Stationery Tape
Tapes & Notes · 6 specs
Direct Answer
Stationery Tape (transparent cellulose or matte acetate 'Magic' tape, invented by 3M in 1930) is standardized in widths of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm), 3/4 inch (19.05 mm), and 1.0 inch (25.4 mm). 3/4-inch is the universal office standard for document mending, envelope sealing, and gift wrapping.
Source: 3M Scotch Technical Data Sheets / ASTM D3815 · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 1/2-Inch Width (12.7 mm) | 0.50 in (12.7 mm) — narrow width for small envelopes, gift wrapping, and tight seam seals |
| 3/4-Inch Width (19.0 mm) | 0.75 in (19.05 mm) — the universal default office standard across 140+ countries |
| 1.0-Inch Width (25.4 mm) | 1.00 in (25.4 mm) — heavy-duty paper splicing, label protection, and book jacket repair |
| Matte Acetate 'Magic' Tape Film | Matte-finish cellulose acetate film — invisible on photocopies, can be written on with ballpoint/pencil |
| Gloss Transparent Film | Biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) or cellophane with acrylic adhesive |
| Standard Tape Thickness | 2.0 mil to 2.5 mil (0.0020 to 0.0025 in / 51 to 64 µm) |
Why 3/4-Inch is the Office Standard
The 3/4-inch (19 mm) width offers the optimum balance between adhesive surface area and neat document aesthetics. It provides enough adhesive shear strength (>15 oz/in) to keep folded cardstock envelopes sealed without overhanging standard document margins.