With the introduction of digitalization, almost all businesses have shifted to online platforms. Food brands top the list. The trending takeaway business is in front of everyone. Whether fast food, beverages, full meals, or any other edible, everything is available in a packaged form to be easily carried from the restaurant to your location. Considering the variety of food items, their specificities, and sizes, restaurants and food brands have come up with versatile custom paper bag sizes. There is no standard takeaway paper bag size, depending on the manufacturer, region, and packaged food requirements.
Typically, these bags come in small, medium, large, and extra-large categories based on volume and customers’ needs. Small bags are usually 13 x 8 x 20 cm, medium-sized bags are 20 x 11 x 27 cm, large takeaway bags are 25 x 13 x 33 cm, and extra-large bags often come in 33 x 18 x 43 cm. Other than these dimensions, you can also go for custom bag sizes to fulfill your specific needs. Additional bag styles with distinct sizes are also available to accommodate and carry the food items. Let’s check out all the commonly demanded bag sizes for your delicious food takeaway.
Avoid the Takeout Tetris – Explore Takeaway Bag Dimensions in Detail!
Prevent your delicious food from sogginess and spillage. Opt for the right and standard takeout box size, perfect for your custom food packaging. Here are some of the commonly used bag sizes and their usage. Let’s have a look at them:
1- Snack-Sized Bags – Tiny but Mighty
They are considered the smallest takeaway box sizes available in the market. Their dimensions measure around 5” x 3” x 8” (width x gusset x height). Snack-sized bags are highly used and recommended for the packaging and shipping of cookies, muffins, sandwiches, small pastries, and other such food delicacies. Usually, these bags are lightweight, easy to store, and are often designed without handles.
2- Lunch-Sized Bags – Not too Big, Not too Small, Just Perfect!
Recognized as medium-sized takeaway packages, the lunch-sized bags often come in 8” x 4.5” x 10.5”. They are preferably used for the packaging and transit of wraps, salads, and one, or two small meals. Unlike snack-sized bags, medium-sized takeaway bags typically include sturdy custom-printed handles. They are strong enough to securely carry moderate weight from one place to another.
3- Meal-Sized Bags – Oversized Orders? Handle like a Pro
These are the large takeaway paper food bags, often available in 10” x 5” x 13”. Custom meal-sized bags are ideally used to package family meals, combo boxes, and multiple takeout boxes in a single packaging. Featuring the strongest bases and the thickest carrying handles, the meal-sized bags are the go-to option for bulk food orders.
4- Catering-Sized Bags – Big Orders, No Stress!
They are extra-large paper food takeaway bags, featuring the largest dimensions of 13” x 7” x 17” (width x gusset x height). These premium-quality bags are highly recommended to package and carry large-sized catering trays holding food items or multiple large-sized boxes for group or bulk orders.
Paper Takeaway Bag Size Chart with Dimensions, Uses & Alternative Names
| Bag Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Common Uses | Also known as |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5″ x 3″ x 8″ | 13 x 8 x 20 cm | Cookies, small pastries, sandwiches, snacks, bakery items | Snack bag |
| Medium | 8″ x 4.5″ x 10.5″ | 20 x 11 x 27 cm | Burgers, wraps, fries, small meal boxes, lunch portions | Lunch bag |
| Large | 10″ x 5″ x 13″ | 25 x 13 x 33 cm | Meal combos, boxed lunches, takeaway containers, multiple items | Meal bag |
| Extra Large | 13″ x 7″ x 17″ | 33 x 18 x 43 cm | Catering trays, large family meals, pizza boxes, bulk or group orders | Catering bag |
Additional Bag Styles with Recommended Dimensions – Impress Customers with Functionality & Style
1- Flat Paper Bags – No Gusset, Extreme Functionality
Also called greaseproof bags, bakery bags, and sandwich bags, flat paper bags exist in variable sizes. The famous options include the following dimensions:
- Small: 6″ x 8″ (15 x 20 cm)
- Medium: 8″ x 10″ (20 x 25 cm)
- Large: 10″ x 12″ (25 x 30 cm)
Usually, these bags have no gussets or handles. They are often made from waxed or greaseproof paper and have a fold-over functional top. Flat paper bags are the way to go for delicious cookies, pastries, donuts, wraps, churros, and many more such edibles.
2- SOS Bags (Self Opening Square Bags) – Advanced Packaging, More Satisfied Customers!
They are also called lunch bags as the mid-sized paper takeaway boxes. Best for light takeaway meals, dry food items, lunch portions, and other meals, these bags feature a flat bottom that allows the bag to stand upright. SOS bags often have no handles. They are cost-effective and easy to stack. Their typical dimensions are:
- Small: 5″ x 3″ x 9.5″ (13 x 8 x 24 cm)
- Medium: 6″ x 3.5″ x 11″ (15 x 9 x 28 cm)
- Large: 7″ x 4″ x 13″ (18 x 10 x 33 cm)
3- Windowed Paper Bags – Style & Functionality Altogether!
These display takeaway bags have a transparent PLA or PET window and a greaseproof or food-safe structure to ensure the safety and quality of your delicious food. Windowed paper bags are mostly recyclable and compostable. They are preferably used for displaying and transit of muffins, cookies, sandwiches, and various pre-packed meals where visual appeal matters a lot. The following are the standard small, medium, and large bag size dimensions for windowed paper bags.
- 6″ x 8″ (15 x 20 cm)
- 8″ x 10″ (20 x 25 cm)
- 10″ x 12″ (25 x 30 cm)
4- Handle-Less Kraft Catering Bags – Heavy-Duty & Eco-friendly Solutions
They are eco-friendly takeout bags, also called catering sacks or XL Kraft bags. These restaurant paper bags have an extra-wide base for holding catering rays and large boxes. The heavy-duty kraft paper with reinforced bottoms used in these bags helps them support larger food size and weight. Here are the most common dimensions for handle-less Kraft catering bags:
- 13″ x 7″ x 17″ (33 x 18 x 43 cm)
- 14″ x 8″ x 18″ (35 x 20 x 46 cm)
Conclusion
Takeaway paper bag size may seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on customer experience, operational efficiency, and brand presentation. From small cookie bags to catering-sized options, choosing the right dimensions ensures your food travels safely and stylishly.
Whether you’re a startup or an established eatery, taking the time to assess your packaging needs will lead to smoother operations, happier customers, and a stronger brand image. Dotline Packaging offers you custom-sized food delivery bags at wholesale prices with free shipping services. Feel free to contact them for further details.
