Avery Label Size Chart and Template Picker Guide for Google Docs

Picture this: you've got a stack of Avery label sheets sitting on your desk, a Google Doc open on your screen, and absolutely no idea which template number matches your labels. You squint at the tiny text on the packaging, Google a few numbers, and end up more confused than when you started. Sound familiar?

You're not alone. With dozens of Avery label sizes on the market, picking the right template can feel like solving a puzzle without the picture on the box. The good news? Once you understand how Avery's numbering system works and how label dimensions map to specific use cases, choosing the perfect label becomes straightforward. This guide breaks down the most popular Avery label sizes, explains what each one is best for, and shows you exactly how to set up your templates in Google Docs. If you want to skip ahead and grab a ready-made template right now, the FoxyLabels Template Catalog has compatible options for every major Avery label size.

Let's get into it.

Understanding Avery Label Numbers, Sizes, and What They Mean

Avery's product numbering system can seem random at first glance. Why is 5160 an address label while 5163 is a shipping label? What's the difference between 5263 and 5163 if they're the same size? Understanding the logic behind these numbers saves you from buying the wrong sheets and reprinting everything.

How the Numbering System Works

Avery assigns a unique product number to each label configuration. The number tells you the label's dimensions, how many labels fit on a standard 8.5" x 11" sheet, and sometimes the label material (matte, glossy, clear, or weatherproof). Here's the key insight: labels with similar numbers often share the same dimensions but differ in material or printer compatibility. For example, Avery 5160 and 8160 are both 1" x 2.625" address labels with 30 per sheet, but 5160 is designed for laser printers while 8160 is optimized for inkjet.

This means that when you're searching for a template, the physical layout is what matters most. A template built for 5160 works perfectly for 8160, 5960, and several other compatible numbers because the label grid is identical.

The Most Popular Avery Label Sizes at a Glance

Here's a quick reference chart covering the Avery labels people use most often. Bookmark this, because you'll come back to it.

For the official manufacturer specifications and the full product line, you can reference the Avery Official Templates & Size Specifications page directly.

Cross-Reference: Which Numbers Share Templates?

One of the most useful tricks is knowing which Avery numbers are interchangeable from a template perspective. If the grid layout is the same, the same template works.

• 30-per-sheet address labels: 5160, 8160, 5960, 5260, 5970, 5971, 5972, 5979, 5980, 18160

• 10-per-sheet shipping labels: 5163, 8163, 5263, 5523, 5524, 15163, 18163, 48163

• 6-per-sheet large labels: 5164, 8164, 5264 (note: 5264 is actually 14/sheet at a different size, so double check)

• 80-per-sheet tiny labels: 5167, 8167, 15167, 18167

• Full-sheet labels: 5165, 8165

When you visit the FoxyLabels Template Catalog, each template page lists all compatible Avery product numbers, so you never have to guess.

Choosing the Right Avery Label for Your Project

Knowing label sizes is one thing. Knowing which size to pick for your specific project is where the real value lies. Let's walk through the most common scenarios and match them to the ideal Avery label.

Mailing and Address Labels

If you're printing return addresses for personal correspondence, holiday cards, or small business mailings, the Avery 5160 (1" x 2.625", 30 per sheet) is the gold standard. It's the most widely used label in the world for a reason: the size fits neatly on standard #10 envelopes and gives you plenty of room for a three-line address block.

For return address labels where space is tight, the Avery 5167 (0.5" x 1.75", 80 per sheet) packs the most labels onto a single page. These tiny labels work well for minimalist designs, though they're not ideal if you need to include logos or additional text.

Need something in between? The Avery 5159 (1.5" x 2.813", 18 per sheet) gives you slightly more space than the 5160 without going too large.

Shipping and Package Labels

Shipping labels need to be readable at arm's length, which means bigger is better. The Avery 5163 (2" x 4", 10 per sheet) is the workhorse of shipping labels. It fits standard shipping information including sender, recipient, and a small barcode or tracking number. If you regularly ship packages for a small business, this is your label. For a step-by-step walkthrough on using this exact label in Google Docs, check out the guide on how to use Avery 5163 shipping label template in Google Docs.

For larger packages or when you need to include more detailed information (FBA labels, warehouse labeling, or pallet identification), step up to the Avery 5164 (3.333" x 4", 6 per sheet). The extra height gives you room for larger barcodes, QR codes, or multi-line descriptions.

Organization and Filing

File folder labels are a separate category entirely. The Avery 5264 (1.333" x 4", 14 per sheet) is purpose-built for file folder tabs. The narrow height sits perfectly on a folder tab without hanging over the edges, while the 4-inch width gives you room for a complete label with category names, dates, or color-coded text.

For binder spines, shelf labels, or other organizational tasks, the Avery 5161 (1" x 4", 20 per sheet) provides a long, slim label that wraps around spines or fits into label holders on shelving systems.

Product Labels, Stickers, and Special Uses

Round labels like the Avery 5196 (1" diameter, 63 per sheet) are perfect for sealing envelopes, branding product packaging, or creating small decorative stickers. They add a polished, professional touch that rectangular labels simply can't replicate.

