You can streamline your food packaging process by choosing the correct takeout paper bag size. The most popular takeout paper bags come in these standard sizes:
Size | Inches (L x W x H) | Centimeters (L x W x H) |
|---|---|---|
Small | 8 x 4.75 x 2.5 | 20.3 x 12.1 x 6.4 |
Medium | 10 x 8 x 4 | 25.4 x 20.3 x 10.2 |
Large | 12 x 9 x 5 | 30.5 x 22.9 x 12.7 |
Standard | 8.25 x 6.25 x 3.75 | 21 x 15.9 x 9.5 |
Knowing the right takeout paper bag size helps you keep food safe, protect branding, and ensure customer satisfaction. You can match the bag size to your menu items for efficient use of paper takeout bags in any food packaging setup.
Key Takeaways
Pick the right takeout paper bag size for your food. This keeps food safe and stops waste. Match the bag to what you serve.
Measure bags inside by width, depth, and height. Add extra space for padding or closing. This helps the bag fit well.
Use small bags for snacks or one item. Use medium bags for meals or combos. Large bags are good for family orders. Extra-large bags work for heavy or big food.
Choose bags made from strong materials for heavy or greasy foods. Bags with handles help stop spills. This makes customers happier.
Try out bag sizes with your food containers first. This saves money and makes packing easier.
Standard Takeout Paper Bag Size
Common Dimensions
Most restaurants use a few main takeout paper bag sizes. These sizes help pack food quickly and keep it safe. The table below shows the most common bag sizes. It lists both inches and centimeters for easy reading:
Bag Size | Width (inches) | Depth (inches) | Height (inches) | Width (cm) | Depth (cm) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | 5 | 3 | 9 | 12.7 | 7.6 | 22.9 |
Medium | 8 | 4.75 | 10.5 | 20.3 | 12.1 | 26.7 |
Large | 10 | 5 | 13 | 25.4 | 12.7 | 33.0 |
Extra-Large | 12 | 7 | 17 | 30.5 | 17.8 | 43.2 |
These bag sizes are used by many food businesses. You can use them for single meals or big orders. The chart below shows how the width, depth, and height are different for each bag:
Note: Standard takeout paper bags come in shapes like rectangles and squares. Some bags have twisted handles, while others have flat handles. The handle type can change how much the bag holds.
You will see these bag sizes almost everywhere. They work for most food packaging jobs. Restaurants and cafes pick these sizes to make packing easy. A report says that small, medium, large, and extra-large bags meet most food service needs. These bags can hold less than 1 kg or more than 10 kg, based on the size.
Measurement Method
To measure a takeout paper bag, you need to follow some steps. The industry uses a simple formula: length (or width) x depth (or gusset) x height. This helps you compare bags and pick the right one.
Here is how you measure a takeout paper bag:
Use a ruler or tape to check the width (the front).
Measure the depth or gusset (the side fold).
Measure the height (from bottom to top).
Always measure inside the bag, since that space matters most.
Add 0.5 to 1 inch if you want extra room for padding or closing.
Some common bag sizes are 11″L x 6″W x 11″H or 8.27″ x 5.27″ x 18.11″. These numbers help you see if your food will fit well.
Tip: Always test your bag size with real food containers before buying a lot. This helps you avoid waste and makes packing easier.
Experts say you should make a sample bag and test it with your food. You can also ask packaging experts for help. They can help you check your measurements and make sure your bags are good quality.
Mechanical tests check if bags are strong enough for daily use. These tests follow rules from groups like TAPPI, ASTM, and ISO. For example, the puncture test checks if the bag can handle sharp things. The peel test checks if the bag’s seals are strong. These tests help you trust your bags to keep food safe during delivery.
Restaurants and food businesses use standard takeout paper bag sizes because they are reliable and efficient. These sizes also help with eco-friendly packaging. You can trust these standards for most of your packaging needs.
Takeout Paper Bag Sizes and Uses
Small Bags
You will find small takeout paper bags useful for lightweight items and single servings. These bags help you package snacks, desserts, or small gifts without wasting space. Industry charts show that small bags usually range from 5×3×8 inches to 8×4×10 inches. The table below gives you a quick reference:
Size (inches) | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|
5×3×8 | Jewelry, trinkets, sauces |
6×4×9 | Small candles, makeup |
8×4×10 | Books, small toys, snacks |
You should add 1–2 inches to your product size to make sure the bag fits well. Small takeout paper bags prevent items from shifting and keep your packaging neat.
Medium Bags
Medium takeout paper bags work well for single meals or a few bakery items. You can use these bags for sandwiches, cookies, or pastries. Most medium takeout bags measure about 10 x 8 x 4 inches. Here are some typical uses:
Carrying sandwiches, brownies, or macarons
Packing bread, pastries, or small lunch boxes
Providing enough space for branding and safe closure
Medium takeout bags balance size and portability. You can rely on them for most standard takeout paper bag packaging needs.
Large Bags
Large takeout paper bags help you carry bigger orders or multiple food containers. You will see these bags in restaurants that offer family meals or group orders. Most large takeout bags range from 12 x 9 x 5 inches to even larger sizes. Key uses include:
Holding several meal boxes or large bakery items
Transporting salads, pizzas, or catering trays
Keeping food fresh with grease-resistant linings
Large takeout bags often use strong kraft paper. Their reinforced bottoms and tops help prevent spills and keep food safe during transport. You can also customize these bags with your logo or brand colors.
