Knowing DL size and other common formats is important whether you are in the world of graphic design or if you are doing any kind of print work for your workplace or business.
We are going to tell you all the details you need to know about the DL format, one of the most used sizes especially for brochures, so that you get the best results when printing in this format.
What does a DL-size sheet look like?
The DL measures 99 mm x 210 mm, exactly one third of A4. It is the standard size for personal envelopes, cards and invitations, and promotional materials such as brochures, flyers and leaflets. DL stands for “longitudinal dimension”.
DL size in centimetres
It is important to consider size when buying paper, envelopes and cards or printing brochures, leaflets and flyers. Although a large size offers more space to get your message across, sometimes less is more, and smaller sizes can make a big impact. Below are the dimensions of the DL in mm, cm and metres.
| Measures | Micrometers | Millimeters | Centimeters | Metres | |
| DL size | 99000 x 210000 μm | 99 x 210 mm | 9,9 x 21,0 cm | 0,99 x 0,210 m |
DL size in pixels
Knowing the pixel per inch size of any format is essential for any print job, because if we do not use the right pixel resolution for the type of project, the results may not be as expected or we may receive a poorly printed, pixelated product.
If we are going to design a flyer for a website, the most suitable resolution is 72 or 96 ppi (pixels per inch).
If we are going to print a document in DL size, we can use resolutions of 150 or 300 ppi, although it is always advisable, for any type of print job, that our project has a minimum resolution of 300 ppi to obtain a very good print quality.
| Size in pixels | 72 PPI | 96 PPI | 150 PPI | 300 PPI |
| DL | 281 x 595 px | 794 x 1123 px | 585 x 1240 px | 1 169 x 2480 px |
DL measurements in Thou, inches, feet and yards
If we are going to do any kind of printing or design work for clients internationally, knowing other units of measurement can be very useful, as measurement systems are not universal and some countries use different ones than ours.
Here is the DL size expressed in Thou (thousandth of an inch), inches, yards and feet, in case you find them useful.
| Unit of measurement | Thou | Inches | Feet | Yards |
| DL size | 3897.63 x 8267.71 thou | 3.9 x 8.3 Inches | 0.324 x 0.689 ft | 0.108 x 0.230 yd |
Frequently asked questions about the DL size
What type of products is the DL format typically used for?
The products where DL size is most commonly used for printing are:
- Brochures
- Booklets
- Booklets, diaries and small books
- Greeting cards, events and postcards
What is the equivalence of the DL to other sizes?
DL is smaller in width than A6, but longer.
It is the same length as A5, but much smaller in width.
- The DL is one-third the size of A4…
- One-sixth the size of A3…
- One-twelfth the size of A2.
- 32 DLs make up an A1…
- 64 DLs make up an A0.
When to use DL size
These brochures are primarily used for outdoor promotions, such as advertising new credit cards, restaurant menus and the like. Although their vertical orientation only supports portrait layouts, they offer ample space for marketing and eye-catching text. You can use this feature to convey a poignant or inspirational message to your potential customers, allowing you to show them the sincerity of your brand. The text can also be the story of your company or the products and services you offer.
At the same time, they are large enough to be visible and small enough to be transported and distributed conveniently even at large events such as conventions or trade fairs. In addition, the recipients of your brochures will be able to keep them in their possession without any hassle. This means they are likely to refer to them at a later date instead of simply discarding them. What’s more, you can choose from a wide variety of folds, such as tri-fold, Z-fold, half-fold or simply unfolded.
For example, DL Z-fold brochures allow more information and sophisticated designs to be included than in a simple folded brochure. The use of tri-fold brochures is particularly recommended for trade fairs and exhibitions, as the folds create more structure between the different pieces of information. It also allows for the addition of a map. Finally, tri-folds are often used for longer texts and heavier visual elements, and can also be used as a folder to store additional documents.
Opting for DL brochures is ideal if you are planning to attend a special event, such as a branch opening or trade show, where the attendance of potential customers is likely to be high. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on DL brochures and make an informed decision.
Why is it important to know the DL measurements?
If you want to get the best possible result when printing any kind of project in DL format, you need to know the measurements, so that you can adjust the design accurately and avoid possible printing errors.
Would you like to know in detail the measurements of other print formats? Take a look at our sizes and measurements section where we describe in depth the most commonly used format types in design and printing.