How to Chose Plastic Bag Sizes and Thicknesses

At International Plastics we offer thousands of different combinations of plastic bags ranging in size, thickness, and closure type, it can get overwhelming. Below we will walk you through the steps of determining what size and mil bag you need based on your application or use to make the process simple.

Plastic Bag Size Considerations

First, determine the size of your content. Usable space inside a ClearZip is measured side to side for the width. The length from the zipper track to the bottom of the bag. To fit larger, rigid items through the opening, add half an inch to the width of your content.

Common Ziplock Bag Sizes

Common Bag Sizes	Dimensions
Sandwich ZipLock Bag	6.5" x 5.875"
1 Quart ZipLock Bag	7" x 8"
1 Gallon ZipLock Bag	10.625" x 11"
2 Gallon Zip Lock Bag	13" x 15.625"

Closure Types

Next, choose one of the three Clearzip closure types. The single zipper locking style is the most common bag. The double-track bag has a double seal for added security. The Slider-Lock is for applications where repetitive opening and closing are required. They can also be closed while wearing gloves. Now, with your bag application in mind, there are many ClearZip bag styles to choose from.

If it is a slider lock, add one and a half inches. For bulky items or a loose fit, add up to two inches to both dimensions. Plastic bag thickness is expressed in mils. A consumer-brand sandwich bag is about 1.5 mil thick.

Plastic Bag Thickness Chart in Mils

Bag Thickness	Uses and Applications
1.25 Mil	Standard thickness for sandwich bags and most regular-duty zip-locking bags.
2 Mil	Used for light to medium-weight items including apparel & hardware. This is the most common thickness.
3 Mil	The thickness of a zip-locking freezer bag. Most mattress bags are also 3 mil.
4 Mil	Heavy-duty protection for hardware like screws and nails or heavy items.
6 Mil	Extra heavy-duty protection from tears & punctures. Great for bulky items or items with sharp corners.
8 Mil	Industrial duty bags for use when durability matters. Used for holding sharp objects & heavy industrial parts.

Whichever Clearzip bags you choose, be assured, that they are made with virgin low-density polyethylene, 100% Recyclable, BPA-free, and meet all FDA/USDA requirements for food contact. Choose flexible packaging from International Plastics, with over half a century of proven experience and unsurpassed customer care.

Visit us at www.InterPlas.com or call Customer Service at (800) 820 4722.

How to Choose Size and Mil of Zip Locking Plastic Bags