File Folder Label Sizes and Standards

File folder labels come in a small number of standard sizes that most major manufacturers — Avery, Smead, generic suppliers — produce to interchangeable dimensions. Knowing which size matches which use case avoids the common mistake of buying labels that overhang the folder tab or sit too small to read from across the office.

The standard file folder label

The dominant size is 2/3” x 3-7/16” (17mm x 87mm) — the dimensions of the Avery 5266 family. These are sized to fit standard letter-size manila folder tabs without overlap and to leave a small margin around the printed area. They print 30 to a US Letter sheet (3 columns x 10 rows).

This is the default for client folders, project folders, and most general office filing in third-cut or half-cut manila folders. A 2/3” x 3-7/16” sheet matches most off-the-shelf folders in both US and UK office supply ranges.

In Microsoft Word, this size is selectable directly from Mailings > Labels > Options under the Avery US Letter range. Google Docs requires a table-based custom layout or a third-party add-on.

Larger formats

For oversized folders, archive boxes, or where readability from across the room matters, larger labels exist. Common formats include 1” x 4” (Avery 5161 family) and 1.5” x 4” (Avery 5162 family) — the same labels widely used for mailing and shipping, redeployable for big-format filing.

For storage boxes (Bankers Box, archive cartons), 4” x 6” or 3” x 4” labels are standard. These are usually ordered as separate label stock rather than printed in bulk.

Hanging folder tab inserts

The clear plastic tabs that clip onto hanging folders take printed paper or card inserts rather than adhesive labels. Standard insert dimensions are roughly 2” x 1/2” for 1/5-cut tabs and 3.5” x 1/2” for 1/3-cut tabs.

These are not adhesive; they slide into the plastic tab. They can be hand-written, typed in Word, or printed from card stock cut to the right size. Pre-printed insert sheets exist but are less common than the file folder label format. See hanging folder labels for a full setup guide.

Common Avery sizes

The four most common Avery file folder label products map as follows:

All four use the same dimensions — switching between them does not require a new template. See the Avery file folder labels guide for full product details, including paper weights and recommended printer types.