Napkin sizes vary by occasion and formality. Cocktail napkins measure 5 by 5 inches, luncheon napkins are 13 by 13 inches, and dinner napkins range from 18 to 22 inches square. This guide covers all standard napkin dimensions for both paper and cloth varieties.
Standard Napkin Sizes by Type
Napkins are measured as squares when unfolded. Size determines appropriate use from casual cocktails to formal dining.
Napkin Type
Unfolded Size (inches / cm)
Folded Display Size
Best For
Cocktail Napkin
5 x 5 / 13 x 13 cm
5 x 5 or folded quarters
Drinks, appetizers, casual parties
Beverage Napkin
5 x 5 to 6.5 x 6.5 / 13 x 13 to 17 x 17 cm
Square or rectangular fold
Coffee, tea, light snacks
Luncheon Napkin
13 x 13 / 33 x 33 cm
6.5 inch square folded
Lunch, brunch, casual dining
Dinner Napkin (Standard)
18 x 18 / 46 x 46 cm
9 inch square folded
Everyday dinner, informal events
Dinner Napkin (Large)
20 x 20 / 51 x 51 cm
10 inch square folded
Formal dining, restaurants
Formal Dinner Napkin
22 x 22 to 24 x 24 / 56 x 56 to 61 x 61 cm
11 to 12 inch folded
Fine dining, weddings, banquets
Buffet or Guest Towel
11 x 17 to 12 x 18 / 28 x 43 to 30 x 46 cm
Rectangular display
Bathroom guest use, buffets
Paper vs Cloth Napkin Dimensions
Paper and cloth napkins often differ slightly in size. Material affects functional dimensions and appropriate use cases.
Napkin Category
Paper Size
Cloth Size
Cocktail
5 x 5 inches standard
6 x 6 inches (slightly larger)
Luncheon
13 x 13 inches (6.5 folded)
13 x 13 to 14 x 14 inches
Dinner
15 x 17 rectangular or 16.5 x 16.5 square
18 x 18 to 20 x 20 inches square
Formal Dinner
Rarely used (cloth preferred)
22 x 22 to 24 x 24 inches
Disposable Party
6.5 x 6.5 inches common
Not applicable
Napkin Sizing by Occasion
Event formality and meal type determine appropriate napkin size. Proper sizing enhances presentation and functionality.
Occasion Type
Recommended Size
Material Preference
Casual Party or BBQ
6.5 x 6.5 inch paper
Disposable paper for convenience
Family Dinner
18 x 18 inch cloth or paper
Cloth for reusability, paper for ease
Restaurant Casual Dining
17 x 17 to 18 x 18 inches
Paper or poly blend cloth
Fine Dining Restaurant
20 x 20 to 22 x 22 inches
High quality cloth linen or cotton
Wedding Reception
20 x 20 to 22 x 22 inches
Cloth, often with decorative folds
Cocktail Reception
5 x 5 inch cocktail napkin
Paper with custom printing
Visual Napkin Size Comparison
Comparison of cocktail, luncheon, and dinner napkin dimensions when unfolded.
Napkin Size Calculator
Find the right napkin size for your event or dining occasion.
How to size napkins
Measure the surface, then the overhang
Napkin sizes match meal formality: cocktail 5″×5″, luncheon 13″×13″, dinner 18–20″×18–20″, oversized formal 22–24″×22–24″. Folded napkins should fit comfortably under or beside the salad fork.
Standard sizes vs. your actual surface
Manufactured "standard" sizes assume textbook measurements. Older homes, custom furniture, and non-standard windows often deviate by 1–3″. If the measurement falls between two stock sizes, choose the larger; it's easier to hem or tuck excess fabric than to add length you don't have.
Mounting and clearance
Cotton and linen napkins shrink 3–5% on the first wash. Buy half an inch larger than the labelled size if you want exact dimensions after laundering. Polyester and blends hold their size.
Common mistakes
Measuring once. Surfaces are rarely perfectly square; take the smallest of three measurements.
Forgetting shrinkage. Cotton items can lose 3–5% on the first wash.
Ignoring drape. Heavier fabrics need an extra inch or two to hang correctly.