Side-by-Side Comparison
C-Series Envelopes (ISO 269)
C3 Envelope vs. C5 Envelope
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
Comparing:
C3 Envelope
C5 Envelope
The C3 envelope is an ISO 269 standardized large postal packet format measuring 324 × 458 mm (12.76 × 18.03 inches). Designed specifically to hold flat, unfolded A3 documents (297 × 420 mm) or thick bound A4 portfolios, it is the standard packaging for architectural presentations, financial ledgers, and artwork shipments.
The C5 envelope is an ISO 269 standard postal envelope measuring 162 × 229 mm (6.38 × 9.02 inches). Designed to enclose an A4 sheet folded once in half (V-fold) or an unfolded flat A5 document (148 × 210 mm), it is standard for greeting cards, invitations, company invoices, and small paperback book shipments.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Width × Height (Metric)
|
324 × 458 mm | 162 × 229 mm |
|
Width × Height (Imperial)
|
12.76 × 18.03 in | 6.38 × 9.02 in |
|
Geometric Mean Origin
|
Geometric mean of A3 (297×420 mm) and B3 (353×500 mm) | Geometric mean of A5 (148×210 mm) and B5 (176×250 mm) |
|
Target Paper Pairing
|
Unfolded A3 (297 × 420 mm) or bound A4 spiral/comb portfolios | A4 folded in half (148 × 210 mm) or flat unfolded A5 stationery |
|
Primary Applications
|
Architectural drawings, financial balance sheets, graphic design proofs, diploma certificates | Greeting cards, event invitations, invoices, corporate brochures |
|
Standard Paper Clearance
|
+27 mm width / +38 mm length allowance for easy insertion | — |
|
Common Closure Types
|
Peel-and-seal strip, string-and-button, cardboard gusset pocket | — |
|
Paper Insertion Clearance
|
— | +14 mm width / +19 mm height clearance |
|
Window Options
|
— | Standard left-hand or right-hand clear address window (45 × 90 mm) |