Standard napkin size: How big should your napkin be?

Whether for everyday use, cocktail parties, or formal events, find the standard cloth napkin size for various occasions below:

Standard napkin size (unfolded)

Cocktail napkin: 10 x 10 inches

Luncheon napkin: 14 x 14 inches

Everyday dinner napkin: 18 x 18 inches

Buffet/casual dining napkin: 20 x 20 inches

Formal dinner napkin: 22 x 22 inches

Standard napkin size (when folded)

Cocktail napkin: 5 inches square

Luncheon napkin: 7 inches square

Everyday napkin: 9 inches square

Buffet napkin: 10 inches square

Formal dinner napkin: 11 inches square

Beverage/Cocktain napkin 10"x10" (25 x 25 cm)	Luncheon napkin 14"x14" (36 x 36 cm)	Everyday dinner napkin 18"x18" (46 x 46 cm)	Buffet/Casual dining napkin 20"x20" (51 x 51 cm)	Formal dinner napkin 22"x22" (56 x 56 cm)

 

At this point, I'll need you to understand that standard napkin sizes are not set in stone. It's usually a range, so it doesn’t hurt if you choose a napkin a few sizes smaller or larger than the standard you see above.

For example, the typical cloth dinner napkin measures anywhere from 18 to 26 inches. So you can use a 19-inch napkin for everyday dining at home. This will be practical for most casual dinners.

In my experience, larger cloth napkins of 21-26" are best suited for formal events because you'll likely incur more stains during multi-course meals, and a larger napkin has enough surface area to handle that. Not to mention the complex napkin folds you can come up with.

Let's go into more detail.

Cocktail napkin size

Cocktail napkins are the smallest napkin type measuring 5-10 inches when fully open. Just small enough to allow you hold a cocktail or dessert plate in the same hand. They're also called beverage or appetizer napkins. This blog covers all about cocktail napkins.

Luncheon napkin size

Luncheon napkins are smaller than dinner napkins and typically measure 14 to 16 inches. Like dinner napkins, guests can also place them on their laps quite alright. The difference? You use luncheon napkins for small meals or casual picnics, so there's really no need for something enormous.

Everyday dinner napkin size

Informal dinner napkins, the type you use at home as everyday napkins, typically measure 18 to 20 inches square. The cloth dinner napkins at Ichcha are 19 inches square, a perfect size that strikes a balance between everyday dining, buffet, and even weddings. With this size, you can still form some cute and interesting napkin folds.

Buffet/casual dining napkin size

Buffet napkins (aka casual dining napkins) are slightly bigger than everyday napkins and tend to range from 18 inches up to 24 inches square. They're designed for use in buffet or other occasional but casual dining settings where you may desire complex shapes like the buffet pouch fold.

Formal napkin size

Formal dinner napkins, like those used in weddings, tend to come in the largest size, up to 26 inches square. Why would you want such a large napkin? Well, with this size, there's practically no wedding napkin fold you can't achieve. Plus, guests will have ample coverage for their laps and usable surface area to wipe stains from multiple courses.

Here's a cloth napkin size chart to make things clearer.

Napkin type	Size in inches	Size in cm
Cocktail napkin	5" - 10"	13 – 25 cm
Luncheon napkin	14" - 16"	36 – 41 cm
Everyday dinner napkin	18" - 20"	46 – 51 cm
Buffet/casual dining napkin	18" - 24"	46 – 61 cm
Formal dinner napkin	20" - 26"	51 – 66 cm

 

FAQs

What is the standard size of napkins?

The right size of cloth napkin will vary by the occasion and type of meal, but the standard range is 18"–20" for everyday dinner, 14"–16" for luncheon, and 20"–26" for formal events.

What is the standard hotel napkin size?

Hotels often use formal dinner napkins ranging from 20" to 26", offering a premium, full-coverage experience.

What's the standard napkin size for a wedding?

Wedding napkins are typically cloth dinner napkins measuring 20"–26", large enough for elegant folds and practical use during multi-course meals.

What size are tea napkins?

Tea napkins are usually around 12 to 14 inches, ideal for light refreshments

What size napkins for restaurant?

The restaurant napkin size typically ranges from 18 to 20 inches (46 - 51 cm).