If you have ever ordered T-shirt bags and received a box that was too small for a gallon of milk, or so large that one sandwich looked lost inside it, you already know that “standard size” means very little. Retail and restaurant buyers talk about 1/10, 1/8, 1/6 and 1/5 T-shirt bags, but the numbers on a spec sheet are what decide whether the bag fits your products and your bag rack.
This guide explains how T-shirt bag sizes are measured, what the barrel-size names usually mean in inches, which size fits which kind of business, and how thickness changes the picture.
How T-Shirt Bag Sizes Are Measured
T-shirt bag dimensions are written as three numbers: width x gusset x length. For example, a bag listed as 11.5 in x 6.5 in x 22 in is:
- Width (11.5 in): the front panel, measured flat from side to side.
- Gusset (6.5 in): the folded side panel, measured when it is pulled fully open. The gusset is what lets the bag stand up and hold boxes, trays and bottles.
- Length (22 in): measured from the bottom seal to the top of the handles. Because the handles are included, the usable height inside the bag is shorter than the length figure.
When you compare two bags, compare all three numbers. A bag with a wider gusset can carry takeout containers better than a bag that is simply longer.
A classic 1/6 size T-shirt bag: 11.5 in x 6.5 in x 22 in.
The 1/6 size is the everyday grocery checkout bag.
What Do 1/10, 1/8, 1/6 and 1/5 Mean?
The fractions are trade names that came from the grocery industry, where bag sizes were once compared with paper sacks. They are size classes, not exact measurements. Two suppliers can sell a “1/6 bag” that differs by half an inch in width or an inch in length. Use the names to narrow your search, then confirm the inches.
| Size class | Typical dimensions (W x G x L) | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | about 8 x 4 x 16 in | Pharmacies, bakeries, gift shops, small single items |
| 1/8 | about 10 x 5 x 18 in (larger versions up to 10.5 x 6 x 20 in) | Convenience stores, small takeout orders, beauty supply stores |
| 1/6 | about 11.5 x 6.5 x 21–22 in or 12 x 7 x 22 in | Grocery checkout, restaurant takeout, general retail |
| 1/5 | about 13 x 10 x 23 in | Large takeout orders, bulky boxes, apparel |
| Jumbo | about 18 x 10 x 30 in | Bulky goods, bedding, large purchases |
Matching Our T-Shirt Bags to the Size Classes
Here is how the T-shirt bags in the TP Plastic USA T-shirt bag range line up with the usual size classes:
- Small: 6 in x 4 in x 15 in “Warning” print and 7 in x 5 in x 15 in black bags for very small items such as phone accessories, cosmetics or pharmacy orders.
- Close to 1/10–1/8: 8 in x 6 in x 16 in “Thank You” bags (0.4 mil), useful for bakeries and single takeout boxes.
- 1/8 large: 10 in x 6 in x 20 in (12.5 mic) and 10.5 in x 6 in x 20 in (0.6 mil).
- 1/6 standard: 11.5 in x 6.5 in x 22 in “Thank You” (12.5 mic), the black no-print 11.5 in x 6.5 in x 22 in, and 12 in x 7 in x 22 in (0.53 mil).
- 1/6 heavier: 12 in x 7 in x 22 in at 15 mic, 12 in x 7 in x 22 in at 25 mic and the 12 in x 7 in x 23 in “Smile Face” bag at 1.2 mil for heavy groceries or bottles.
- Tall: 15 in x 7 in x 26 in “Warning” print (0.62 mil) for long or bulky items.
Black no-print bags suit shops that want a clean, discreet look.
Thickness: Mil vs Micron for T-Shirt Bags
Size tells you what fits; thickness tells you how much weight the bag can handle. T-shirt bags are listed either in mil (thousandths of an inch) or micron (mic). One mil equals 25.4 microns, so:
- 12.5 mic ≈ 0.49 mil
- 15 mic ≈ 0.59 mil
- 25 mic ≈ 0.98 mil
- 0.4 mil ≈ 10 mic, 0.6 mil ≈ 15 mic, 1.2 mil ≈ 30 mic
As a practical rule, 0.4–0.5 mil suits light items such as snacks, clothing or cosmetics. Around 0.6 mil is a good all-round grocery and takeout bag. Heavy loads such as canned goods, bottles or several meal containers need about 1 mil or more. For a deeper explanation, read our plastic thickness guide on microns and mils.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Business
- Measure your most common order. Stack the containers, boxes or products that customers usually buy together and measure the footprint and height.
- Use the gusset for depth. Takeout containers sit flat, so the gusset should be at least as deep as the container.
- Leave room for handles. Remember that the listed length includes the handles. Allow a few inches above the top item so the handles can close.
- Check your bag rack. T-shirt bags are usually hung on a rack by the center tab and handles. A bag that is much wider or taller than your rack will sag or tear off.
- Keep two sizes, not six. Most shops do well with one small bag and one standard 1/6 bag. Fewer sizes mean simpler ordering and less wasted stock.
12 in x 7 in x 22 in bags give a little more width and gusset than the 11.5 in size.
Printed or Plain?
“Thank You” and smile-face prints are a friendly default for grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores. Plain black bags give privacy for pharmacies and beauty supply stores. Bags with a suffocation warning print are a sensible choice wherever children could get hold of them. If you want your own logo, see our article on custom printed HDPE and LDPE bags.
A wide gusset keeps takeout containers flat and level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a standard grocery T-shirt bag?
The standard grocery bag is the 1/6 size, usually about 11.5 in x 6.5 in x 21–22 in or 12 in x 7 in x 22 in.
Is 1/8 smaller than 1/6?
Yes. A 1/8 bag is typically about 10 in x 5 in x 18 in, while a 1/6 bag is about 11.5–12 in wide. The larger the fraction, the larger the bag.
How many T-shirt bags come in a case?
It depends on size and thickness. Our cases range from 300 bags per box for heavy 25 mic bags up to 2,000 bags for small 7 in x 5 in x 15 in bags. Check each product page for the exact count.
Can I order T-shirt bags wholesale?
Yes. Retailers, restaurants and distributors can buy by the case online or request a quote for pallet quantities.
Still unsure which size fits your store? Tell us what you pack most often, and our team will suggest a bag size and thickness from our T-shirt bag collection.
