Literature Mailer Size Guide

Pick a size by item profile — catalog, paperback, magazine, lookbook, sample kit, or rigid flat — then jump to the matching SKU. Bundle quantities are listed; no minimums beyond the bundle size.

All sizes are interior dimensions in inches (length x width x depth). Stock is across 5 US warehouses (Central IL, Northeast PA, South TX, Southeast GA, West CA).

Literature mailer sizes by item fit

Match item profile to interior dimensions, confirm bundle quantity, then click into the SKU.

Size (in) SKU Fit / item profile Bundle qty Construction Link
9 x 6.25 x 2 MFL962K Paperback book, single small catalog, accessory pouch 50 Kraft, crush-resistant corrugated View 9x6.25x2
9 x 6.25 x 4 MFL964K Hardcover book, multi-catalog set, sample kit 50 Kraft Deluxe, crush-resistant View 9x6.25x4
10 x 8 x 1.5 MFL1081K Single magazine, lookbook, A4 documents flat 50 Kraft, crush-resistant View 10x8x1.5
11.125 x 8.75 x 2 CDLM1182 CD set, magazine, multi-catalog, training booklet 50 Kraft Deluxe, crush-resistant View 11.125x8.75x2
12.125 x 9.25 x 2 MLR12921K Letter-size catalog, lookbook, brochure stack 50 Kraft Deluxe, crush-resistant View 12.125x9.25x2
12.125 x 9.25 x 4 MLR12944K Catalog plus product samples, kit shipment 50 Kraft Deluxe View 12.125x9.25x4
13 x 10 x 2 MLR13102K Large catalog, ring-binder content, photo print set 50 Kraft, crush-proof View 13x10x2
14 x 10 x 4 MFL14104K Apparel sample, multi-catalog plus product, marketing kit 50 Kraft, crush-resistant View 14x10x4
16 x 12 x 2 MFL16122K Large lookbook, magazine boxset, framed flat-print 50 Kraft Deluxe, crush-resistant View 16x12x2
17.125 x 11.125 x 2 MLR17112K Tabloid-size print, large catalog, presentation board 50 Kraft Deluxe, crush-resistant View 17.125x11.125x2
18 x 12 x 3 MFL18123K Oversized lookbook, sample swatch kit, retail signage 25 Kraft, crush-resistant View 18x12x3
22 x 18 x 2.75 MFL22182K Large flat artwork, oversized catalog, foam-backed prints 25 Kraft Deluxe, crush-resistant View 22x18x2.75

Pick a literature mailer by use case

Single paperback book or single catalog

Use the 9x6.25x2 Kraft. Snug fit on a standard paperback or single 8.5 x 11 catalog folded once. Crush-resistant corrugated keeps the spine flat through ground transit.

Hardcover book or multi-catalog set

Use the 9x6.25x4 Kraft Deluxe. The 4 in depth fits a hardcover plus a thank-you card insert, or 5–8 catalogs stacked.

Magazine or lookbook (single, flat)

Use the 10x8x1.5 Kraft. Letter-size flat profile keeps the magazine from rolling. Lower DIM-billable weight than a same-content shipment in a corrugated cube.

Catalog plus product samples (kit shipment)

Use the 12.125x9.25x4 Kraft Deluxe. Standard letter-size catalog with 3 in of room for samples (single-serve packets, swatches, or a small product box). Common in B2B sales-kit programs.

Apparel sample plus brand collateral

Use the 14x10x4 Kraft. Fits a folded t-shirt or polo with a lookbook on top. A common alternative to mailer boxes when the unboxing presentation is less critical than rigid protection.

Large flat artwork or framed print

Use the 22x18x2.75 Kraft Deluxe. The 2.75 in depth accommodates foam-backed prints or framed flat artwork up to about 21 x 17 with corner protection.

Self-seal vs tape vs tab-lock

  • Self-seal (peel-strip adhesive) → quickest packing-line throughput; one-touch close. Slight cost premium per unit. Choose for high-volume DTC fulfillment.
  • Tape closure → lowest unit cost. Requires a tape gun at the packing station. Choose when packing volume is moderate and you already buy tape in bulk.
  • Tab-lock (tuck flap) → no adhesive, no tape, fully reusable. Choose for B2B kits, returnable shipments, or when the recipient may need to repack and forward.

Kraft vs white corrugated

Kraft is the lower-cost default. Recycled-content brown corrugated, prints well with stamps or stickers, ships from all 5 warehouses. White is corrugated with a bleached outer liner — choose when your brand voice favors a cleaner unboxing presentation, when you plan to print multi-color labels directly on the mailer, or when the recipient will photograph the mailer (PR samples, influencer kits).

Same SKU sizes are typically available in both Kraft and white. Cross-reference the mailer size guide hub to find the white equivalent of any size in this table.

Fit / not the right fit

Packrift literature mailers are a good fit if you ship printed catalogs, magazines, lookbooks, sample kits, or flat-profile B2B collateral, and want stock corrugated mailers in standard sizes (9x6.25x2 through 22x18x2.75) by the case.

Literature mailers are not the right fit for fragile glassware, items over 5 lb gross weight, items thicker than 6 in (use a corrugated shipping box instead), or buyers who need custom-printed mailers with their branding. For unboxing presentation with retail-grade printing, see mailer boxes.

Related Packrift guides

FAQ

What's a literature mailer?

A flat-profile corrugated mailer with a tuck flap or self-seal closure, sized for printed materials and rigid flat shipments. The depth (typically 1.5 to 6 in) is shallow enough that the mailer ships at a low dimensional-weight rate, but the corrugated construction keeps catalogs and lookbooks from bending.

Will my catalog bend in transit?

Not in a properly sized literature mailer. The crush-resistant kraft or white corrugated holds rigidity through ground transit, even with stacked freight. For extra protection on photography-grade prints, add a corner protector or pair the mailer with a foam insert.

What's the largest item I can ship in a literature mailer?

Up to about 22 x 18 in flat with 2.75 in of depth — the largest stock size in this table. Above that, a flat-pack mailer is no longer the right fit; use a corrugated shipping box or a custom-cut flat. Total gross weight should stay under 5 lb for ground service.

How are these different from bubble mailers?

Bubble mailers are flexible poly with bubble-wrap lining — light cushioning for small electronics, books, or single accessories. Literature mailers are rigid corrugated — better for items that must stay flat (catalogs, lookbooks, magazines, framed prints). For flat documents, use a literature mailer; for small cushioned items in a flexible envelope, use a bubble mailer.

Do these come pre-folded or flat-pack?

Flat-pack. All literature mailers ship flat to save freight cost and warehouse space. They fold up at the packing line in about 5 seconds with a tuck-flap closure or peel-strip adhesive. No assembly tools required.

Can I get these in white instead of kraft?

Yes — most sizes in this table also stock as white corrugated. Search the catalog or check the mailer size guide hub for the white equivalent. Kraft is the lower-cost default; white is for cleaner-looking unboxing or multi-color label printing.