Choosing the Right Envelope for Every Occasion

Direct mail is a powerful tool! It can spread the word about your company to prospective customers and help you to engage with existing contacts. According to research, 73% of American consumers say they prefer being contacted by brands via direct mail because they can read it whenever they want.

Creating a direct mail plan for your company is essential. However, one simple factor that can increase the response rate for your direct mail is the type of envelope you use! Interestingly, oversized envelopes have the highest direct mail response rate, with the second-highest response rate being 5.7% for postcards and 4.3% for letter-sized envelopes.

It’s important to realize that your direct mail has many different sizing options. Read more to find out the perfect size for your next mail campaign!

A Quick Guide to Envelope and Insert Sizes

Two main categories of envelope sizes can be used for direct mail purposes: A-Style or Commercial.

1. A-Style (Announcement) Envelopes

These envelopes are square-shaped, which makes them stand out from other mail pieces and creates a sense of elevated importance for the recipient.

A-Style envelopes are ideal for things like invitations or important announcements, but they can also be used for brochures, cards, or any other type of direct mail.

Read on for an easy guide on insert sizes for each corresponding envelope size.

a. A2

For the envelope, use a width of 5.75 inches and a height of 4.375 inches. For the insert, use a width of 5.5 inches and a height of 4.125 inches.

b. A6

For the envelope, use a width of 6.5 inches and a height of 4.75 inches. For the insert, use a width of 6.25 inches and a height of 4.5 inches.

c. A7

For the envelope, use a width of 7.25 inches and a height of 5.25 inches. For the insert, use a width of 7 inches and a height of 5 inches.

d. A8

For the envelope, use a width of 8.125 inches and a height of 5.5 inches. For the insert, use a width of 7.875 inches and a height of 5.25 inches.

e. A10

For the envelope, use a width of 9.5 inches and a height of 6 inches. For the insert, use a width of 9.25 inches and a height of 5.875 inches.

2. Commercial Envelopes

Commercial envelopes are a classic option for your direct mail.

Commercial is an excellent choice for standard direct mail, including newsletters, invoices, checks, etc.

Also available with or without a window, the following sizes are all options for commercial envelopes.

a. #6 ½ 

For the envelope, use a width of 6.25 inches and a height of 3.5625 inches. For the insert, use a width of 6 inches and a height of 3.3125 inches.

b. #6 ¾

For envelopes, use a width of 6.5 inches and a height of 3.5 inches. For the insert, use a width of 6.25 inches and a height of 3.325 inches.

c. #7 ¾ (Monarch)

For envelopes, use a width of 7.5 inches and a height of 3.875 inches. For the insert, use a width of 7.5 inches and a height of 3.625 inches.

d. #9

For envelopes, use a width of 8.875 inches and a height of 3.875 inches. For the insert, use a width of 8.625 inches and a height of 3.625 inches.

e. #10

For envelopes, use a width of 9.5 inches and a height of 4.125 inches. For the insert, use a width of 9.25 inches and a height of 4 inches.

As you use this helpful guide to create your next great direct mail campaign, our company is here for you every step of the way! Visit our website today for more tips and information.