Every restaurant that wraps food makes the same small decision hundreds of times a day: how much paper to use. Pick a sheet that’s too small and sauce ends up on hands. Pick one that’s too big and you pay for paper that goes straight in the bin.
The good news is that sizing wax paper isn’t complicated. Once you know what you wrap most often and how your team folds it, the right size becomes obvious.
Start With Your Best Seller
Look at your sales and find the item you wrap most often. That’s the size to optimize for. A shop that sells mostly single burgers shouldn’t size every sheet for the occasional triple stack.
Measure the item’s width at its widest point, then add around 4 inches. That extra room lets the paper come up the sides and fold over the top without tearing.
Common Sizes and What They Fit
These are the sizes most kitchens start with. Treat them as a starting point, not a rule.
| Sheet size | Works best for | Fold style |
|---|---|---|
| 12 × 12 in | Single burgers, breakfast sandwiches, cookies | Diamond fold |
| 14 × 14 in | Double burgers, half subs, burritos | Envelope fold |
| 15 × 16 in | Basket and tray liners, fries, shared plates | Laid flat |
| 12 × 18 in | Footlong subs, hot dogs, long wraps | Roll and twist |
Your Fold Changes the Size
Two kitchens can wrap the same burger in different sheet sizes because they fold differently. A diamond fold, where the burger sits in the middle of a sheet turned on its corner, needs less paper than a square envelope fold.
Before you order, have your team wrap your best seller a few times with scrap paper and measure what they actually use.
Sizing Basket and Tray Liners
Liners are easier: measure the base of the basket or tray and add 1–2 inches on each side so the paper rises up the edges. If you serve fries in the same basket as a burger, size for the whole basket, not just the base.
Tip: printed liners are the most visible paper in the order, because customers look straight down at them. Put your logo near the center, not the edges.
When a Custom Size Makes Sense
If none of the common sizes fit, consider a custom size. The paper is cut to your measurement during printing, and every wrap looks the same.
- Unusual items: tall stacked sandwiches, flatbreads or oversized pastries.
- Tight margins: high-volume shops where a small saving per sheet adds up quickly.
- Brand consistency: a sheet sized so your logo lands in the same spot every time.
Next Steps
Measure your best seller, try a few folds, and pick the size that covers it with room to tuck. If you’re still unsure, send us a photo of the item and our team will recommend a size. When you’re ready, request a quote for printed wax paper sheets.
