Tote bag sizes

Bag sizes are given as width x height, measured flat from seam to seam, with the handles left out. A bag listed as 38 x 42cm is 38cm across and 42cm from the bottom seam to the top hem.

When there's a third number, it's the gusset. A gusset is an extra panel of fabric in the base, and often the sides, that lets the bag open out into a box shape. Our Recycled Canvas Tote Bag is 38 x 42 x 10cm: the same front as a standard shopper, with a 10cm-deep base. That's why it holds 18 litres where a flat 38 x 42cm shopper holds about 10.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Flat bags are simple, light and fold small. Everything inside sits against the front panel, so they suit paperwork and light, flat things.
• Gusseted bags hold more and stand up while you pack them. Boxes, jars and bottles sit neatly in the base.
• Capacity is given in litres by the maker. It's the best way to compare a flat bag with a gusseted one.
• The inside is a little smaller than the outside, because seams take up a centimetre or so.

What is the standard tote bag size?

38 x 42cm. It's the most common size in our range and the one most people picture when they think of a tote bag. Nine of our bags are this size, from the Recycled Cotton Tote Bag to the Premium Recycled Cotton Tote Bag, so you can pick the fabric and colour and keep the size.

A4 tote bags

When people search for an A4 tote bag, they usually mean one that holds A4 paperwork flat. An A4 sheet is 21 x 29.7cm, so almost every bag we print takes it, even the 26 x 32.5cm Mini Cotton Tote Bag. The exceptions are the smaller stuff bags, the Premium Recycled Canvas Carry Bag, the small Premium Recycled Canvas Stand Up Tote and the 30 x 30cm jute bags, where A4 would need folding.

A3 tote bags

An A3 poster is 29.7 x 42cm, which is exactly the height of a standard shopper, so it's too tight once you allow for the seams. For A3 prints laid flat, the 37 x 46cm drawstring bags take it upright, and the large Premium Recycled Canvas Stand Up Tote takes it laid sideways. Otherwise, roll it.

Small tote bags

For gifts, samples and party bags, look at the Mini Cotton Tote Bag (26 x 32.5cm), the small and medium sizes of the Premium Recycled Canvas Stand Up Tote, and the 30 x 30cm jute bags. See all our small bags.

Large tote bags

For a weekly shop or bulky merch, choose a gusseted bag of 20 litres or more: the Premium Recycled Canvas Stand Up Tote (46 x 38 x 20cm), the Classic Jute Bag (42 x 33 x 19cm), the Premium Recycled Contrast Strap Tote Bag (35 x 48 x 14cm) or the Premium Organic Canvas Zip Tote Bag (60 x 40 x 14cm). See all our large tote bags.

Handle length changes how a bag is carried as much as its size does.

• Short handles are carried in the hand. They suit shop bags and small gift bags, and keep the bag off the floor.
• Long handles go over the shoulder, which frees up your hands at a conference or on the walk home. Most of our totes have long handles. For example, the Cotton Tote Bag Long Handle has a 67cm handle, and the Premium Cotton Maxi Tote Bag has 58cm handles.
• A single long strap, as on the Cotton Sling Tote Bag, sits across the body or on one shoulder.

If you're not sure, choose long handles: people can still carry the bag by hand. See our long handle bags.

Your print sits on the flat front panel of the bag (and the back too, if you choose two sides), clear of the seams, hems and handle stitching. On gusseted bags we print the front panel, not across the gusset. On our Jute Cotton Canvas Bags, the print goes on the smooth cotton canvas panel.

As a starting point, a design about 25cm wide reads well from across a room on a 38 x 42cm tote. Smaller, neater logos can look smart on heavier canvas bags. If you want the print as large as the bag allows, just tell us: we'll confirm the size on your proof, and nothing is printed until you approve it. Our guide to designing for a tote has more tips.