When you order z fold leaflets, you’ll need to specify a size — but the size you give your printer isn’t necessarily the size you’re picturing. A z fold leaflet has two dimensions that matter: the flat sheet that goes through the press, and the finished size it folds down to. Getting clear on both prevents mismatches between what you expect and what arrives.
This guide explains how flat and finished dimensions relate, walks through the three main size options and what each is suited to, and ends with a quick-reference table to match your distribution plan to the right spec.
When a printer asks for your size, they need to know the flat (unfolded) sheet dimensions — because that’s what gets printed. The finished size is what the leaflet becomes once folded, which is what your audience handles.
For a standard z fold, the flat sheet is divided into three equal panels by two parallel folds in opposite directions. The finished size is one panel wide and the same height as the flat sheet. So an A4 landscape sheet (297 × 210 mm) z folded vertically produces a finished size of 99 × 210 mm — roughly the same proportions as a DL envelope.
This relationship — flat sheet divided by three equals finished panel width — is consistent and predictable, which is one reason z fold is simpler to specify than tri fold. (With tri fold, the inner panel is slightly narrower, which complicates the maths and the template setup. For a full comparison, see our guide to Z Fold vs Tri Fold: Which Format Is Right for Your Leaflet?)
When specifying to a printer, always state both dimensions. “A4 z fold to DL” is unambiguous; “A4 folded” could mean several things depending on fold type and orientation. Printers with a proper file-check process will catch mismatches, but stating both upfront removes the risk.
The DL finished size is the most commonly ordered z fold format in the UK, and for good reason. It’s the size of a standard DL envelope (110 × 220 mm), which means it drops straight into a mailing pack without any trimming or awkward folding. It fits neatly in a jacket pocket, slots into counter-top leaflet holders, and presents cleanly in a display rack.
Flat sheet: A4 landscape — 297 × 210 mm
Finished size: 99 × 210 mm
Each panel (unfolded): approximately 99 × 210 mm — six panels in total across both sides
At 99 mm wide, each panel has enough room for a clear headline, a short paragraph of body text, and a supporting image — but it rewards tight copy. If you’re trying to fit dense text across every panel, the DL format will feel cramped. It suits promotional campaigns, service overviews, menus, mailers, and any content where each panel carries one focused message.
The DL format also has the best postal economics. It fits Royal Mail’s large letter dimensions (up to 100 × 240 mm, maximum 5 mm thick), keeping postage costs lower than larger formats. If postal distribution is part of your plan, DL is the obvious starting point.
An A5 sheet z folded produces a distinctly compact finished leaflet — around 70 × 148 mm per panel. This is noticeably smaller than DL, closer in feel to a large business card than a traditional leaflet, which makes it well suited to formats where portability matters.
Flat sheet: A5 landscape — 210 × 148 mm
Finished size: approximately 70 × 148 mm
Each panel (unfolded): approximately 70 × 148 mm
At 70 mm wide, the design challenge increases. Text needs to be concise, and any image used as a full-panel visual needs to be composed with that narrow vertical format in mind. The A5 z fold is popular for event handouts — particularly when distributed at the door or included with a lanyard badge — because it tucks away easily and doesn’t feel like a burden to carry. It works well for hospitality menus too, where the compact size suits table settings.
Where it’s less suited: detailed product guides or service breakdowns where multiple points need room to breathe. If you find yourself reducing type size below 9pt to make everything fit, the A5 format is working against you — consider stepping up to DL.
An A4 portrait sheet z folded produces a finished size of 148 × 210 mm — the same dimensions as A5, but now that’s the size of each panel rather than the whole leaflet. This is a significantly larger format: each panel is a full A5, giving you roughly three times the usable surface area per panel compared to a DL z fold.
Flat sheet: A3 landscape — 420 × 297 mm
Finished size: 148 × 210 mm (A5 footprint)
Each panel (unfolded): approximately 140 × 297 mm
This format suits content-rich applications: detailed welcome packs, product catalogues, technical information, event programmes with extended schedules, or any project where six DL-sized panels simply aren’t enough room. It’s also a good choice when large product photography is central to the design — the panels are wide enough to let an image breathe without it feeling squeezed.
The trade-off is weight and bulk in hand. A three-panel A3 z fold is noticeably heavier than a DL z fold, and doesn’t fit in a standard pocket. It works well handed out directly — at trade stands, in welcome packs, left on desks — but is less suited to counter display stands or casual leaflet racks where a more compact format encourages pick-up.
Beyond the three main sizes, there’s a range of specialist formats that use the same z fold structure at different scales.
Z cards (credit card size, approximately 55 × 85 mm finished) are the most recognisable specialist format. They fold out from a credit-card footprint to reveal a full six-panel layout — popular as pocket guides, loyalty cards, event credentials, and compact maps. The novelty of the format encourages recipients to open and engage with them, and the credit-card size means they survive in a wallet without being discarded. Better Printing offers Z Cards as a dedicated product.
Larger multifold formats — such as A3 folded to A5, or oversize z folds with additional horizontal creases — are available for specific applications like maps, posters that double as leaflets, or extended event programmes. These involve more complex finishing and typically carry a higher unit cost. For how size and format complexity affect pricing, see our guide to Z Fold Leaflet Printing Costs.
If you have a specific finished size in mind that doesn’t match a standard template, it’s worth getting in touch before ordering. Better Printing can accommodate non-standard dimensions on request.
| Distribution method | Recommended finished size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Mail letter/large letter | DL (99 × 210 mm) | Fits standard DL envelope; meets Royal Mail large letter sizing |
| Self-mailer (no envelope) | DL (99 × 210 mm) | Z fold holds securely without sealing |
| Counter display / leaflet holder | DL (99 × 210 mm) | Most holders are DL-sized |
| Event handout / badge lanyard | A5 (70 × 148 mm) | Pocket-friendly; compact enough to carry all day |
| Table menus / hospitality | DL or A5 | DL for more copy space; A5 if compact is a priority |
| Trade stand / welcome pack | A4 finished (148 × 210 mm) | More content room; suits detailed or image-led material |
| Wallet / pocket guide | Z card (55 × 85 mm) | Credit-card size; high retention rate |
| Product catalogue insert | A4 finished (148 × 210 mm) | Panel size supports longer copy and larger imagery |
Once you’ve settled on a size, the next step is setting up your artwork correctly — panel widths, bleed, and safe zones all vary by size. Our guide to How to Set Up Artwork for Z Fold Leaflets covers the process from scratch, including how to use Better Printing’s downloadable templates for each format.
Browse sizes, paper stocks, and turnaround options on our z fold leaflet printing page. If you’re unsure which size is right for your project, our team can advise — call 023 8087 8037 or use the contact form.
