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Laminating Pouch Size Guide
Match the right laminating pouch to your document.
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What this tool does
A reference chart matching laminating pouch sizes to the documents they fit — A4, A3, A5, business cards, photos and more — with recommended micron thicknesses for each use.
Reference
Laminating pouch sizes
Pouches are a few mm larger than the paper so a sealed border forms.
| Pouch | Approx size | Typical use & thickness |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | Posters, large charts — 125–250 mic |
| A4 | 216 × 303 mm | Letters, worksheets, signs — 125 mic |
| A5 | 154 × 216 mm | Half-page notices, menus — 125 mic |
| A6 | 111 × 154 mm | Postcards, recipe cards — 125–250 mic |
| A7 | 80 × 111 mm | Labels, small signs — 125 mic |
| Business card | 60 × 90 mm | Badges, wallet cards, tags — 250 mic |
| ID / Badge | 67 × 99 mm | Lanyard IDs, passes — 250 mic |
| Menu (Foolscap) | 227 × 327 mm | Restaurant menus — 250 mic |
75 mic = light · 125 mic = everyday · 250 mic = rigid. Check your laminator's maximum micron rating.
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Pick the right pouch for the job
Laminating pouches come in sizes that match common paper and card formats, plus a thickness measured in microns. This guide pairs each document size with the pouch that fits it and recommends a micron thickness for the use. Pouches are slightly larger than the paper so a sealed border can form around the edge.
Understanding microns
Micron (mic) is the thickness of one side of the pouch. Common options are 75, 125, and 250 microns. Thicker pouches are stiffer and more durable but slower to laminate and harder to fold.
- 75 mic — light protection for documents you'll file, like menus or notices.
- 125 mic — the everyday all-rounder for signs, flashcards, and reference sheets.
- 250 mic — rigid, hard-wearing cards like place mats, ID tags, and outdoor signs.
Common pouch sizes
- A4 — letters, worksheets, signs (most common).
- A3 — posters and large charts.
- A5 — half-page notices and menus.
- A6 — postcards and recipe cards.
- Business card / ID — badges, tags, and wallet cards.
How to use this guide
- Find your document size in the chart.
- Choose the matching pouch size — it will be a few millimetres larger to seal the edge.
- Pick a micron thickness for how hard-wearing the result needs to be.
- Check the thickness is within your laminator's rated range before running it.
Notes and limitations
- Always centre the item in the pouch and leave the sealed border; trimming into the seal lets moisture in.
- Not all laminators handle 250 mic pouches — check the machine's maximum micron rating.
- Use a carrier sleeve for older machines to avoid jams and uneven sealing.
FAQs
Quick answers
What micron thickness should I use?
125 micron is the everyday choice for signs and worksheets. Use 75 micron for light document protection and 250 micron for rigid cards and outdoor or heavy-use items.
Why is the pouch bigger than my paper?
Pouches are a few millimetres larger so a sealed plastic border forms around the document. That border keeps moisture out, so don't trim into it.
Can my laminator handle any pouch?
Not always. Check the machine's maximum micron rating — many budget laminators top out at 125 micron and will jam on 250 micron pouches.
What pouch fits an A4 sheet?
An A4 pouch. It is sized to wrap a standard A4 (210x297 mm) sheet with a sealing border, and is the most common pouch size sold.
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