A Quick Guide to Standard Catalog Sizes
Key Takeaways:
- Catalogs come in various standard sizes, allowing brands to present their product’s story in the most memorable and impactful way possible.
- The ideal standard catalog size depends on multiple factors, including budget, design, amount of content, distribution method, and target audience.
- Certain industries require or favor specific catalog sizes and layouts.
The prevalence of digital media does not make catalogs and other printed promotional materials outdated. If anything, retailers like Amazon, J.Crew, and IKEA use physical catalogs to cut through the digital noise, allowing them to re-engage customers in a tangible, memorable way.
However, as a storied marketing tool, you need to choose the ideal catalog size to make it more effective in presenting your products or services.
The ideal standard catalog size depends on multiple factors such as the product you’re promoting, your target audience, your budget, and your preferred distribution method. Using the right size can help brands tell the story of their products or services in a way that appeals to the readers.
In this guide, we explain standard catalog sizes and their popular uses to help you decide on which to order when you’re ready to design your own catalog.
Standard Catalog Sizes and Their Popular Uses
Although you can order catalogs in custom sizes, using popular or standard sizes offers multiple benefits, including enhanced user experience and possibly lower printing costs.
Here are the standard catalog sizes and their common uses.
| Standard Catalog Sizes | Sizes Size in Inches | Size in Centimeters | Ideal Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Standard Size | 8.5″ x 11″ | 21.59 cm x 27.94 cm |
|
| Slim Jim Sizes | 4” x 9” and 5.5” x 8.5” | 10.16 cm x 22.86 cm and 13.97 cm x 21.59 cm |
|
| Square Catalog Sizes | 6” x 6” and 12” x 12” | 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm and 30.48 cm x 30.48 cm |
|
| Euro Size | 6″ x 9″ | 15.24 cm x 22.86 cm |
|
| Tabloid Size | 11” x 17” | 27.94 cm x 43.18 cm |
|
US Standard Size (8.5” x 11”)
This catalog size is the same as the standard letter-sized paper (8.5″ x 11″) commonly used in North America. It is generally seen as a “safe” and versatile option for a wide range of industries, including fashion brands, tech companies, service providers, and home furnishing retailers.
8.5″ x 11″ Catalogs offer ample space for detailed images and long text.
Best for:
- Retailers
- Fashion and clothing brands
- Manufacturers
- Service providers
Slim Jim Sizes (4” x 9” and 5.5” x 8.5”)
Slim Jim catalog sizes are either 4″ x 9″ or 5.5″ x 8.5″. Their narrow and long layout (or portrait orientation) makes them ideal for printing concise product descriptions.
The vertical layout is also a natural and classic format for reading and makes catalogs convenient to store on shelves or in racks.
Best for:
- Outdoor and sports products
- Jewelry brands
- Tourism and travel
- Promotional materials for mass distribution in high-traffic areas
Square Catalog Sizes (6” x 6” and 12” x 12”)
Using square-shaped catalogs, which typically come in 6″ x 6″ and 12″ x 12″ sizes, is an excellent option if you want to stand out in a world of standard portrait and landscape formats. Their unique shape suits catalog covers with symmetrical images or captivating photos.
Best for:
- Luxury products
- Creative brands
Euro Size (6” x 9”)
This size offers a good balance between portability and enough space for captivating images and text. 6″ x 9″ catalogs are an excellent choice for simpler designs with less text and for event handouts, as they are easier to carry and distribute than bigger standard sizes.
Best for:
- Travel-related goods
- Tourism and hospitality services
- Automative industry
Tabloid Size (11” x 17”)
Tabloid-sized catalogs are best reserved for products and services that require detailed visuals or captivating photos. Their format creates a luxurious feel and conveys high-end quality.
Many retailers also prefer oversized formats when printing a “coffee table” piece for showroom display and holiday-themed catalogs.
Best for:
- Travel
- Automative industry
- High-end products
- Home decor
- Creative brands
Picking the Ideal Catalog Size: Key Factors to Keep in Mind
Now that you know the popular catalog sizes, here are some tips to help you decide on the ideal size based on key factors.
Your Industry, Brand, or Product Type
High-end jewelry, fashion, and home furnishing retailers may benefit from larger product catalogs. By contrast, mid-range brands and companies with specialized items or limited offers may need smaller, more portable formats.
Distribution Method
Catalogs used for mass distribution and regular direct mail are usually smaller, while exclusive prints given to VIP customers tend to be larger.
Recipients
Trade show attendees and casual shoppers may have needs and expectations that differ from those of serious buyers and existing customers. Pick a size that lets you tell your products’ story in a way that appeals to your target audience.
Budget
Large catalogs require more paper, which increases the printing costs, whereas smaller ones are more cost-effective, especially if they come in fewer pages and are printed in bulk.
Design
If your catalog design requires captivating visuals or multiple photos, you may need larger formats. On the other hand, smaller catalogs are best reserved for concise messaging and simpler designs. The right size accommodates all text and design elements without appearing cluttered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Standard Catalog Sizes
What’s the best size for a small catalog?
Slim Jim catalog sizes, which are either 4″ x 9″ or 5.5″ x 8.5″, are great options if you need compact prints.
How do I choose the right catalog size for my business?
Consider key factors such as your design, budget, target audience, and distribution method when deciding on the ideal catalog size.
How do I make large-sized catalogs look more striking?
Consider using glossy finishes to make the design look more vibrant, as they make the pages slightly reflective.
Whether you need portable catalogs for your next event or oversized reference materials for showroom visitors to read, using standard sizes enhances customer experience and complements your design and messaging.
PrintPlace offers a wide range of customization options, including different types of coating, paper quality, binding methods, and page count to meet your business needs.
PrintPlace’s mission is to provide customers with unparalleled printing services through the knowledge and expertise of its employees.