Size guide

Paper bag sizes explained: how to choose the right bag

Paper bag sizing trips everyone up, because different bag types are measured in different ways — and on some ranges the middle number means something different than you'd expect. Here's how our sizes work, range by range, with the numbers every Irish counter actually uses.

The three ways bag sizes are measured

1. Flat bags — Width × Length

How this size is measured This flat bag has no gusset. Sizes are listed as Width by Length. DIMENSION GUIDE Sizes shown as Width × Length L · Length W · Width

The simplest case: two numbers, no gusset. Measured across the front of the bag, then top to bottom. Used for our flat & satchel bags, lined bags and flat greaseproof bags.

2. Gusseted bags — Width × Gusset × Length, measured flat across the base

How this size is measured Sizes are listed as Width by Gusset by Length. On this bag the gusset is measured flat across the base, so it already includes the width. DIMENSION GUIDE Sizes shown as Width × Gusset × Length L · Length W · Width G · Gusset — flat across base this figure already includes the width

Three numbers — but here's the catch: on these ranges the gusset figure is measured flat across the base and already includes the width. A “5 × 8 × 9” bag is 5" wide with an 8" base measured flat, not 5 + 8 + 8 of expanding bag. This convention covers SOS block-bottom bags, pharmacy bags, foil-lined bags and gusseted greaseproof satchels. If a size is critical, ask us — we'll talk you through it or send a sample.

3. Carrier bags — Width × Gusset × Height, in millimetres

How this size is measured Sizes are listed as Width by Gusset by Length. The gusset is the side depth on its own. DIMENSION GUIDE Sizes shown as Width × Gusset × Length L · Length W · Width G · Gusset side depth only The middle figure is the side gusset only.

Our twist and tape handle carriers follow the European convention: metric, with the gusset being the side depth on its own. A 255 × 120 × 305 mm carrier is 255 mm across the front, 120 mm deep, 305 mm tall.

Size tables by range

Lined paper bags · the traditional chipper sizes

NameSize (in)Typical use
2 lb7 × 9Single portion of chips
3 lb8.5–9 × 11Large single / snack box
2 qt10 × 12Meal for one to two
6 qt12 × 16Family order

Greaseproof bags

StyleSize (in)Typical use
Flat7 × 9Burgers, sausages, small portions
Satchel (gusseted)5 × 7 × 6 up to 5 × 8 × 9Chips and fryer portions — incl. tick-box & quarter-pounder prints

SOS block-bottom bags

Size (in)Typical use
4 × 6 × 9 / 5 × 7 × 9 / 5 × 8 × 9Counter portions, pastries, small grocery
6 × 8 × 12 / 7 × 10 × 14Larger counter & takeaway orders
7 × 11 × 13 (Take Away print)Standard takeaway carrier
10 × 13 × 12 / 10 × 15 × 12Full family order, multi-box grocery

Pharmacy & chemist bags · the standard A–D sizes

SizeDimensions (in)Typical use
A4 × 6 × 9Single prescription
B5 × 7 × 9Prescription + small items
C6 × 8 × 12Multiple items
D7 × 10 × 14Large front-of-shop purchase

Foil-lined bags

NameSize (in)Typical use
Kebab5 × 7 × 14Kebabs, wraps, baguettes
Small7 × 9 × 12Snack boxes, portions
Large8 × 10 × 14Family orders, rotisserie chicken

Twist & tape handle carriers · metric

Size (mm)Typical use
220 × 120 × 260Cards, cosmetics, small gifts
255 × 120 × 305The all-rounder — boutique & pharmacy counter
280 × 160 × 305Food, multiple items, deeper products
320 × 120/160 × 410Clothing, larger retail purchases

Flat & satchel counter bags

Size (in)Typical use
6 × 7Cards, sweets, jewellery
7 × 9The classic counter bag
8.5 × 11 / 10 × 12Books, gifts, pastries
11 × 14 / 12 × 16Larger purchases

Still not sure? Three rules of thumb

  1. Match the gusset to the food. Anything boxed or bulky needs a gusseted bag (SOS or satchel); anything flat — a burger, a card, a book — is happier in a flat bag one size up from the item.
  2. When in doubt, go up one size. An oversized bag looks generous; an undersized one splits at the counter.
  3. Order a sample pack. We'll gladly send one sample pack per customer on request — the fastest way to settle a size debate is to hold the bag.
Shop all bags Ask us / request a sample pack

Every size on this page is manufactured at our factory in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary — and custom sizes are available on printed runs. Call +353 (0)505 23655 or email sales@ashburybrand.ie.