A5 vs A6 vs DL Flyers: Which Size Works Best?

The three most popular flyer sizes

When you order flyers, you will usually be choosing between three sizes: A5, A6, and DL. Each has a different footprint, and the right choice depends on what you are promoting, how you plan to distribute them, and how much information you need to fit on.

Here is a plain comparison.

A5 (148mm x 210mm)

A5 is half the size of an A4 sheet. It is the largest of the three common flyer sizes and gives you the most space to work with. If you need to include a decent amount of text, multiple images, or a detailed offer, A5 is usually the right pick.

A5 flyers work well as event programmes, menu inserts, product announcements, and promotional handouts. They are big enough to include a map, a price list, or a timetable without cramming everything in.

A5 trade-offs

The larger size means a higher print cost per unit and more postage weight if you are mailing them. A5 flyers also do not fit through a standard letterbox as easily as smaller sizes, which can be an issue for door-to-door distribution. They are best suited to situations where someone will read the flyer in their hand rather than grabbing it on the go.

A6 (105mm x 148mm)

A6 is half the size of A5, roughly the same as a postcard. It is compact, affordable, and easy to distribute. If your message is short (a single offer, an event date, a call to action), A6 gives you enough space without waste.

A6 flyers are popular for cafe promotions, gig announcements, opening offers, and anything that needs to be handed out in bulk. They fit in a pocket, sit neatly on a counter, and go through letterboxes without folding.

A6 trade-offs

Space is limited. You will struggle to fit more than a headline, a few lines of text, an image, and your contact details. If your message needs explanation, A6 will feel cramped. You need to be disciplined about what goes on and what gets left off.

DL (99mm x 210mm)

DL is the tall, slim format you see in brochure racks and envelope inserts. The dimensions are roughly one-third of A4, the same size as a standard DL envelope. It is a distinctive shape that stands out from square and rectangular formats.

DL flyers work particularly well in display racks, on countertops, and as inserts tucked into bags or envelopes. The vertical format suits content that flows downwards: a step-by-step process, a list of services, or a menu.

DL trade-offs

The narrow width means you cannot use wide images or multi-column layouts. Horizontal content (wide photos, tables, side-by-side comparisons) will not work well in this format. DL is best when your content is linear and can flow top to bottom.

Which size for which job?

For letterbox drops and door-to-door distribution, A6 and DL are the practical choices. They fit through the slot without folding and they are light, which matters if you are paying someone by the hour to deliver them. A5 works too, but it is a tighter fit and costs more per unit.

For counter displays and brochure racks, DL is the natural choice. The tall format sits upright in standard holders and catches the eye. You will see DL flyers in hotel lobbies, tourist offices, and reception areas across Belfast for good reason.

For events and handouts, A5 gives you the most flexibility. You have room for a full event description, speaker list, or schedule. If the event is simple (date, time, place, one headline act), A6 will do.

For bag inserts and mailouts, DL fits neatly into standard envelopes. A6 works as a standalone mailout at postcard rate, which can save on postage.

Cost comparison

A6 is the cheapest per unit because it uses the least paper and ink. DL sits in the middle. A5 is the most expensive per unit, though the cost per square centimetre of print area is similar across all three.

For a typical run of 1,000 flyers on 350gsm silk with double-sided print, the price difference between A6 and A5 is meaningful but not dramatic. If A5 is the right size for your content, do not squeeze into A6 just to save a few pounds. A flyer that is too cramped to read is money wasted regardless of the unit cost.

Deciding what works for you

Start with the content. Write out everything you want on the flyer, then see which size fits it comfortably with room to breathe. If you are still unsure, order a small test batch and see how they look and feel in person.

You can see our full range of flyer printing options with prices for each size. For more detail on dimensions beyond these three, our complete guide to flyer sizes covers the full range.