What is the standard dinner napkin size?

A standard paper dinner napkin is 8 x 8 inches folded (20 x 20 cm), unfolding to 16 x 16 inches (40 x 40 cm). Cloth dinner napkins are larger again, commonly 18-22 inches square.

What is the difference between cocktail and beverage napkin size?

A cocktail napkin is 4 x 4 inches folded (8 x 8 unfolded); a beverage napkin is 5 x 5 inches folded (10 x 10 unfolded). The beverage size is the bar standard for placing under a glass.

Are napkin sizes quoted folded or unfolded?

Both are used, which is why confusion happens. Always state both the unfolded sheet size and the fold style when ordering - quoting only one leaves the other open to interpretation.

Napkin Sizes

Napkin Size Chart: Standard Sizes and Folds for Every Table

Q: Can I order a custom napkin size?

Yes. Sizes outside the standard range, metric sizes common in Europe, and custom die-cut shapes are produced to order, subject to the minimum quantity for a made-to-run specification.

Updated 2026-08-31 · Jinman Paper Supplies

Napkin sizes are quoted two ways: folded (as the guest receives it) and unfolded (the full sheet). Getting these confused is the most common specification mistake in wholesale napkin orders. This chart covers both.

Standard napkin sizes

Type	Folded	Unfolded	Typical use
Cocktail	4 × 4 in (10 × 10 cm)	8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm)	Canapés, receptions, drinks
Beverage	5 × 5 in (12.5 × 12.5 cm)	10 × 10 in (25 × 25 cm)	Under glasses, bar service
Luncheon	6.5 × 6.5 in (16.5 × 16.5 cm)	13 × 13 in (33 × 33 cm)	Brunch, café, light meals
Dinner	8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm)	16 × 16 in (40 × 40 cm)	Full table service, banquets
Guest towel	≈ 8.5 × 4 in (≈ 21.5 × 10 cm)	12 × 17 in (30 × 40 cm)	Bathroom, washroom, spa

Sizes outside these standards — including metric sizes common in Europe and custom die-cut shapes — are produced to order.

Choosing the right size

Cocktail (4×4) — stand-up receptions and canapés. Smallest and cheapest per piece.
Beverage (5×5) — the bar standard; big enough for a glass, small enough to keep costs down.
Luncheon (6.5×6.5) — cafés and brunch where the napkin is used but not the centrepiece.
Dinner (8×8) — full service. If guests keep the napkin on their lap, this is the size.
Guest towel (12×17) — not a table napkin; a bathroom or washroom item. See what a guest towel is.

How fold affects what you order

The same unfolded sheet can be folded 1/4, 1/6 or 1/8, and the finished folded size changes accordingly. When you specify, state both the unfolded sheet size you want and the fold style — quoting only the folded size leaves the sheet size open to interpretation. Common folds include 1/4 fold (dinner), 1/6 and 1/8 fold (beverage and cocktail), and interfold for dispensers.

See beverage napkin sizes or what a dinner napkin is. Ready to specify? Request a quote.

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