Matchbook Dimensions and Templates: Everything You Need to Know Before Designing

May 26, 2025

By Fz Match

If you're planning to create custom matchbooks for your business, event, or personal use, understanding the basics of matchbook dimensions and having a solid matchbook template is essential. Whether you're designing for printing, branding, or gifting, getting the size and layout right can make all the difference in both appearance and functionality.

In this post, we’ll walk through standard matchbook dimensions, explain how templates work, and share tips to help you design like a pro — no graphic design experience required.

Common Matchbook Dimensions

Before diving into design, it’s important to know what size options are available. While there are variations depending on the manufacturer, most matchbooks follow a few standard sizes:

Size Dimensions (inches) Matches Included

Small 1.5" x 2.0" 15–20 matches

Standard 1.75" x 2.5" 20–25 matches

Large 2.0" x 3.0" 25–30 matches

These compact sizes make matchbooks easy to carry, store, and hand out — especially popular for weddings, promotional events, and hospitality businesses.

Pro Tip: Always confirm the exact matchbook dimensions with your printer or supplier before designing — even small differences can affect layout and text placement.

What Is a Matchbook Template?

A matchbook template is essentially a digital blueprint that shows where to place your logo, text, images, and other design elements so everything prints correctly. Most templates include:

Bleed lines: To ensure your background fills the entire edge without white borders.

Trim lines: Marks where the final cut will be made.

Safe zone: The area where important content (like names or dates) should stay to avoid being cut off.

Most suppliers provide free downloadable templates in common formats like PDF, AI, or PSD — often compatible with design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva.

Design Tips for Custom Matchbook Printing

Whether you’re creating branded matchbooks for your restaurant or personalized ones for your wedding, here are a few design tips to keep in mind:

Keep It Simple: Too much text or too many colors can look cluttered on a small space. Stick to one or two fonts and a clean layout.

Use High-Quality Images: If you’re including photos or logos, make sure they’re at least 300 DPI to avoid pixelation.

Include Key Info: For businesses, include your name, website, or tagline. For events, add the date, location, or a short message like “Thanks for Celebrating With Us!”

Choose Colors Wisely: Dark backgrounds with light text stand out well, but always test readability before printing.

Proofread Carefully: There’s nothing worse than ordering hundreds of matchbooks only to find a typo!

Where to Get Matchbook Templates

Many online matchbook printers offer downloadable matchbook templates to help customers design their own. Some popular sources include:

PrintRunner

GotPrint

Vistaprint

Online Labels

Local print shops

You can also request a template directly from your preferred supplier — just be sure to ask about matchbook dimensions and file specifications before you start designing.

Conclusion

Understanding matchbook dimensions and using the right matchbook template isn’t just about looking professional — it’s about making sure your message gets across clearly and beautifully. Whether you're branding your business, promoting an event, or creating keepsakes, a well-designed matchbook leaves a lasting impression.

So next time you reach for a matchbook, take a second to appreciate the thoughtful design behind its tiny frame — and maybe even try creating your own.