Extra-Large Bags
Extra-large takeout paper bags are designed for bulk orders or heavy items. You will need these bags when you package large catering trays or multiple family meals. These bags can hold more than 10 kg and often have thicker walls for extra strength. Manufacturers use strong kraft paper and reinforced seams to make sure the bags do not tear. You can trust extra-large bags for safe delivery of big orders in food service or retail.
Tip: Choosing the right takeout paper bag size helps you avoid waste and keeps your food safe. Always match the bag size to your menu items for the best results.
Choosing the Right Takeout Paper Bag Size
Food Type and Packaging
You should always match your bag size to the type of food and its packaging. Different foods need different bag sizes to keep them safe and fresh. For example:
Small bags work best for single pastries, sandwiches, or wraps. These bags help control portions and reduce waste.
Medium bags fit combo meals, small boxes, or drinks. They offer enough space for standard takeout paper bag packaging and keep items stable.
Large bags carry family meals, party platters, or pizza boxes. These bags prevent spills and make it easy to transport big orders.
Tip: Measure your food containers before choosing a bag. Add about half an inch to each side for easy loading and closing. This step helps you avoid crushed food and messy spills.
A well-chosen bag size keeps your food looking good and stops it from moving around. Many restaurants now use eco-friendly brown paper bags for both small and large orders. These bags are biodegradable and safe for food.
Weight and Capacity
You need to think about how much your food weighs. Lighter items, like cookies or sandwiches, can use standard kraft paper bags. Heavier meals, such as family trays or multiple drinks, need bags with reinforced bottoms or handles. Research shows that matching bag strength to food weight can cut packaging failures by 25%.
Food Item / Meal Type | Recommended Bag Size (inches) | Practical Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Single-serving pastries, sandwiches, wraps | 5×3×9 | Great for small bakery or grab-and-go orders |
Combo meals | 10×6×12 | Fits two containers, ideal for combos |
Family meals, party platters | 12×7×17 | Holds heavy items and catering trays |
Pizza Boxes (12–16 inches) | 14×7×18 | Keeps pizza boxes upright and safe |
Choosing the right takeout paper bag packaging size for your food weight helps prevent tears and keeps your customers happy.
Material and Handle Considerations
The material and handle design of your bag matter just as much as size. Strong kraft paper works well for most foods, but greasy or moist foods need grease-resistant or coated paper. If you offer heavy meals, pick bags with reinforced handles and bottoms. Comfortable handles make it easier for customers to carry their food and improve their experience.
Industry experts say that good handle design can boost customer loyalty and brand image. When you select a custom takeout paper bag size, always check if the handles and material match your menu. Testing your bags for strength and spill resistance helps you avoid problems during delivery.
Note: Using the right materials and handles not only protects your food but also supports your brand’s values and sustainability goals.
Standard Size of Takeout Paper Bags: Quick Reference
Size Chart
You can use this quick reference chart to choose the right bag for your food orders. The table below shows the most common sizes. You will see both inches and centimeters for each bag. This helps you compare and decide fast.
Bag Size | Inches (L x W x H) | Centimeters (L x W x H) | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
Small | 5 x 3 x 9 | 12.7 x 7.6 x 22.9 | Snacks, pastries, single items |
Medium | 8 x 4.75 x 10.5 | 20.3 x 12.1 x 26.7 | Sandwiches, combo meals, drinks |
Large | 10 x 5 x 13 | 25.4 x 12.7 x 33 | Family meals, bakery boxes |
Extra-Large | 12 x 7 x 17 | 30.5 x 17.8 x 43.2 | Catering trays, bulk orders |
Tip: Always check your food container size before picking a bag. This step helps you avoid spills and keeps your food safe.
You can use this chart when you need to make a quick choice. The standard size of takeout paper bags covers most restaurant needs. You will find that these sizes work for almost any menu item. If you want to save time, print this chart and keep it near your packing station.
If you have a special menu item, test the takeout paper bag size with your container. This helps you make sure the bag fits well and protects your food.
Picking the right takeout paper bag size lets you pack food fast and keeps customers pleased. Using standard sizes makes your job simpler and helps you avoid errors. Customers enjoy takeout paper bags because they are tough, good for the environment, and hold many things safely. You can put your logo on the bag to help people remember your brand.
Strong bags stop spills and keep food safe while moving.
Earth-friendly materials and special designs make customers want to come back.
Check the charts and tips in this guide to help you choose quickly and wisely for your business.
FAQ
What is the best way to measure a takeout paper bag?
You should measure the width, depth (gusset), and height from the inside of the bag. Use a ruler or tape measure. Always check the fit with your food containers before ordering bags.
Can you use one bag size for all menu items?
You should not use one size for everything. Different foods need different bag sizes. Using the right size keeps food safe and prevents spills. It also saves money and reduces waste.
Are paper bags strong enough for heavy food orders?
Most paper bags can hold light to medium items. For heavy orders, pick bags with reinforced bottoms and strong handles. Always check the weight limit before packing.
Do paper bags work for hot or greasy foods?
You can use paper bags for hot or greasy foods if you choose grease-resistant or coated paper. These bags help prevent leaks and keep food fresh during delivery.
