C3 Envelope vs. DL Envelope
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
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 DL envelope (Dimension Lengthwise / DIN Lang, standardized under ISO 269 and DIN 678) measures 110 × 220 mm (4.33 × 8.66 inches). Engineered specifically to hold an A4 sheet folded horizontally in thirds (Z-fold or C-fold), it is the dominant standard across Europe and most of the world for automated corporate billing, bank statements, and commercial direct-mail advertising.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Width × Height (Metric)
|
324 × 458 mm | 110 × 220 mm |
|
Width × Height (Imperial)
|
12.76 × 18.03 in | 4.33 × 8.66 in |
|
Target Paper Pairing
|
Unfolded A3 (297 × 420 mm) or bound A4 spiral/comb portfolios | Standard A4 sheet folded in thirds horizontally (99 × 210 mm) |
|
Geometric Mean Origin
|
Geometric mean of A3 (297×420 mm) and B3 (353×500 mm) | — |
|
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 | — |
|
Primary Applications
|
Architectural drawings, financial balance sheets, graphic design proofs, diploma certificates | — |
|
Paper Insertion Clearance
|
— | +11 mm height / +10 mm width clearance |
|
Address Window Position
|
— | Standard DIN window: 45 × 90 mm, located 20 mm from left, 15 mm from bottom |
|
Automated Insertion Standard
|
— | High-speed optical inserter machine standard (thousands of pieces/hour) |
|
Comparison to US #10
|
— | DL is 110 × 220 mm; US #10 is 4.125 × 9.5 in (104.8 × 241.3 mm) |