Manila envelope dimensions: sizes explained

The manila envelope is the buff-colored workhorse of every office, but "manila" is a color and paper, not a single size. Here are the ones you'll actually meet.

Common manila envelope sizes

• 6 x 9 in (booklet): for folded letters and small documents
• 9 x 12 in: the standard, holds an unfolded 8.5 x 11 sheet
• 10 x 13 in (catalog): a little larger, for thicker documents and catalogs
• 10 x 15 in and 12 x 15.5 in: for bulky files and large-format pages

The 9 x 12 is what most people mean by "a manila envelope."

Why manila, and clasp vs gummed

Manila is a sturdy, buff kraft paper, chosen because it's cheap and tough enough to hold documents flat. The closures vary: a metal clasp (with or without a gummed flap) for reusable envelopes, or a plain gummed or peel-and-seal flap for one-time mailing.

What fits

Work back from the contents. An unfolded letter or certificate wants a 9 x 12; a thick report or catalog wants a 10 x 13; a folded document is fine in a 6 x 9. Leave a little room so pages slide in flat.

Flat items and mailing

Manila envelopes bend, so anything that must stay flat, like a photo or a certificate, is safer in a rigid mailer. For folded documents and everyday paperwork, the manila sizes above cover it. For standard letter envelopes, see our guide to envelope sizes.

The quick answer: the standard manila envelope is 9 x 12 inches, with 6 x 9 booklet and 10 x 13 catalog sizes for smaller and larger jobs.