Napkin sizes: which size to choose

Paper napkins in different sizes and designs for bars, restaurants, hotels and events

Napkin sizes: how to choose the right size

Choosing the right napkin size helps improve table presentation, optimise consumption and adapt the service to each type of business. The same napkin is not used for a coffee at the bar, a restaurant table, an event, catering service or formal table setting.

In this guide, you will find practical advice on how to choose 20x20 napkins, cocktail napkins, bar napkins, restaurant napkins, 40x40 napkins, kangaroo napkins and paper napkins with a more elegant finish, such as Airlaid or linen-like napkins.

You can view our full range of paper napkins, 20x20 napkins, 40x40 napkins, kangaroo napkins, Airlaid napkins, Like-Linen® napkins and personalised napkins.

Quick answer
Napkin size table
20x20 and cocktail napkins
30x30 and 33x33 napkins
40x40 restaurant napkins
Kangaroo napkins for cutlery
Linen-like paper napkins
Personalised napkins
Quick tips for choosing the right napkin
Frequently asked questions

Quick answer

As a general guide, the napkin size should be chosen according to the type of service:

20x20 cm: recommended for cocktails, appetisers, coffees, bars, tastings and drinks.
30x30 or 33x33 cm: suitable for breakfasts, informal menus, cafés, bars and fast casual dining.
40x40 cm: ideal for restaurants, hotels, catering, events and more complete table service.
Kangaroo napkins: designed to present cutlery in a hygienic, practical and orderly way.
Airlaid or Like-Linen®: recommended when looking for a paper napkin with a look and feel similar to fabric.

The size shown usually refers to the napkin when fully opened. The final size on the table will also depend on the fold.

Napkin size table

This table summarises the most common napkin sizes and the recommended use for each format.

Approximate size	Type of napkin	Recommended use	Choosing tip
20x20 cm	Cocktail, bar or appetiser	Coffees, drinks, tastings, tapas and events	A good option when looking for a small, practical and cost-effective napkin.
30x30 cm	Small standard napkin	Breakfasts, cafés, sandwiches, quick menus and informal dining	Suitable for simple services where a large napkin is not required.
33x33 cm	Standard napkin	Bars, informal restaurants, cafés, fast food and events	A versatile format for everyday use in hospitality.
40x40 cm	Large table napkin	Restaurants, hotels, catering, banquets and full meals	Recommended when looking for better table presence and greater comfort for the customer.
Kangaroo format	Napkin with pocket for cutlery	Restaurants, terraces, catering, events and prepared services	Allows cutlery to be presented quickly, hygienically and neatly.
Premium formats	Airlaid, Like-Linen® or linen-like	Restaurants, hotels, events, celebrations and special services	They provide more body, softness and a more elegant image.

These sizes are for guidance only. The final choice will depend on the type of food, the level of service, the style of the establishment and the presentation you wish to offer.

20x20 napkins and cocktail napkins

20x20 napkins are one of the most widely used sizes for cocktails, drinks, cafés, bars, appetisers, tastings and events. They are small napkins, easy to place and very practical when consumption is quick or does not require a large table napkin.

They are also a good option for serving with coffees, glasses, tapas, snacks, small desserts, catering bites or bar service. If the aim is to offer a functional solution with controlled consumption, the 20x20 napkin is often one of the most efficient alternatives.

View 20x20 napkins.

30x30 and 33x33 napkins for everyday use

30x30 napkins and 33x33 napkins are very versatile formats for hospitality. They work well in cafés, bars, informal restaurants, bakeries, food service, breakfasts, snacks, sandwiches, quick menus and simple food service.

They are more complete than a cocktail napkin, but do not take up as much space or generate the same consumption as a large napkin. That is why they are often a good choice for businesses that need a balance between presentation, functionality and cost.

If the service includes simple dishes, sandwiches, tapas, burgers, breakfasts or informal menus, a 30x30 or 33x33 cm napkin may be sufficient in most cases.

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Linen-like paper napkin presented on a restaurant table

40x40 napkins for restaurants, hotels and catering

40x40 napkins offer a more refined table presence and are especially recommended for restaurants, hotels, catering, banquets, celebrations and more complete lunch or dinner services.

Their larger size provides greater comfort for the diner and allows for a more elegant presentation, whether placed on the plate, next to the cutlery or folded on the table. They are a suitable option when the napkin forms part of the service image and not just its functionality.

