Brochure Fold Calculator
Get exact panel widths for a tri-fold, Z-fold, gate, or half-fold — including the slightly narrower tuck-in panel.
Enter the flat (unfolded) width to get panel sizes.
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Brochure fold FAQ
Need this done for you? We handle Brochures for businesses across Buffalo and the Twin Cities.
On a roll/tri-fold, the panel that folds in first must be slightly narrower (about 1/8 inch) so it does not buckle. The two outer panels are a touch wider.
A tri-fold (roll fold) tucks one panel inside the other, so the panels nest. A Z-fold folds like an accordion with three equal panels and no tuck.
Yes. Send your content and we lay out the panels with correct fold lines and bleed, then proof it before printing.
How to calculate brochure fold panel sizes
The rule of thumb for any folded brochure: a panel that folds inside another has to be slightly narrower — about 1/8 inch — or the sheet buckles instead of tucking flat. That’s why a roll/tri-fold never divides into three equal panels, while a Z-fold (accordion) does — nothing tucks, so all three panels stay the same.
Here’s the math this calculator runs on your flat (unfolded) width. Half-fold: width ÷ 2 for each of the two panels. Z-fold: width ÷ 3, all three equal. Gate fold: width ÷ 4 for each outer panel, with a width ÷ 2 center. Tri-fold: the folded-in panel is width ÷ 3 minus 0.125", and the two outer panels split what’s left evenly.
Worked example: a standard 8.5" × 11" letter sheet, tri-folded across the 11" width. 11 ÷ 3 is 3.667"; subtract 0.125" and the tuck-in panel comes to 3.542". The remaining 7.458" splits into two 3.729" outer panels — exactly what the tool returns. Set those as guides in your layout, or have our design team set up your brochure fold-ready.
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