Pouch sizing confuses buyers because pouches are quoted in dimensions and sold in fill weights, and those two things do not convert into each other without knowing the product. A pouch that holds 12 ounces of coffee will not hold 12 ounces of protein powder, because the powder is denser and occupies less space. Start with volume, not weight.
How pouch dimensions are written
- Width. The measurement across the face of the pouch, edge to edge, including the side seals.
- Height. Top to bottom of the flat pouch, including the top seal area and any zipper.
- Gusset. The folded panel at the bottom of a stand up pouch, or at the sides on a side gusset pouch. Given as the total folded depth.
Those three numbers describe the outline. The usable interior is smaller, because the seals around the edges are bonded material, not space. A pouch that measures generously on paper can still be too tight in practice if the seal widths were not accounted for.
Work from volume, then check the fill line
- Measure the volume your product occupies at the quantity you intend to sell, using the product as it will actually be filled, settled rather than fluffed.
- Add headspace. A pouch filled to the very top will not seal reliably and will not stand well.
- Check the standing profile. A stand up pouch needs enough gusset relative to its width, or it leans.
- Check the fill line against the artwork. A pouch that is under filled shows a slump exactly where your logo sits.
- Confirm on a filled sample before committing to volume.
What to put on the spec sheet
| Field | What to give us |
|---|---|
| Style | Stand up, flat, side gusset, or flat bottom |
| Width and height | In inches or millimetres, stated consistently |
| Gusset | Total folded depth, if the pouch stands |
| Closure | Zipper, tear notch, heat seal only, or a combination |
| Features | Hang hole, valve, window, rounded corners |
| Product | What goes inside, how it is filled, and by hand or by machine |
| Contact requirement | State any direct contact requirement for your product and market, and we build to it |
Ordering and turnaround
The minimum order is 100 units per size and artwork. Pricing starts from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes and your exact figure is confirmed on a written quote once style, size, features and print are set. Design support and a digital proof before anything prints are included, along with US shipping. There is no sample kit to buy, so if you need a filled sample before a volume order, raise it in the quote conversation.
Production runs at two plants, West Chicago in the United States and Guangzhou in China. Turnaround is stated per product across three lanes, Rush (expedited production plus air freight, at a premium of about 7 to 25% depending on the job), Standard (air) and Cost saver (sea), from about 7 business days plus 2 to 5 days for delivery. Specialty imported items can run up to about 12 weeks.
Send your product, your intended fill and your preferred style to the quote form for a size recommendation. For stand up pouches specifically, see stand up pouch dimensions, and for barrier style bags, mylar bag dimensions.
