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 is 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.

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 mils thick.

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 ZipLock Bag	13" x 15.625"

Plastic Bag Closure Types

International Plastics offers multiple closure types depending on what you're sealing and how often you need to access the contents.

Slider-Lock

Slider lock bags have a mechanism that seals the bag without having to pinch the closure together. This makes it easier to seal while wearing latex gloves or for children and the elderly. Slider locking bags are most useful in situations where the bag needs to be constantly opened and closed, saving time.

Double Track Ziplock Bags

Double-track ziplock bags are the same as regular ziplock bags with an additional seal. The additional track helps provide added protection for holding things such as liquids or contents likely to leak.

Ziplock Bags

Zip locking bags are the most common resealable bag style. Their pinch-to-seal zip lock provides a tight seal that can be opened and closed thousands of times. We offer a range of thicknesses to stand up to whatever you need to store from 1.25 mil lightweight bags for sandwiches to 8 mil industrial strength bags that can hold screws or sharp objects without puncturing.

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 mils.
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, Mil Thickness, and Closure Type of Zip Locking Plastic Bags