Introduction
If you run a takeaway or restaurant, your menu isn’t just a list of dishes, it’s a sales tool. But before design and printing come into the picture, there’s one important question nearly every food business asks:
“What size should my takeaway menu be?”
Choose the wrong size and your menu can feel cramped, oversized, or awkward for letterbox drops. Choose the right size and customers instantly understand your offers, deals, and layout making it easier for them to order.
Let’s break down the most common UK takeaway menu sizes, what they’re used for, and how to pick the perfect fit for your business.
What Size Is a Takeaway Menu?
In the UK, the most popular takeaway menu sizes are:
1. A5 (148mm x 210mm)
Small, compact, and perfect for handing out or including with delivery bags.
2. A4 (210mm x 297mm) – Often tri-folded
This is the classic takeaway tri-fold menu you see most businesses use.
3. DL (99mm x 210mm)
Tall and slim — ideal for letterbox drops and high-volume marketing.
These sizes are industry standards because they balance space, design freedom, and cost-effective printing.
If you want to compare real print options, here’s a useful reference:
You can explore menu sizes directly on our Takeaway Menu Printing page at Social Media Max — it shows popular formats and layouts.
👉 https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/takeaway-menu-printing/
Key Questions People Ask
1. What size do most takeaways use?
Most UK takeaways prefer A4 tri-fold menus because they provide a lot of space without feeling oversized.
2. Is A5 good for takeaway menus?
Yes — A5 is ideal for smaller menus, special offers, or simple dish lists.
3. What size fits best through letterboxes?
DL menus are designed specifically for letterbox posting and mass leaflet drops.
4. What is the best size for menu drops?
A5 and DL are most cost-effective for delivering in bulk.
5. Can I print custom-size takeaway menus?
Absolutely. If you need something different, your printer can create a custom format based on your brand style.
Popular Takeaway Menu Sizes
1. A5 Takeaway Menu (148mm x 210mm)
- Feature: Compact, one or two pages
- Advantage: Easy to distribute
- Benefit: Ideal for promotions, simple menus, or new shops trying to keep costs low
2. A4 Tri-Fold Takeaway Menu
- Feature: Large layout folded into three panels
- Advantage: Plenty of space for food categories
- Benefit: Helps customers quickly browse your full menu
3. DL Menu (99mm x 210mm)
- Feature: Slim, tall, and visually striking
- Advantage: Perfect for letterbox delivery
- Benefit: Great for high-volume marketing on a budget
If you want to check prices or paper options, you can browse the detailed product breakdown on the Takeaway Menu Printing page.
👉 https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/takeaway-menu-printing/
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using a size that’s too small for your menu items → Leads to cramped text and a poor customer experience.
❌ Choosing a size without considering delivery method → Some menus don’t fit letterboxes easily.
❌ Adding too many items to a small format → Customers feel overwhelmed.
❌ Ignoring fold options → A4 tri-fold offers space without feeling “big”.
Expert Tip:
If your menu is image-heavy or includes meal deals, A4 tri-fold gives you enough space to organise everything neatly.
How to Choose the Best Menu Size for Your Business
Ask yourself:
- How many items do you need to list?
- Will customers browse quickly or read in detail?
- Is the menu for handouts, table use, or door drops?
- Do you prefer compact or spacious layouts?
Quick recommendation guide:
| Goal | Best Size |
|---|---|
| Door-to-door marketing | DL or A5 |
| Full takeaway menu with categories | A4 Tri-Fold |
| Premium restaurant handout | A5 Card or A4 Card |
| Simple food list or new business | A5 |
| Budget-friendly marketing | DL |
Final Thoughts + CTA
Choosing the right takeaway menu size makes a huge difference to how customers understand, navigate, and order from your business. The perfect size depends on your menu length, branding, and how you’ll distribute it — but the most popular choices remain A5, A4 tri-fold, and DL.
If you’d like help selecting the best size or need professional printing, you can explore real examples, templates, and prices here:
👉 Takeaway Menu Printing – Social Media Max
https://socialmediamax.co.uk/product/takeaway-menu-printing/