Full-sheet labels (Avery 5165) give you an entire 8.5" x 11" sticker surface. These are ideal for custom signage, large product labels, bumper stickers, or any project where you need maximum design freedom.

Weatherproof options like the Avery 5524 use the same 2" x 4" layout as the 5163 but on durable polyester material that resists water, UV, and tearing. Choose these for outdoor products, chemical containers, or anything exposed to the elements.

Setting Up Avery Label Templates in Google Docs Step by Step

Google Docs doesn't include built-in Avery label templates like Microsoft Word does. That's a common frustration for people who've switched to Google Workspace. But with the right approach, you can get professional label layouts in Google Docs without any headaches.

Step 1: Find Your Template

The fastest method is to use a pre-built template designed specifically for Google Docs. The FoxyLabels Template Catalog offers templates for all the major Avery label sizes listed in the chart above. Each template is formatted with the correct margins, cell sizes, and spacing so your text aligns perfectly with the label adhesive areas on the sheet.

Search by Avery product number or browse by label size. When you find your match, you can download the template in multiple formats including Google Docs-compatible files.

Step 2: Open and Customize Your Template

Once you've opened your template in Google Docs, you'll see a table layout where each cell represents one label on the sheet. Here's how to work with it effectively:

1. Click inside any cell to start typing your content

2. Format your text using the Google Docs toolbar (font, size, alignment, color)

3. Add images or logos by inserting them directly into a cell and resizing

4. Copy your content across all cells if every label should be identical

5. For variable data (different names or addresses on each label), type unique content into each cell individually

A few formatting tips that make a big difference:

• Center-align vertically and horizontally for the cleanest look on most label types

• Use 8-10pt font for address labels (5160) to fit three lines comfortably

• Use 11-14pt font for shipping labels (5163, 5164) so they're readable from a distance

• Set cell padding to zero if your text is getting cut off near the edges

• Avoid borders on the table so gridlines don't print on your labels

Step 3: Print with Precision

Printing is where most label projects go wrong. Follow these steps to avoid wasted sheets:

1. Go to File > Print in Google Docs

2. Set the paper size to Letter (8.5" x 11")

3. Set margins to None or the minimum your printer allows

4. Under "Scale," choose 100% or Actual size (never "Fit to page")

5. Print a test page on regular paper first

6. Hold the test print behind an actual label sheet up to a light source to check alignment

7. Adjust if needed, then print on your label sheets

That light test is the single most valuable trick for label printing. It costs you one sheet of regular paper and can save you from ruining an entire pack of labels.

Step 4: Scale with Mail Merge for Large Batches

If you need to print dozens or hundreds of unique labels (customer mailing lists, product variations, event name tags), typing each one manually isn't practical. This is where a mail merge workflow saves hours of work.

You can use Google Sheets as your data source, organizing names, addresses, or product details into columns. Then use an add-on to pull that data into your label template automatically, generating a unique label for each row. For users who regularly handle large label batches, FoxyLabels Pricing and Plans offers advanced generation features that streamline this process significantly.

Troubleshooting Common Label Printing Problems

Even with the right template and careful setup, things can go sideways. Here are the issues people encounter most often and how to fix them fast.

Misaligned Printing

This is the number one complaint. Your text looked perfect on screen but printed slightly off-center, causing text to creep onto the label borders or spill across two labels.

The fix: Almost always, this is caused by your printer scaling the document. Go back into print settings and verify that scaling is set to 100%. Also check that your printer driver isn't adding its own margins on top of the document margins. Some printers have a "borderless" or "actual size" option buried in advanced settings.

If alignment is consistently off in one direction, you can adjust the document margins by 0.05" to 0.1" to compensate for your specific printer's offset. Every printer has a small unprintable margin, and this varies by model.

Text Getting Cut Off

If your text disappears at the edges of cells, the cell size may be slightly too small or your font size is too large. Reduce the font by one point, or trim your text. For address labels, abbreviate state names and use standard postal abbreviations to save space.

Labels Jamming in the Printer

Label sheets are thicker than regular paper and have a slick backing. Feed them one sheet at a time through your printer's manual feed tray (also called the bypass tray or rear feed). Avoid using the main paper cassette for label sheets, as the rollers can peel labels off the backing and cause jams that are extremely annoying to clean.

Colors Look Different on Screen vs. Print

What you see on your monitor is displayed in RGB color, while your printer outputs in CMYK. Bright greens, vivid blues, and neon colors will always look slightly muted when printed. If color accuracy matters (brand logos, for example), print a small test batch first and adjust your design colors to compensate.

Choosing the right Avery label doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the chart above to identify your label number and size, match it to your project type, and grab a ready-to-use template from the FoxyLabels Template Catalog. From there, it's just a matter of typing your content, running a quick alignment test, and printing. Whether you're labeling ten envelopes or a thousand shipping boxes, the process stays the same. The right template paired with the right label sheet gives you professional results every single time.