{"id":19476,"date":"2026-09-03T14:44:44","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T21:44:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/?p=19476"},"modified":"2026-09-04T15:02:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T22:02:36","slug":"guide-to-address-label-sizes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avery.com\/blog\/guide-to-address-label-sizes\/","title":{"rendered":"Address Label Sizes: A Guide to Help You Find the Right One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How do I figure out what address label size I need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right address label size starts with what you\u2019re mailing and how much room you have for the address. Your label needs enough space for a complete address in a font that is easy to read without taking up more room than necessary. If you just need to quickly grab one address label for everything, you can’t go wrong with 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″<\/strong>. I\u2019ve addressed thousands of envelopes and cards over the years, both personally and professionally, and 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″ is the size I come back to again and again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″ Address Labels <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″ labels work perfectly for the three to four lines of text needed for addresses or return addresses and fit on standard envelope and postcard sizes. It\u2019s also the exact size of popular Avery 5160 address labels, which have thousands of free templates available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, there’s definitely wiggle room to explore different address labels sizes and shapes depending on your project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a standard address label size?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A standard address label size is 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″. Not because some label monarch declares what a label size is, but because address labels have a job to do. This size works for the stuff you’re most likely going to need to mail.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In other words, 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″ is the standard address label size because it has enough room for address information in a font that’s easy to read. And it still fits comfortably on mail pieces like envelopes and postcards. Sticking with a standard size takes out some of the guesswork because you know it will work for most everyday mailing projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you can experiment with different sizes and shapes when your project calls for it. Just keep function in mind. A label that\u2019s too small can make the address difficult to read. One that\u2019s too large may not fit the available addressing space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Postcards<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is the most versatile address label size to have at home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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If you want one address label size that can handle a wide variety of projects, 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″ is the one I\u2019d keep on hand. Avery 5160 labels are our best-known 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″ address labels, but we offer this same size in several different products and materials.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Working at Avery, I\u2019ve seen people use this size for just about everything. It works for regular addresses and return addresses on envelopes, cards and postcards, but mailing is really only the beginning. People also use 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″ labels for product labels, ID labels, organizing, classroom projects and all kinds of everyday labeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve even used them for my own small business. Picture it: I\u2019m in a rush packaging everything I need for an upcoming convention. Suddenly, I realize I forgot to add instructions to some product packaging. Now I unexpectedly need instruction labels, but I\u2019m quickly running out of time. I already had Avery 5160 address labels around the house for mailing, and they were the perfect size. Let me tell you, those 5160s really saved the day. That\u2019s the real advantage of keeping such a versatile size on hand. You may buy them for addressing mail, but they can come in handy for all kinds of other projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avery 5160 vs. 8160: Choosing labels for your printer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Avery 5160 and 8160 labels are both 1″ \u00d7 2-5\/8″. The difference is printer compatibility: 5160 labels are made for laser printers, while 8160 labels are made for inkjet printers. That distinction is key when it comes to print quality and avoiding smeared ink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d rather have labels that work with either printer type, Avery 18160 labels are the same size and compatible with both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not sure which type of printer you<\/strong> have<\/strong> or which one works best for labels? Read our guide to choosing a printer for labels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What Kind of Printer Do I Need for Printing Labels?<\/a><\/blockquote>