ISO 269-1985 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 269:1985 — Correspondence envelopes — Designation and sizes. This International Standard specifies designation and nominal sizes for correspondence (postal) envelopes commonly used with internationally standardized paper formats.

Abstract

ISO 269:1985 defines standard envelope formats and their nominal dimensions (millimetres), giving the conventional designations (for example C-series, DL, B-series) used for correspondence and postal envelopes. The standard applies to envelopes intended for postal purposes and does not cover methods of closing envelopes. The 1985 edition has since been withdrawn.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (no current ISO replacement listed)
• Publication date: April 1985 (Edition 2)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 85.080.10 (Paper products — envelopes)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (1985)
• Number of pages: 2

Scope

The standard covers designation and nominal sizes of correspondence (postal) envelopes intended for general postal use. It establishes conventional names and the corresponding dimensions in millimetres for commonly used envelope formats so they can be matched to standard paper sizes (A-series, B-series) or used for domestic/international mailing. ISO 269 does not specify envelope construction details such as closure type, material grades, printing, or postal service regulations.

Key topics and requirements

• Standard designations for correspondence envelopes (C-series, DL, B-series, etc.).
• Nominal envelope dimensions in millimetres for each designation (examples: DL 110 × 220 mm; C6 114 × 162 mm; C5 162 × 229 mm; C4 229 × 324 mm; B5 176 × 250 mm; B4 250 × 353 mm; C3 324 × 458 mm).
• Guidance on matching envelope sizes to folded or unfolded paper formats (e.g., A4 folded to fit C5 or DL).
• Use of a consistent designation system to simplify manufacturing, procurement and postal handling.
• Applicability limited to postal correspondence envelopes; no requirements for closure, paper weight, window placement, or postal marking rules.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of envelopes and stationery, procurement specialists, print shops, office supplies retailers, postal service planners and standards librarians use ISO 269 to ensure compatibility between paper sizes and envelope formats. Designers and administrators who specify stationery and mailing materials also rely on the standard when ordering or producing envelopes for business and postal correspondence.

Related standards

ISO 269 is part of the family of paper and envelope sizing standards. Relevant related standards include ISO 216 (paper sizes — A and B series), ISO 217 (folded formats and reduced sizes), national/adopted standards that reference ISO 269 for envelope formats, and related postal or stationery standards (for example national standards that adopt or adapt ISO 269 dimensions). Historical national equivalents include standards such as DIN envelope size designations.

Keywords

correspondence envelopes, envelope sizes, DL, C-series, C4, C5, C6, B-series, ISO 269, paper formats, postal envelopes, envelope designation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 269:1985 is an International Standard that specifies designation names and nominal sizes for correspondence (postal) envelopes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the conventional designations and nominal dimensions (in millimetres) of common envelope types used for postal correspondence; it does not cover envelope closure methods, materials, or postal service rules.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Envelope manufacturers, stationery suppliers, printers, procurement officers, and postal or office standards administrators use the standard to ensure compatible sizing between paper formats and envelopes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 269:1985 has been withdrawn. It is listed as withdrawn in ISO registries and in historical lists of ISO standards; users should check national or current ISO publications for any newer or adopted documents if up-to-date requirements are needed.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 269 relates to the family of ISO standards for paper and envelope sizes (for example ISO 216 for paper sizes and ISO 217 for related format definitions) and is commonly referenced alongside those standards when specifying stationery and mailing formats.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: correspondence envelopes, envelope sizes, DL, C-series, C4, C5, C6, B-series, postal envelopes, ISO 269.