Finding the right size sandwich bag for your products can feel like a guessing game—and it affects your entire packaging strategy.

A standard paper sandwich bag typically measures around 6 x 1.75 x 6.5 inches and is designed for single regular-sized sandwiches.

Let’s explore every detail behind sandwich paper bag sizes, their alternatives, and how to choose the right one for your business.

What size is a paper sandwich bag?

If your sandwich doesn’t fit, neither will your brand image. Sizing affects presentation, function, and costs.

Paper sandwich bags generally measure 6 x 1.75 x 6.5 inches, offering just enough room for standard sandwiches.

Finding Your Fit: Why Dimensions Matter

Selecting the correct paper bag size isn't just a logistics decision—it's part of your brand strategy. A bag that’s too tight will squish the sandwich, leading to poor presentation and a ruined experience. One that’s too large may appear sloppy or wasteful.

Typical Paper Sandwich Bag Sizes

A buyer sourcing from overseas needs to consider whether the supplier follows U.S., European, or Asian standard sizing¹. It's best to ask for a sample or a size chart before confirming your order.

Is sandwich paper the same as parchment paper?

Suppliers may use these terms interchangeably, but they serve very different purposes in packaging and food prep.

Sandwich paper² is a grease-resistant wrapping material, while parchment paper is heat-resistant and used for baking.

Dive Deeper: Understanding Material Use Cases

Sandwich paper—often known as deli paper—is made to wrap cold or warm (but not hot) food. It’s coated to resist oil and moisture, preventing leaks. Parchment paper, on the other hand, is treated with silicone for heat resistance, making it ideal for baking.

The mix-up happens because both papers are semi-translucent and feel similar. However, using parchment for wrapping sandwiches can be overkill and more expensive. Conversely, using sandwich paper in ovens is a safety hazard.

Key Differences

For sourcing, always ask for the coating material and intended use. Certified food-safe wrapping papers will state if they’re meant for contact with greasy or hot foods.

Are paper sandwich bags better than plastic?

The eco trend is growing fast, but cost and performance still play a major role in deciding between paper and plastic.

Paper sandwich bags³ are compostable and eco-friendly, but less durable than resealable plastic bags.

Dive Deeper: Paper vs. Plastic in Real-World Use

Paper bags biodegrade quickly and are often made with recycled content, which appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and brands. They’re also printable, making them a good choice for logo visibility. But they're less moisture-resistant and not resealable.

Plastic sandwich bags, particularly Ziploc-type, provide excellent sealing and keep food fresh longer. However, they contribute to landfill waste and can give off a less premium brand image.

Comparison Table

For large supermarket buyers or promotional product orders, the decision should align with the brand’s core message—eco-luxury or practical utility.

What is sandwich paper called?

Industry jargon can be confusing, especially when sourcing globally.

Sandwich paper is also known as deli paper, greaseproof paper, or dry wax paper⁴.

Dive Deeper: Naming Conventions Across Markets

If you're ordering from Chinese factories like ours, you may hear “dry wax paper” or “greaseproof paper” more than “sandwich paper.” In the U.S., “deli paper” is the dominant term. In Europe, “greaseproof paper” is widely used.

Understanding these regional differences helps avoid ordering the wrong product. Always request samples or check technical data sheets for grease resistance and food-contact safety.

Synonyms Table

Knowing the correct terminology can reduce communication errors, one of the biggest sourcing pain points for buyers like Mike from the U.S.

What size is a standard sandwich bag?

Whether you're sourcing paper or plastic, there's one size most commonly used in food service.

A standard sandwich bag⁵ measures approximately 6.5 x 5.5 inches.

Dive Deeper: Standardization Across Packaging Lines

This size fits a wide range of sandwich types and is used in both disposable paper and plastic bag formats. The key is not just dimension but also thickness. For example, plastic bags are often 1.5 to 2 mils thick, while paper is measured in GSM (grams per square meter).

Standard sizes help streamline production and reduce costs through automation. That’s why most suppliers, especially factories like ours, keep mold-ready formats for this size in stock, allowing for faster production.

What are the different paper bag sizes?

From sandwich bags to grocery sacks, paper bags come in a huge variety of sizes.

Paper bags range in size from small snack-sized pouches to large 16-inch grocery bags⁶.

Dive Deeper: Mastering the Size Chart

Understanding the full range of paper bag sizes helps you match packaging to product, minimize waste, and reduce shipping volume. Here’s a useful reference guide:

Paper Bag Size Reference

Always confirm size and weight tolerance with your supplier. A bag rated for 8 lb dry goods may not hold wet or greasy contents well.

Are sandwich bags the same size as quart bags?

It’s easy to confuse these terms if you’re sourcing plastic or multi-use bags.

No, sandwich bags are smaller than quart-size bags⁷.

Dive Deeper: Volume vs. Surface Area

Sandwich bags are generally designed to hold one sandwich or around 16 oz of content. Quart bags, on the other hand, are designed for up to 32 oz and often used for freezer storage or liquids.

In sourcing language, sandwich bags are classified as “flat poly bags” or “Ziploc sandwich bags,” while quart bags are grouped under “freezer bags” or “storage bags.”

Conclusion

Knowing your sandwich bag sizes—and their alternatives—improves procurement efficiency, brand consistency, and customer satisfaction across every order.