What are the most common sizes for brochures?

The most common sizes for brochures are designed to balance practicality and aesthetics while fitting standard paper dimensions. Here are the most popular options:

1. Tri-Fold Brochure

• Size: 210 x 297 mm (A4 size) before folding.
• Description: Folded into three panels (each ~99 mm wide). This is a versatile format commonly used for marketing, menus, and informational brochures.

2. Half-Fold Brochure

• Size:
  • A4: 210 x 297 mm, folded to 210 x 148.5 mm (A5).
  • Legal Size: 216 x 356 mm (not ISO standard but common in the U.S.).
• Description: Folded in half, creating four panels (front, back, and two internal). Ideal for presentations or invitations.

3. Z-Fold Brochure

• Size:
  • A4: 210 x 297 mm, folded into three panels (~99 mm each).
  • Legal Size: 216 x 356 mm, folded into three panels (~119 mm each).
• Description: Zigzag folds make this style popular for travel brochures and maps.

4. Gate-Fold Brochure

• Size:
  • A4: 210 x 297 mm.
  • A3: 297 x 420 mm, folded down to A4 size.
• Description: The two outer panels fold inward to meet in the center, creating a dramatic opening effect. Often used for upscale and promotional designs.

5. Large Brochures

• Size:
  • A3: 297 x 420 mm, folded to A4 (210 x 297 mm).
  • Larger option: 279 x 432 mm (Tabloid size, not ISO standard).
• Description: Provides more space for detailed content like catalogs or event guides.

6. Slim or Rack Brochure

• Size: 99 x 210 mm (DL size, “dimension lengthwise”).
• Description: Compact and designed to fit standard brochure racks. Widely used in travel and tourism.

7. Square Brochure

• Size: Common options include:
  • 148 x 148 mm (compact, roughly A5 size).
  • 210 x 210 mm (medium, slightly smaller than A4).
  • 297 x 297 mm (large, closer to A3).
• Description: Modern and visually unique, suitable for creative industries and portfolios.

Summary of Paper Sizes

• A4: 210 x 297 mm – Most common for brochures (trifold, half-fold, Z-fold).
• A3: 297 x 420 mm – Often folded to A4 for larger brochures.
• DL: 99 x 210 mm – Slim format for racks and compact distribution.

Choosing the right size depends on your brochure’s purpose and how you want the audience to interact with the content.