DL size: envelope and flyer dimensions
A DL envelope measures 110 × 220 mm. A DL flyer is smaller at 99 × 210 mm: that is one third of an A4 sheet, which is exactly how it fits the envelope.
Contents of this page
DL envelope, portrait
110 × 220mm
- Centimetres
- 11 × 22 cm
- Inches
- 4.33 × 8.66 in
- Pixels at 300 dpi
- 1299 × 2598 px
- Points (pt)
- 312 × 624 pt
- Area
- 0.0242 m²
- Weight at 80 gsm
- 1.94 g
DL is not part of the A, B or C series. It is a special envelope size from the German standard DIN 678, and the letters originally stood for “DIN lang” (DIN long). It was designed for the most common case in any office: an A4 letter folded into three equal parts. Whenever someone says “DL”, it is worth checking whether they mean the envelope or the leaflet.
DL envelope vs DL flyer
| DL envelope | DL flyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 110 × 220 mm | 99 × 210 mm |
| Centimetres | 11 × 22 cm | 9.9 × 21 cm |
| Inches | 4.33 × 8.66 in | 3.9 × 8.27 in |
| With 3 mm bleed | 105 × 216 mm | |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 1299 × 2598 px | 1169 × 2480 px |
How an A4 letter fits a DL envelope
An A4 sheet is 297 mm tall. Folded into three equal parts, each part is 99 mm tall and still 210 mm wide. The envelope gives about 5 mm of room on every side, which is just right for automatic inserting machines.
German business letters following DIN 5008 are not folded into exact thirds but at printed fold marks, 105 mm and 210 mm from the top (form B). That puts the address precisely behind the envelope window.
Where is the window?
On DL window envelopes made to DIN 680, the window is 90 × 45 mm and sits 20 mm from the left edge and 15 mm from the bottom edge. UK and other European envelopes often use the same or a very similar position. See window envelopes for all variants.
DL as a leaflet
A DL leaflet is usually made from an A4 sheet folded twice, giving six panels. Two folds are common:
- Roll fold (letter fold): panels fold inwards one after another. The inside panel must be 2 to 3 mm narrower so it does not buckle. Typical widths: 100, 100 and 97 mm.
- Z fold (accordion): panels fold back and forth. All three are the same width, 99 mm.
Unfolded DL cards for invitations, vouchers or price lists are printed straight at 99 × 210 mm, or 105 × 216 mm with 3 mm bleed. Diagrams for every fold are on the fold types page.
DL and the US No. 10 envelope
The American business envelope is the No. 10 at 4.125 × 9.5 inches (104.8 × 241.3 mm). It is longer and slightly narrower than DL. A US Letter sheet folded into thirds (215.9 × 93.1 mm) fits DL with only about 2 mm to spare in width, so No. 10 is the better choice for Letter.
Frequently asked questions
What size is DL?
A DL envelope is 110 × 220 mm. A DL flyer is 99 × 210 mm.
Does A4 fit in a DL envelope?
Yes, folded into three parts. Folded, it measures 99 × 210 mm.
How big is the window on a DL envelope?
Under DIN 680, 90 × 45 mm, positioned 20 mm from the left and 15 mm from the bottom.
What document size does a DL flyer need?
With 3 mm bleed on every side, 105 × 216 mm. The trim size is 99 × 210 mm.
What does DL stand for?
It comes from the German “DIN lang”, meaning DIN long.