How to choose the right paper napkin.
Size, ply, material and fold each change how a napkin performs and what it costs per cover. This guide explains the differences so you can order with confidence.
Napkin sizes explained
Paper napkins are described by their open (unfolded) size. The three standard formats are:
- Beverage / cocktail napkins — around 9.5" to 10" square. Served under drinks and with canapés and desserts.
- Luncheon napkins — around 13" square. The all-purpose choice for cafés, casual dining, buffets and catering.
- Dinner napkins — 15" to 17". Full lap coverage for table-service restaurants, banquets and weddings.
- Guest towels — roughly 12" × 17", folded long. Used as disposable hand towels in washrooms and as an upscale buffet napkin.
1-ply, 2-ply or 3-ply?
Ply is the number of tissue layers bonded together. One-ply napkins are economical and ideal for dispensers. Two-ply is the hospitality standard, balancing softness, absorbency and cost. Three-ply napkins feel noticeably thicker and more luxurious, and carry deep colours and prints beautifully.
What is an airlaid (linen-feel) napkin?
Airlaid napkins are made by bonding cellulose fibres with air rather than water, producing a thick, textile-like sheet with the drape and texture of woven linen. They are lint-free, highly absorbent and strong when wet — the closest single-use alternative to cloth, without laundering costs.
Understanding folds
- 1/4 fold — folded twice into a square. Standard for beverage and luncheon napkins.
- 1/8 fold — folded into a rectangle that sits neatly beside a plate. Standard for dinner napkins.
- 1/6 fold — the long fold used for guest towels.
- Pocket fold — pre-folded with a slot for cutlery, for fast and polished table setting.
- Interfold, tall fold and low fold — dispenser formats; match the fold to your dispenser model.
How many napkins should I order?
For events, plan on three beverage napkins per guest for a cocktail hour, plus one to two dinner napkins per guest for a seated meal. Restaurants typically use 1.5 to 2 napkins per cover for table service and 3 or more per cover for self-service. When in doubt, contact us — we will help you estimate by venue type and volume.