Flyer vs leaflet: which one do you need
A flyer is one flat sheet; a leaflet is folded into pages. Real sizes, paper weights and folds (half, roll, Z, gate, cross) and when to use each.
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Flyer vs leaflet comes down to one thing in the print trade: a flyer is a single flat sheet, and a leaflet is folded into pages. Choose a flyer when one offer and one call to action is enough (door drops, counters, events); choose a folded leaflet when you have a menu, a price list or a service range that needs sections.
In everyday speech people use the two words for the same thing, so when you order, look at the product rather than the name. Below are the real sizes, paper weights and folds we print, and when each earns its place.
Flyer vs leaflet at a glance #
| Flyer | Folded leaflet | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | One flat sheet, printed one or both sides | One sheet folded into 4 to 16 pages |
| Sizes | A7 (74 × 105 mm) to A3 (297 × 420 mm), plus DL (99 × 210 mm) and squares | Flat A5, A4 or A3 sheets and long formats, folding down to sizes such as A5 (148 × 210 mm) or DL (99 × 210 mm) |
| Paper | 130gsm to 450gsm (paper to thick card) | 130gsm, 170gsm or 250gsm gloss or silk, or 120gsm uncoated |
| Best for | A single offer, event, opening or reminder | Menus, price lists, service guides, programmes |
| From | £19.42 | £31.08 |
| Standard days to dispatch | 3 | 5 |
Flyers: flat, fast and cheap per copy #
Our flyers come in A7, A6 (105 × 148 mm), DL, A5 (148 × 210 mm), A4 (210 × 297 mm), A3 and three square sizes (105 × 105 mm, 148 × 148 mm and 210 × 210 mm), printed on one side or both. Standard turnaround is 3 working days to dispatch and Express is 2.
Choosing a paper weight
- 130gsm gloss or silk: light and economical for large door drops and handouts that are read once.
- 170gsm: a noticeably firmer feel for counter flyers and event handouts.
- 250gsm: postcard-like, good for flyers that sit on a counter or go through a letterbox and need to stay flat.
- 350gsm or 450gsm silk card: card-weight flyers for vouchers, loyalty offers and menus that get handled.
Gloss makes photos brighter; silk is smoother with less glare and easier to read under lights. For more on weights, see the paper weight gsm guide.
Other flyer finishes
Laminated flyers on 350gsm or 450gsm card, with matt, gloss or soft touch lamination on both sides, suit menus and price cards that get wiped or handled. Uncoated flyers (smooth white, natural, textured, cotton, hemp blend or woven bamboo) take pen and pencil, which is useful for appointment cards and forms. There are also recycled, rounded corner and metallic foil flyers in the range.
Folded leaflets: more room, in order #
In the flyer vs leaflet choice, the fold is what buys you extra room. Folded leaflets are printed flat and folded for you. You choose the flat size, then the fold. Some real examples from the options:
- Half fold, 4 pages: an A4 landscape sheet folds to A5 pages (148 × 210 mm). A3 landscape folds to A4 pages (210 × 297 mm).
- Roll fold, 6 pages: panels roll inwards, one inside the next, folding to about DL (100 × 210 mm). This is the classic price list and menu format.
- Z fold, 6 pages: panels fold back and forth like a concertina, down to 99 × 210 mm. It opens out in one pull, which suits maps and step-by-step content.
- Gate fold, 6 pages: two outer panels fold in to meet in the middle, folding to 148 × 210 mm or 210 × 297 mm. Good for a reveal, such as a new menu or a launch.
- Cross fold, 8 pages: folded in half and then in half again, down to 148 × 105 mm.
- Double parallel and combined folds: up to 16 pages, for programmes and guides.
Paper is 130gsm, 170gsm or 250gsm gloss or silk, or 120gsm uncoated. Folded leaflets start at £31.08, with 5 working days to dispatch on Standard (Express 3). Set your artwork as the flat sheet with the panels in the right order; the product page shows where each panel goes.
Creased and laminated leaflets
Thicker stock cracks along the fold if it is not creased first. Creased leaflets on 170gsm and 250gsm paper or 300gsm and 350gsm card are creased and delivered flat, so you fold them yourself without the print cracking. Laminated folded leaflets use A4 or A3 sheets of 250gsm or 350gsm with matt or gloss lamination on both sides, which suits takeaway menus that live by the phone.
When to use each #
| Job | Flyer vs leaflet | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Door drop for a trade or local offer | A5 or DL flyer, 130gsm or 170gsm | Cheapest per copy; one message is read at the door |
| Grand opening or event | A5 or A6 flyer, 170gsm or 250gsm | Date, place and offer fit on one side |
| Takeaway menu | Roll fold or half fold leaflet, or a laminated leaflet | Sections for starters, mains and prices |
| Price list or service range | Roll fold or Z fold DL leaflet | Fits a DL envelope and a leaflet rack |
| Counter or reception pile | Card flyer (250gsm to 350gsm) or folded leaflet | Stiff enough to stand up to handling |
| Exhibition handout | A5 flyer | Light to carry; see our trade show stand checklist |
A useful test for the flyer vs leaflet decision: write your content first. If it fits comfortably on two sides of A5 with space around it, print a flyer. If you are cutting sections to squeeze it in, a folded leaflet will read better.
Artwork and ordering #
Whichever way the flyer vs leaflet decision goes, flyers and most folded leaflets can be designed in our online designer, where you approve exactly what you see. If you upload your own file, add 3 mm bleed on every edge (an A5 flyer is set up at 154 × 216 mm) and a person gives it a free file check for size, bleed and resolution. If you would rather we set it up, typesetting is £15 and design from a brief is £35.
UK mainland delivery is £7.95 per order, free when the goods total is £99 or more. Paper flyers and leaflets without lamination can usually go in household paper recycling; laminated ones are harder to recycle, and Recycle Now explains what your council accepts.
For every flyer and leaflet product in one place, see flyers and leaflets. For large runs or an unusual fold, ask for a quote or call 0161 315 1151.
