If you're ordering paper bags for your business, you may come across unfamiliar terms like gusset, paper weight, pinch bottom, or printing area.
Understanding these terms can make it easier to choose the right bag size, compare packaging options, and communicate your needs to a manufacturer.
Whether you're purchasing custom printed paper bags or exploring ready-made packaging, this guide explains common paper bag terminology and what it means for your business.
Paper Bag Dimensions: Width, Gusset & Height
Paper bag dimensions describe the size of a finished bag. Depending on the style, measurements may include width, gusset or depth, and height.
Width: The measurement across the front of the bag.
Gusset or depth: The measurement that indicates how far a gusseted bag can expand.
Height: The vertical measurement from the bottom to the top of the bag.
For example, a bag measuring 5 × 2 × 10 inches may be described as 5 inches wide, with a 2-inch gusset and a height of 10 inches.
Understanding these dimensions helps businesses choose bags that accommodate their products without unnecessary extra space.
What Is a Gusset?
A gusset is a folded section of a paper bag that allows it to expand when filled.
Gussets are commonly found along the sides of paper bags and create additional depth for products that wouldn't fit comfortably inside a flat bag.
For example, a gusseted paper bag may be better suited for prescription bottles or packaged merchandise than a flat bag with similar front-panel dimensions.
Learn more about how gussets work in our guide to What Is a Gusset in a Paper Bag?
What Is a Pinch-Bottom Paper Bag?
A pinch-bottom paper bag has a bottom that is folded and sealed rather than formed into a flat, standing base.
These bags are commonly used for prescriptions, lightweight merchandise, and other products that don't require a freestanding bag.
Pinch-bottom bags may be flat or include side gussets, depending on the style.
They are typically stored flat, making them convenient for businesses that need to keep packaging readily available at checkout.
What Is an SOS Paper Bag?
SOS stands for Self-Opening Sack.
An SOS paper bag is a square-bottom bag with a formed base that allows it to stand upright more easily when opened.
This construction can make packing multiple items more convenient, especially when employees need both hands available.
SOS bags are commonly used for retail merchandise, food service, and other packaging applications.
The appropriate size and paper specifications depend on the products being packaged.
What Does Paper Weight Mean?
Paper weight describes the basis weight of the paper used to manufacture a bag.
You may see paper bag specifications listed as 30 lb., 35 lb., or 50 lb. paper.
These numbers describe the paper material and do not represent how many pounds of merchandise a finished bag can safely carry.
Paper weight influences the material's thickness, stiffness, and handling characteristics, although the relationship between basis weight and thickness depends on the paper.
When selecting bags, paper weight should be considered alongside bag size, seams, and overall construction.
What Is a Printing Area?
The printing area is the portion of a paper bag available for artwork, logos, text, or other printed elements.
The usable printing area depends on the bag's dimensions, construction, and the manufacturer's printing capabilities.
For example, a design that fits comfortably on a larger paper bag may need to be adjusted for a smaller size.
Understanding the available printing area helps businesses prepare artwork that is clear and properly positioned.
If you're planning branded packaging, explore Cardinal Bag Company's custom paper bag printing options.
Front Panel vs. Back Panel
The front and back panels are the two main faces of a paper bag.
These surfaces are commonly used for business logos, names, and other printed designs.
Depending on the printing specifications, artwork may appear on one or both sides of the bag.
When preparing custom artwork, it's important to confirm which panels will be printed and how the design will be positioned.
What Is an Ink Color?
An ink color is a color used to print artwork onto a paper bag.
Custom printing may involve one or multiple ink colors, depending on the manufacturer's capabilities and the specifications of the order.
The number of colors can affect artwork preparation and production pricing.
Businesses should confirm available ink colors and printing requirements before submitting final artwork.
What Is a Case Quantity?
Case quantity refers to the number of paper bags packaged together in a case.
For example, a case quantity of 1,000 means the case contains 1,000 bags.
Different paper bag sizes and styles may have different case quantities.
Understanding case quantities helps businesses estimate inventory needs, storage requirements, and purchasing volume.
Cardinal Bag Company's paper bag size and specification information can help you compare available options.
What Is a Minimum Order Quantity?
Minimum order quantity, often abbreviated MOQ, is the smallest quantity a manufacturer or supplier will accept for a particular order.
Minimums may vary depending on whether you're purchasing stock paper bags or requesting custom printing.
Custom manufacturing may have different production requirements than purchasing bags from existing inventory.
Before ordering, confirm the applicable minimum quantity for the specific bag style and printing requirements.
What Is a Stock Paper Bag?
A stock paper bag is a bag available in an existing size, style, or design without requiring a new custom printing order.
Stock bags may be plain or feature a preprinted design.
They can be a practical option for businesses that don't require custom branding or prefer to purchase from available inventory.
Explore Cardinal Bag Company's stock paper bag options to learn more.
What Is a Custom Printed Paper Bag?
A custom printed paper bag features artwork selected by a business, such as its logo, name, or branding.
Custom printing allows businesses to create packaging that reflects their visual identity.
Available sizes, printing options, and order requirements depend on the manufacturer's capabilities.
If you're deciding whether branded packaging makes sense for your business, our guide to Are Custom Printed Paper Bags Worth It for Small Businesses? explains some of the key considerations.
What Does Load Capacity Mean?
Load capacity refers to the amount of weight a bag can safely support under specified conditions.
A paper bag's performance depends on factors including paper specifications, bag dimensions, seams, bottom construction, and how the contents are distributed.
A bag's paper weight alone does not establish its safe carrying capacity.
Businesses packaging heavier or unusually shaped products should discuss their requirements with the manufacturer before selecting a bag.
Understanding Paper Bag Specifications Before Ordering
Learning common paper bag terminology makes it easier to compare products, request accurate quotes, and select packaging that meets your business's needs.
Before placing an order, confirm the bag dimensions, style, paper specifications, printing requirements, and case or order quantities.
At Cardinal Bag Company, we've manufactured paper bags in the United States since 1955. We offer flat, gusseted pinch-bottom, and square-bottom paper bags, along with custom printing options for businesses across multiple industries.
Whether you're ordering packaging for a pharmacy, bakery, winery, veterinary clinic, or specialty business, our team can help you understand available bag specifications.
Ready to explore your options? Visit our Full Custom Bags page to review sizes and request a quote.
