sizes and options.