Certificate size: award and gift certificate dimensions

The standard size for award certificates, diplomas and recognition certificates in the United States is 8.5 x 11 inches, letter size. Most other countries use A4, 210 x 297 mm. Gift certificates are smaller, most often 3.5 x 8.5 inches. This guide covers certificate sizes, frame sizes, paper and file setup for award and gift certificates.

Award and recognition certificate sizes

• 8.5 x 11 in: the standard size for awards, training and completion certificates, and most diplomas. It fits standard certificate frames and folders.
• A4, 210 x 297 mm: the standard size outside the US and Canada.
• 11 x 14 in: a larger size for university diplomas and certificates meant to be framed.
• 5.5 x 8.5 in: a half-letter size for smaller awards and certificates handed out in volume.
• Landscape or portrait: most award certificates are printed in landscape. Diplomas and licenses are often portrait.

Gift certificate sizes

• 3.5 x 8.5 in: the most common gift certificate size. Three fit on a letter-size sheet.
• 4 x 9 in: fits a standard #10 envelope.
• 3.5 x 2 in: a wallet-size gift card, the same size as a business card.
• 5.5 x 8.5 in: a larger certificate for spa packages, experiences and higher-value gifts.

A gift certificate usually includes the amount or service, a certificate number, an expiration date if one applies, the terms, and a signature or authorization line. A perforated stub helps a business track which certificates have been sold and redeemed.

Frames and folders

An 8.5 x 11 in certificate fits a standard certificate frame, or an 11 x 14 in frame with a mat. Certificate folders and presentation covers are also made for 8.5 x 11 in sheets. If you want certificates framed, check the frame size before you design an unusual size.

Paper for certificates

• Award certificates you print yourself: 24 lb to 32 lb bond or 65 lb to 80 lb cover, which most office printers can handle.
• Professionally printed awards and diplomas: 80 lb to 100 lb cover, often in a parchment, felt, linen or cotton finish.
• Gift certificates: 100 lb to 130 lb cover or 110 lb cotton, so the certificate feels like a real gift. Choose an uncoated stock that is easy to write and sign on.

Foil stamping, embossed seals and numbered certificates make a certificate look more official and harder to copy. Our guide to embossing, debossing and foil explains those finishes, and our paper weight guide explains bond and cover weights.

Setting up a certificate file

• Set the document to the finished size, such as 8.5 x 11 in landscape, and add 0.125 in of bleed if the border runs to the edge.
• Keep text and seals at least 0.25 in inside the trim. Decorative borders usually sit about 0.5 in from the edge.
• At 300 ppi, a letter-size certificate is 3300 x 2550 pixels in landscape.
• If names will be added later by hand or on an office printer, leave a clear line for the name and test the paper in your printer first.

Our guide to standard paper sizes compares Letter and A4. To print gift certificates with numbering and matching envelopes, see our custom gift certificates.

Common questions

What is the standard certificate size?

8.5 x 11 inches is the standard size for award certificates and most diplomas in the US. A4 is standard in most other countries.

What size is a gift certificate?

3.5 x 8.5 inches is the most common gift certificate size. 4 x 9 inches fits a #10 envelope.

What paper is best for certificates?

80 lb to 100 lb cover in a parchment, felt or cotton finish for awards, and 100 lb to 130 lb cover for gift certificates.

What frame fits a certificate?

A standard 8.5 x 11 inch certificate frame, or an 11 x 14 inch frame with a mat.