Napkin Size Finder
Pick your setting and we'll recommend a size, ply, GSM and fold.
Standard Paper Napkin Sizes
Sizes below are the folded dimensions most suppliers quote; the open (unfolded) size is roughly double. Exact specs vary by program — confirm with your supplier.
| Type | Folded size | Open size | Typical ply | Fold | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverage / Cocktail | 4.5–5 in (11–13 cm) | 9–10 in (23–25 cm) | 1–2 | 1/4 | Drinks, bars, catering trays |
| Luncheon | 6 in (15 cm) | 12 in (30 cm) | 1–2 | 1/4 | Cafes, casual dining, schools |
| Dinner | 8 in (20 cm) | 16 in (40 cm) | 2–3 | 1/4 or 1/8 | Restaurants, events, table setting |
| Guest towel / Dispenser | 8×11 in (20×28 cm) | — | 1–2 | Interfold / lotion | Restrooms, amenity, healthcare |
| Bar towel | 19–24 in (48–61 cm) | — | 1 | Flat / quarter | Bar wiping, glass polishing |
| Airlaid (premium) | 8 / 12 / 16 in | 16–24 in | 1 (airlaid) | 1/4 or 1/8 | Weddings, fine dining, linen look |
What Does Napkin Ply Mean?
1-Ply
Single tissue layer. Lowest cost, lower absorbency and a thinner feel. Best for very high-volume, cost-first settings and dispenser programs.
2-Ply
The restaurant and foodservice standard. Two bonded layers give better softness, absorbency and perceived quality at a reasonable cost.
3-Ply
Three layers, thickest and most premium. Used for fine dining, upscale branding and where a substantial feel matters more than unit cost.
What Is GSM in Napkins?
GSM = grams per square meter, the paper's basis weight. Napkins typically run 13–22 gsm. A higher GSM means a denser, more absorbent and more substantial-feeling sheet. Ply and GSM work together: a 2-ply napkin at 16–18 gsm is a common premium foodservice specification, while a 3-ply at 18–22 gsm reads as luxury.
Common Napkin Fold Types
1/4 fold1/8 foldDispenser / interfoldBeverage foldLotion / guest-towel fold
The fold affects dispensing and presentation. 1/4 and 1/8 folds dominate table napkins; interfolded dispenser napkins are used in restrooms and quick-service; guest-towel (lotion) fold is the standard for amenity and healthcare settings.
Custom, Printed & Private-Label Napkins
Add your logo, brand color and design to dinner, cocktail or luncheon napkins. MOQ starts at 5,000 pieces per design, with a print-ready proof before production. See the custom printed napkins buying guide for artwork specs, or the OEM & private-label page for wholesale programs.
Related Tools & Guides
- Napkin Quantity & Cost Calculator — estimate how many you need and a budgetary cost range.
- Disposable vs cloth napkins: cost breakdown
- Airlaid vs paper napkins
- Browse all napkin products
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard paper napkin sizes?
The most common paper napkin sizes are: beverage/cocktail 4.5–5 in folded (≈9–10 in open), luncheon 6 in folded (12 in open), dinner 8 in folded (16 in open), guest towel / dispenser 8×11 in, and bar towel 19–24 in. Sizes are usually given folded; open size is roughly double.
What does napkin ply mean?
Ply is the number of tissue layers bonded together. 1-ply is single-layer and cheapest; 2-ply is the restaurant standard, balancing softness, absorbency and cost; 3-ply is thickest and most premium, used for fine dining and upscale branding.
What is GSM in napkins?
GSM means grams per square meter — the paper's basis weight. Napkins typically run 13–22 gsm. Higher GSM means a denser, more absorbent, more substantial-feeling napkin. A 2-ply napkin at 16–18 gsm is a common premium foodservice spec.
Which napkin size is best for restaurants?
Most restaurants use a 16×16 in (8 in folded) dinner napkin for table service and a 4.5–5 in cocktail napkin for drinks. High-volume quick-service may use a smaller 12×12 luncheon napkin to control cost.
What size napkin for weddings and events?
Weddings and upscale events typically use a 16×16 in dinner napkin (often airlaid for a linen look), a 4.5–5 in cocktail napkin for the bar, and an 8×11 in guest towel for restrooms.
What are the common napkin fold types?
The main folds are 1/4 fold (most dinner/luncheon napkins), 1/8 fold (thicker 3-ply), dispenser fold (interfolded for counter dispensers), beverage fold (small cocktail napkins), and lotion/guest-towel fold (for amenity and restroom use).
Can I print our logo on custom napkins?
Yes. Custom and OEM napkins are printed with your logo, brand color and design. MOQ starts at 5,000 pieces per design, with a print-ready proof supplied before production. See the custom printed napkins guide for artwork specs.
How do I choose napkins for importing and resale?
For distribution, stock a core range: 2-ply dinner (16×16), cocktail (4.5–5 in), and a guest towel, plus airlaid for the premium tier. Specify ply, GSM, folded size and fold type per SKU so buyers can reorder consistently. Request a quote for wholesale and private-label programs.