How to Choose a Sticker Size and Shape: Template Before Ordering
A guide to determining the right sticker size and shape: a 1:1 printed template, a size chart with price per piece, and file requirements before printing.
The surest way to find the right sticker size is with a simple template: print the planned shape on ordinary A4 paper at a 1:1 scale, cut it out and tape it onto the real surface — a window, packaging, a car door or a coffee mug. At Atta Print, stickers are priced per square metre (roughly from EUR 24/m², from 5 m² — EUR 22/m², from 20 m² — EUR 19/m², excl. VAT), so a 5 mm difference in size can already change the total cost on a large run. Contour cutting to shape costs an extra roughly EUR 8/m², there's no setup fee, and production usually takes 2–5 business days.
1. Start with the surface, not the design
Size depends on where the sticker will be applied and the distance from which it will be read. Before sketching the design, measure the surface with a tape measure and note two numbers: the available width and height.
Practical reference points from our everyday work:
- a product label on a jar or bottle — 40–70 mm in diameter or 60×40 mm;
- a brand sticker on a cardboard box — 70×70 to 100×100 mm;
- door/window information (opening hours, QR code) — 100×150 to 150×210 mm;
- a car side sticker with logo and phone number — 300–600 mm wide;
- a shop window lettering or contour-cut logo — 500–1200 mm wide.
Letter height versus viewing distance
A simple rule of thumb: for easily readable text, letter height in millimetres should be roughly 8 × the viewing distance in metres. From 2 m — at least 16 mm, from 5 m — 40 mm, from 10 m — 80 mm. If a phone number on a car needs to be readable from 5 m, the number alone will take up about 40 mm in height, and that determines the size of the whole sticker.
2. Print the template and stick it in place
This step takes 10 minutes and prevents 90% of reprints.
- Place the design, or just the shape outline, on an A4/A3 sheet at 100% scale (turn off the printer's "fit to page" option).
- Check with a ruler that the printed size matches the planned one — printers tend to shrink it by 2–4%.
- Cut along the outline and tape it onto the real surface.
- Step back as far as the customer would realistically stand, and check whether the text is still readable.
- If the shape is complex, check that the sticker doesn't fall across seams, edges, screws or curved surfaces.
- Note down the final dimensions in millimetres — these are what you specify in your order.
For large-format stickers (shop windows, vehicles), tape several A4 sheets together to build the template, or order a test print on paper from us — it's cheaper than a miscut vinyl sheet.
3. Shape: rectangle, circle or contour cut
| Shape | Cutting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle / square | Straight cut | The cheapest option, maximum material use |
| Rounded corners (r 3–5 mm) | Contour cutting | Corners peel less, looks neater |
| Circle, oval | Contour cutting | Popular for 40–70 mm labels |
| Logo-shaped | Contour cutting | Requires a vector outline |
| Individual letters / text without background | Contour cutting | Letter strokes at least 8–10 mm wide |
The tolerance for contour cutting is roughly ±0.5 mm, so keep text and important elements at least 2 mm away from the cut line, and allow a 3 mm background bleed outward. Very sharp corners are better rounded off — they tend to peel quickly from the surface.
4. Matte or gloss vinyl
The price is the same for both — roughly from EUR 24/m² (from 5 m² EUR 22/m², from 20 m² EUR 19/m², excl. VAT). The choice is a practical one: gloss gives richer colours and is easier to wipe clean, so it suits product labels and outdoor stickers. Matte doesn't reflect flash or artificial light, so it suits wall and window information, QR codes, and indoor signage. For more on materials and ordering, see the stickers page.
5. How many pieces fit on a square metre
The table below shows an approximate number of pieces per 1 m² (with a 4 mm gap between stickers) and the price per piece, where the material costs EUR 24/m² + EUR 8/m² contour cutting, i.e. roughly EUR 32/m² excl. VAT.
| Size | Pcs per 1 m² | Approx. EUR/pc |
|---|---|---|
| 30×30 mm | ~840 | 0.04 |
| 50×50 mm | ~320 | 0.10 |
| Ø 60 mm | ~240 | 0.13 |
| 70×70 mm | ~170 | 0.19 |
| 100×100 mm | ~80 | 0.40 |
| A6 (105×148 mm) | ~54 | 0.59 |
| 200×100 mm | ~36 | 0.89 |
These figures are approximate: complex shapes leave more offcuts, but on larger runs the price per m² drops to EUR 19, and the price per piece drops by roughly a quarter accordingly. We calculate the exact amount based on your specific file and quantity.
6. File: what to prepare before ordering
- Vector graphics: .ai, .eps or .pdf; text converted to outlines.
- CMYK colours; if an exact brand shade matters, specify the Pantone code.
- A cut outline on a separate layer, named e.g. "CutContour", with no fill.
- 3 mm bleed, 2–3 mm safe zone from the cut line.
- Raster elements at least 150 dpi at actual size (300 dpi is better for small stickers).
- Minimum printed letter height — 2 mm; thin 0.2 pt outlines disappear in print.
If you don't have a vector file, we can redraw your logo — this usually takes one business day. For other print jobs and formats, see the catalogue section.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order just one sticker?
Yes, we also work with single pieces, but stickers are priced by area, so small orders are subject to a minimum charge. In practice, making one 100×100 mm sticker costs about the same as a few dozen of the same size, so it's worth ordering with some margin.
What's the minimum sticker size?
We produce stickers from roughly 15×15 mm. Below that size, contour cutting and peeling from the backing become impractical, and text is no longer readable — in such cases we recommend a round shape from Ø 20 mm.
How long do stickers take to make?
The standard lead time after file approval is 2–5 business days; for larger runs and complex contour cutting we agree on the timeline separately. Urgent jobs can be arranged by agreement.
Is contour cutting always necessary?
No. Rectangular stickers only need a straight cut, which is cheaper. Choose contour cutting at roughly EUR 8/m² for circles, rounded corners, logo shapes or lettering without a background.
Can I get a sample before a large print run?
Yes. We make one test sticker at actual size and in the actual material, so you can check the colour and placement on the surface. This usually takes 1–2 business days and is credited towards the order.
Send us your file or simply the surface dimensions at info@attaprint.lv, call +371 25776699, or message us on WhatsApp at the same number — full contact details are on the Contact page. We prepare a quote with the exact size, material and lead time within one business day.
FAQ
Can I order just one sticker?
Yes, we also work with single pieces, but stickers are priced by area, so small orders are subject to a minimum charge. Making one 100×100 mm sticker practically costs the same as a few dozen of the same size, so it's worth ordering with some margin.
What's the minimum sticker size?
We produce stickers from roughly 15×15 mm. Below that, contour cutting and peeling from the backing become impractical and text is no longer readable — in such cases we recommend a round shape from Ø 20 mm.
How long do stickers take to make?
The standard lead time after file approval is 3–5 business days, up to 10 business days for larger runs and complex contour cutting. Urgent jobs can be arranged by agreement.
Is contour cutting always necessary?
No. Rectangular stickers only need a straight cut, which is cheaper. Choose contour cutting at EUR 8/m² for circles, rounded corners, logo shapes or lettering without a background.
Can I get a sample before a large print run?
Yes, we make one test sticker at actual size and in the actual material, so you can check the colour and placement on the surface. This usually takes 1–2 business days and is credited towards the order.
