Flyers remain one of the most cost-effective marketing tools available to Australian businesses. They are cheap to produce, quick to distribute, and they put your message directly into someone’s hands. But before you send your artwork to print, there is one decision that quietly shapes the success of the whole campaign: the size.
A5, A6 and DL are the three most popular flyer sizes, and each one suits a different purpose. Choose well and your flyer feels right in the hand, says what it needs to, and fits your budget. Choose poorly and you either overspend on something larger than you need, or cram your message onto a piece too small to read comfortably. This guide breaks down the three sizes, what each does best, and how to match the right one to your goal.
The three sizes at a glance
It helps to start with the actual dimensions, since the names can be confusing if you do not work with print every day.
A5 measures 148 by 210 mm, which is exactly half of a standard A4 sheet. It is the largest and most versatile of the three. A6 measures 105 by 148 mm, a quarter of an A4 sheet, making it the compact, pocket-friendly option. DL measures 99 by 210 mm, roughly a third of an A4 sheet, giving it a tall, narrow shape that slips neatly into a standard DL envelope or a letterbox.
A simple way to picture it: A6 is small and square-ish, A5 is the classic flyer shape, and DL is long and slim. Each shape sends a slightly different signal and works best in different settings.
A6: the compact, cost-effective choice
The A6 flyer is the smallest of the three, and that is exactly its strength. It is inexpensive to print in volume, easy to carry, and ideal when your message is short and direct.
A6 works well for things like discount vouchers, event reminders, loyalty cards, save-the-date notices and quick promotional handouts. Because it is small, it does not overwhelm the reader, and people are more likely to pocket it than bin it. It is also the most economical option for large print runs, since more flyers fit on a single press sheet, which brings the unit cost down.
The trade-off is space. There is only so much you can fit on an A6 before it looks cluttered, so it is best reserved for a single clear offer or a simple call to action rather than a detailed pitch. If you are tempted to shrink your text to make everything fit, that is usually a sign you need a larger size.
DL: the slim, letterbox-friendly option
The DL flyer has a distinctive tall, narrow shape that makes it feel modern and professional. Its dimensions are designed to fit a standard DL envelope, which makes it the natural choice for direct mail and anything that needs to be posted.
DL is a favourite for letterbox drops, takeaway menus, brochures and rack cards displayed in stands. Its shape stands out against the more common rectangular flyers, and it sits comfortably in the hand. Because it matches envelope sizing, it is also the go-to format when you are mailing offers to a customer list.
DL really comes into its own when folded. A folded DL piece, often created from a folded A4 sheet, gives you multiple panels to work with while keeping a compact finished size. This makes it a strong middle ground between a flyer and a folded brochure, suitable for menus, service lists and step-by-step information. If your content is outgrowing a single flat flyer, a folded DL is often the next logical step.
A5: the versatile all-rounder
If you are unsure which size to choose, A5 is the safe and sensible default. At half an A4 sheet, it gives you generous space for images, headlines and body copy without becoming unwieldy or expensive.
A5 is the workhorse of flyer printing. It suits product promotions, event advertising, real estate listings, restaurant specials, class timetables and just about any campaign where you have a bit more to say. The larger canvas lets your design breathe, which generally means better readability and a more premium feel.
The only real downside is cost relative to A6, since fewer fit on a press sheet, and it is slightly less convenient to carry than the smaller formats. For most local marketing campaigns, though, A5 strikes the best balance between impact, content and price, which is why it is the most widely used flyer size in Australia.
How to choose: match the size to the job
Rather than picking a size at random, work backwards from what you are trying to achieve. A few questions make the decision easy.
How much do you need to say? A single offer or reminder fits beautifully on A6. A full product or event pitch needs the room of A5. Detailed information, like a menu or service breakdown, often suits a folded DL.
How will it be distributed? For letterbox drops and direct mail, DL is purpose-built and posts easily. For street handouts and counter displays, A6 and DL are easy to carry and unlikely to get crumpled. For noticeboards, point-of-sale displays and anywhere you want maximum visual impact, A5 wins.
What is your budget and quantity? If you are printing tens of thousands and want the lowest unit cost, A6 stretches your budget furthest. If impact matters more than squeezing out every cent, A5 is worth the small extra spend.
What impression do you want to give? A6 feels casual and immediate, DL feels sleek and considered, and A5 feels substantial and professional. The format itself is part of your brand message.
Don’t forget the other print decisions
Size is the headline choice, but a few related decisions shape the final result just as much.
Paper stock affects how the flyer feels and how long it lasts. Heavier stock feels more premium and is worth it for flyers you want people to keep, while lighter stock keeps high-volume drops affordable. A gloss or matte finish changes the look too, with matte feeling understated and gloss making colours and photos pop.
Single or double sided is another consideration. A double-sided flyer gives you twice the space for the same footprint, which is often a smarter move than jumping up a size. You might keep a bold offer on the front and supporting detail on the back, getting the best of both worlds.
It is also worth thinking about your wider print suite. Flyers tend to work hardest as part of a coordinated campaign alongside posters for high-visibility spots and matching collateral, so consistent branding across sizes and formats reinforces recognition.
Common flyer sizing mistakes to avoid
A handful of avoidable errors trip up businesses time and again. The most common is choosing a size that is too small for the content, then shrinking the text until it cannot be read at arm’s length. The fix is simple: if it does not fit comfortably, size up or cut the copy.
Another is ignoring the distribution method, such as printing a large flat flyer for a letterbox campaign when a DL would post far more easily. A third is overlooking bleed and safe margins during design, which can leave important text trimmed off the edge. Supplying print-ready artwork, or using a printer that offers design support, prevents this.
Finally, do not assume bigger is always better. A crisp, well designed A6 with a single clear message often outperforms a busy A5 that tries to say everything at once. Clarity beats size every time.
Getting it right for your campaign
The best flyer size is the one that matches your message, your audience and the way you plan to get it into people’s hands. A6 for short, punchy, high-volume offers. DL for posting, menus and a sleek modern look. A5 when you want space and impact and are not sure where else to start.
If you would like help choosing, the team at Design to Print Solutions can talk through your campaign, recommend the right size and stock, and make sure your artwork is set up correctly before it goes to print. Request a quote and we will help you get it right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the dimensions of A5, A6 and DL flyers?
A5 measures 148 by 210 mm, which is half an A4 sheet. A6 measures 105 by 148 mm, a quarter of an A4 sheet. DL measures 99 by 210 mm, roughly a third of an A4 sheet, with a tall, narrow shape that fits a standard DL envelope.
Which flyer size is best for letterbox drops?
DL is purpose-built for letterboxes and posting, thanks to its slim shape and envelope-friendly size. A6 also works well for letterbox drops where budget and high volume are the priority, since it is the most economical size to print in bulk.
Are A6 flyers too small for most campaigns?
Not at all, provided your message is short. A6 is ideal for a single offer, voucher, reminder or call to action. It only becomes a problem if you try to fit too much on it, in which case A5 or a folded DL is a better choice.
Should my flyer be single or double sided?
Double sided is often the smarter option, as it gives you twice the space for the same footprint and cost-effective use of the page. A common approach is a bold offer on the front and supporting detail on the back, which can avoid the need to print a larger size.
What paper stock should I choose for flyers?
Lighter stock keeps high-volume drops affordable, while heavier stock feels more premium and suits flyers you want people to keep. A matte finish looks understated and a gloss finish makes colours and photos stand out, so the right choice depends on the campaign and the impression you want to make.
