The one-page reference for buyers, importers and event planners: standard sizes, ply vs GSM, fold types, and the right spec for every setting. Bookmark it or print it for sourcing.
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| Type | Open size | Folded size | Metric (open) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail / Beverage | 5 × 5 in | 2.5 × 2.5 in | 12.7 × 12.7 cm | Bars, drinks, hors d'oeuvres |
| Luncheon | 12 × 12 in | 6 × 6 in | 30 × 30 cm | Cafés, quick service, casual lunch |
| Dinner | 16 × 16 in | 8 × 8 in | 40 × 40 cm | Full-service restaurants, weddings, events |
| Guest towel | 8 × 11 in / 9 × 10 in | 4 × 5.5 in | ~22 × 28 cm | Restrooms, powder rooms, VIP |
| Dispenser | 8.5 × 8.5 in | 4.25 × 4.25 in | 21.5 × 21.5 cm | Counter dispensers, fast food |
| Airlaid (drape) | 12 × 12 / 16 × 16 in | varies | 30 × 30 / 40 × 40 cm | Upscale events, looks like linen |
Sizes are the industry-common ranges. Exact dimensions vary slightly by mill. Need a custom size? See custom & OEM options →
| Ply | What it is | Feel / absorbency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-ply | Single sheet | Thinnest, least absorbent | Very high-volume, cost-first settings, dispensers |
| 2-ply | Two bonded layers | Balanced softness & strength | Most restaurants — the everyday standard |
| 3-ply | Three bonded layers | Thickest, premium feel | Fine dining, weddings, premium branding |
Rule of thumb: 2-ply is the sweet spot for cost and experience. Upgrade to 3-ply where presentation matters; drop to 1-ply only when price is the only constraint.
| GSM range | Type | Feel | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14–17 gsm | Standard paper (2-ply) | Light, practical | Everyday restaurant & bar |
| 18–22 gsm | Premium paper (2–3 ply) | Softer, stronger | Upscale casual & hotel |
| 40–55 gsm | Airlaid (1-ply spunlace) | Linen-like, no lint | Weddings, banquets, fine dining |
| 55–70 gsm | Heavy airlaid | Thick, drapey | Luxury events, presentation-first |
GSM = grams per square metre. Higher = more substantial. Airlaid reads far heavier than it weighs because of the textile-like web.
| Fold | Shape | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 fold | Square | Dinner, cocktail, luncheon napkins |
| 1/8 fold (book fold) | Rectangle | Dispensers, cafés, counter service |
| Dispenser fold | Interfolded / C-fold | Restroom & kitchen dispensers |
| Star / cone fold | Decorative | Table presentation, weddings |
| Setting | Recommended size | Recommended ply | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service restaurant | 16 × 16 in | 2-ply | Standard dinner napkin |
| Café / quick service | 12 × 12 in | 2-ply | Luncheon size controls cost |
| Bar / cocktail hour | 5 × 5 in | 2-ply | Pair with dinner napkins at events |
| Wedding / banquet | 16 × 16 in | 3-ply or airlaid | Custom print names/date |
| Hotel restroom | 8 × 11 in guest towel | 2-ply or airlaid | Add branded guest towels |
| Food truck / fast food | 8.5 × 8.5 in dispenser | 1–2 ply | Dispenser fold for speed |
The most common dinner napkin is 16×16 in (40×40 cm, folded to 8×8 in / 20×20 cm). Cocktail/beverage napkins are 5×5 in (12.7×12.7 cm). Luncheon napkins run 12×12 in (30×30 cm). Dispenser napkins are typically 8.5×8.5 in (21.5×21.5 cm). Sizes vary slightly by supplier.
Ply is the number of paper layers laminated together. 1-ply is one thin sheet (lowest cost). 2-ply is two layers (the standard for most restaurants). 3-ply is three layers (premium, for fine dining). More ply = thicker, softer, more absorbent, higher cost.
GSM (grams per square metre) measures paper weight. Airlaid napkins run 40–70 gsm and feel like linen. Traditional paper napkins are usually 14–22 gsm for 2-ply and 18–30 gsm for 3-ply. Higher GSM = more substantial feel. For everyday restaurant use, 16–22 gsm 2-ply is the common sweet spot.
A 1/4-fold napkin is folded in half twice into a square (most dinner and cocktail napkins). A 1/8-fold (book fold) is folded into a smaller rectangle, common for dispenser and café napkins. Fold type mostly affects presentation and dispenser fit.
Not necessarily. 16×16 in dinner napkins suit full-service restaurants and events; 12×12 in luncheon napkins work for cafés; 5×5 in cocktail napkins are for drinks. Match size to use — oversized napkins add cost without benefit for beverage service.
For weddings, 3-ply or airlaid 16×16 in dinner napkins (often custom-printed) plus 5×5 in cocktail napkins for the bar. Airlaid looks like linen and is disposable — a popular premium choice. See our size guide and calculator for exact quantities.
