Napkin Sizes Guide: 1 Ply and 2 Ply Paper Serviettes
Paper napkins (serviettes) are measured unfolded, edge to edge. 28cm to 33cm napkins are the everyday size for takeaways, cafés and parties, and 40cm napkins are the larger dinner size for restaurants, weddings and sit-down meals. Here's every napkin we stock, with sizes, ply, folds and packs.
Every napkin size we stock
| Napkin | Unfolded size | In inches | Ply | Fold | Best for | Packs | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ply serviette, 28cm | 28 x 28cm | 11 x 11in | 1 ply | 1/4 fold (about 14 x 14cm folded) | Takeaways, fast food, busy counters | Packs of 400 · trade case 4,000 (DS2823) | Trade quote |
| White 2 ply paper napkin, 30cm | 30 x 30cm | 11.8 x 11.8in | 2 ply | 1/4 fold (about 15 x 15cm folded) | Cafés, parties, everyday use | 100 for £1.69 · trade case 3,000 | Shop |
| Red 2 ply paper napkin, 33cm | 33 x 33cm | 13 x 13in | 2 ply | 1/4 fold (about 16.5 x 16.5cm folded) | Parties, Christmas, restaurants | 100 for £2.39 | Shop |
| 2 ply dinner serviette, 40cm | 40 x 40cm | 15.7 x 15.7in | 2 ply | 1/8 fold (about 20 x 10cm folded) | Restaurants, weddings, sit-down meals | Packs of 200 · trade case 2,000 (DS2824) | Trade quote |
Napkin sizes are unfolded. Folded sizes are approximate. Retail packs are on each product page; for trade cases, ask us for a quote.
Which napkin do I need?
- Takeaways, fast food and busy counters: 1 ply 28cm serviettes, the lowest cost per napkin
- Cafés, parties and everyday use: white 2 ply 30cm paper napkins
- Parties, Christmas and a splash of colour: red 2 ply 33cm paper napkins
- Restaurants, weddings and sit-down meals: 2 ply 40cm dinner serviettes
1 ply or 2 ply napkins?
1 ply napkins are a single layer of paper: thin, light and the cheapest choice for quick wipes at a takeaway counter. 2 ply napkins have two layers pressed together, so they're thicker, softer and more absorbent, which suits food eaten at the table, parties and catering.
What do 1/4 fold and 1/8 fold mean?
The fold is how the napkin comes packed. A 1/4 fold napkin is folded twice into a square a quarter of its size, the usual fold for everyday napkins. A 1/8 fold napkin is folded once more into a slim rectangle, the classic dinner napkin fold that sits neatly beside a plate or in a glass.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard paper napkin?
Everyday paper napkins are usually 30cm to 33cm square unfolded. Ours come in 28cm (1 ply), 30cm and 33cm (2 ply).
What size is a dinner napkin?
Dinner napkins are larger, usually 40cm square. Our 2 ply 40cm serviettes come 1/8 folded, about 20 x 10cm, ready to lay beside a plate.
Is a serviette the same as a napkin?
Yes. Serviette is the common UK word for a paper napkin, and the two names mean the same thing.
Are 2 ply napkins better than 1 ply?
2 ply napkins are thicker, softer and more absorbent. 1 ply napkins cost less per napkin and suit takeaways and quick wipes.
Can I buy napkins in bulk?
Yes. Packs of 100 are on each product page, and trade cases of 2,000 to 4,000 are available. Request trade pricing for a quote.
Shop these sizes
White Paper Napkins x1002-ply · pack of 100£1.69View →
Red Paper Napkins x1002-ply · pack of 100£2.39View →
All cutlery & napkins → · Plate sizes guide →
Ordering for a business?
Trade pricing → · 📞 +44 7352 617599 · 📧 contactus@dbstores.uk