Paper Bag Sizes Guide: Brown and White Carrier Bags

Paper bags are measured width x depth x height. The depth is the gusset: how wide the base opens. A small brown paper bag (19 x 8 x 25cm) suits sandwiches, pastries and small gifts, medium and large bags suit takeaway orders and shopping, and a jumbo bag (32 x 21 x 32cm) takes bigger orders with several boxes. Here's every paper carrier bag we stock, with sizes, handles and packs.

Every paper bag size we stock

Bag	Size (W x D x H)	In inches	Handles	Best for	Packs	Buy
Small brown paper bag (SOS)	19 x 8 x 25cm	7.5 x 3.1 x 9.8in	Flat, inside	Sandwiches, pastries, small gifts	50 for £3.19 · 100 for £6.24 · trade case 250	Shop
Medium brown paper bag (SOS)	22 x 10 x 24cm	8.7 x 3.9 x 9.4in	Flat, inside	Takeaway orders, bakery, small retail	50 for £3.69 · 100 for £7.22 · trade case 250	Shop
Large brown paper bag (SOS)	26 x 14 x 29cm	10.2 x 5.5 x 11.4in	Flat, inside	Bigger takeaway orders, food boxes, retail	50 for £4.19 · 100 for £8.19 · trade case 250	Shop
Large white paper carrier bag	25 x 14 x 30cm	9.8 x 5.5 x 11.8in	Flat, outside	Shops, boutiques, gifts, events	50 for £4.89 · 100 for £9.10 · trade case 250	Shop
Jumbo brown paper bag	32 x 21 x 32cm	12.6 x 8.3 x 12.6in	Twisted	Shopping, family takeaway orders	100 for £24.00	Shop
Foil lined bag, small	17.7 x 22.8 x 20.3cm	7 x 9 x 8in	None	Hot food to go	Trade case 450 (DS2806)	Trade quote
Foil lined bag, large	17.7 x 22.8 x 30.4cm	7 x 9 x 12in	None	Hot food to go	Trade case 450 (DS2805)	Trade quote

Sizes are width x depth (gusset) x height. Inch sizes are rounded. Retail packs are on each product page; for trade cases, ask us for a quote.

Which paper bag do I need?

Sandwiches, pastries, cakes and small gifts: small brown paper bags (19 x 8 x 25cm)
Takeaway orders for one or two, bakery and small retail: medium brown paper bags (22 x 10 x 24cm)
Bigger takeaway orders and food boxes: large brown paper bags (26 x 14 x 29cm)
Shops, boutiques, gifts and events: large white paper carrier bags (25 x 14 x 30cm)
Shopping and family-size orders: jumbo brown paper bags with twisted handles (32 x 21 x 32cm)
Hot food to go: foil lined bags (trade)

What is an SOS paper bag?

SOS stands for self-opening sack. It's a paper bag with a flat, square base that opens in one shake and stands up on its own, so it's quick to pack at a busy counter. Our brown SOS bags have flat paper handles fixed inside the bag.

Flat or twisted handles?

Flat handles are a strip of paper fixed inside or outside the top of the bag. They're neat, low cost and suit everyday takeaway and retail. Twisted handles are rolled paper cord, rounder and more comfortable to hold, so they suit heavier shopping and bigger orders. Our jumbo brown paper bags have twisted handles; the white carrier bags have flat handles fixed on the outside for a smart finish.

Frequently asked questions

How are paper bags measured?

Width x depth x height. The depth (gusset) is how wide the base opens, so a 26 x 14 x 29cm bag is 26cm wide, 14cm deep and 29cm tall.

What size paper bag do I need for takeaway?

A medium brown paper bag (22 x 10 x 24cm) suits a small takeaway order. For bigger orders with several boxes, choose the large (26 x 14 x 29cm) or jumbo (32 x 21 x 32cm) bag.

What does SOS paper bag mean?

Self-opening sack: a flat-bottomed paper bag that opens in one shake and stands up on its own, which makes packing quick.

Are paper carrier bags recyclable?

Yes. Our brown kraft and white paper bags are recyclable and biodegradable.

Can I buy paper bags in bulk?

Yes. Packs of 50 or 100 are on each product page, and SOS and white carrier bags come in trade cases of 250. Request trade pricing for a quote.