Napkin sizes — open vs folded dimensions
Napkin sizes — open vs folded dimensions
Paper napkin sizes are always given as OPEN dimensions in centimetres. The folded size you actually see on the table is usually a quarter of that, because most napkins are folded in cross (in four). This page clarifies what each size looks like in real life.
⚠️ Important — “20×20” is ambiguous
Two completely different products can be called “20×20” — and that’s the most common source of mis-orders:
- Cocktail small — open 20×20 cm, folded 10×10 cm. Used for cocktails, finger food, welcome drinks. The smallest standard size.
- Large dinner folded — open 40×40 cm, folded 20×20 cm. Used for sit-down meals, weddings, formal dinners. About 4× the surface area of the cocktail.
If anyone says “20×20”, always ask which one. We do that systematically when you reach out via chat or the calculator.
All available sizes
- 20×20 open → 10×10 folded — small cocktail, finger food, welcome drinks.
- 24×24 open → 12×12 folded — medium cocktail, bars, cafes.
- 30×30 open → 15×15 folded — small dinner / lunch.
- 33×33 open → 16.5×16.5 folded — standard dinner napkin (most popular for restaurants).
- 40×40 open → 20×20 folded — large dinner, fine dining, weddings.
- Kangaroo fold — typically based on 33×33 or 40×40 paper, folded into a pocket that holds cutlery. Premium hospitality.
How to pick
- Cocktail bar / finger food → 20×20 or 24×24.
- Cafe / takeaway → 24×24 or 30×30.
- Sit-down restaurant → 33×33.
- Wedding / fine dining / cutlery pocket → 40×40 (or Kangaroo fold).