For businesses that want to convey a higher-quality image, large napkins are a highly recommended choice, especially when combined with Airlaid, Like-Linen® or personalised designs.

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Kangaroo napkins for cutlery

Kangaroo napkins, also known as pocket napkins or cutlery napkins, include a pocket that allows a knife, fork or spoon to be inserted. They are very practical for preparing services in advance and speeding up table setting.

This format is especially useful in restaurants, terraces, hotels, catering, events, buffets, food trucks or high-turnover services. As well as improving presentation, they help protect cutlery and maintain a neater, more hygienic image.

If your business needs to prepare many tables in a short time or is looking for a consistent presentation, kangaroo napkins are a very effective option.

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Kangaroo napkins with cutlery for restaurants, terraces, catering and events

Paper napkins that look like linen

Linen-like paper napkins are an ideal alternative for businesses looking for a more elegant presentation without giving up the practicality of a disposable napkin. They stand out for their greater softness, body and resistance compared with a conventional paper napkin.

Within this family, Airlaid and Like-Linen® napkins are widely used in restaurants, hotels, catering, celebrations and premium services. They offer a more refined image and can help raise the perception of quality at the table.

They are especially recommended for full meals, dinners, corporate events, weddings, banquets, hotels and restaurants that want a presentation closer to textile table linen.

View Airlaid napkins and Like-Linen® napkins.

Personalised napkins with logo

If, as well as choosing the right size, you want to strengthen your business image, you can personalise your paper napkins with a logo, corporate colours, promotional messages or special designs.

A practical solution for restaurants, bars, cafés, hotels, catering, events and takeaway services.

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Quick tips for choosing the right napkin

Define the type of service: bar, table, event, catering, delivery, buffet or fast casual dining.
Choose the size according to use: 20x20 for cocktails, 30x30 or 33x33 for informal use and 40x40 for restaurants or full table service.
Consider the presentation: a large or linen-like napkin improves the perception of quality at the table.
Take consumption into account: in quick services, a small napkin may be sufficient; at the table, a more comfortable size is advisable.
Use kangaroo napkins for cutlery: they are practical, hygienic and help prepare the service in advance.
Personalise them if you want to strengthen your brand: napkins with a logo add visibility and visual consistency to your business.
Combine formats: many businesses use one size for the bar, another for the table and another for events or special services.

Frequently asked questions about napkin sizes

What is the standard size of a napkin?

It depends on the use. In hospitality, the most common sizes are 20x20 cm for cocktail or bar use, 30x30 or 33x33 cm for informal services and 40x40 cm for restaurants, hotels and more complete table service.

What size is a cocktail napkin?

A cocktail napkin is usually approximately 20x20 cm. It is a recommended option for drinks, coffees, appetisers, tastings, tapas, events and bar service.

Which napkin should you choose for a restaurant?

For a restaurant, a 40x40 cm napkin is usually the most recommended option, especially for full table service. For informal menus or quick services, 33x33 cm formats may also be used.

Which napkin should be used in a bar or café?

In bars and cafés, 20x20, 30x30 or dispenser napkins are usually the most practical. The choice will depend on whether they are used for coffees, drinks, tapas, sandwiches, breakfasts or table service.

What are kangaroo napkins?

Kangaroo napkins are napkins with a pocket for inserting cutlery. They are widely used in restaurants, terraces, catering and events because they allow the service to be prepared quickly while maintaining a neat presentation.

Which paper napkins look like linen?

Airlaid and Like-Linen® napkins offer a feel and presence closer to fabric. They are suitable for restaurants, hotels, events, catering and services where a more elegant presentation is required.

Which napkin size should be chosen for cutlery?

For presenting cutlery, the most practical option is to use kangaroo napkins. This format includes a pocket for placing the cutlery and makes table setting easier in restaurants, terraces, catering and events.

Can paper napkins be personalised?

Yes. Paper napkins can be personalised with a logo, corporate design, colours, promotional messages or QR codes. They are a very useful option for reinforcing brand image in hospitality and events.

What is the difference between a 20x20 napkin and a 40x40 napkin?

The 20x20 napkin is small and is mainly used for cocktails, coffee, drinks or appetisers. The 40x40 napkin is larger and is designed for restaurants, hotels, catering and more complete table service.

Which napkin should you choose for events and catering?

For events and catering, the choice depends on the type of service. For appetisers or tastings, a 20x20 napkin may be sufficient. For seated meals or banquets, it is advisable to use 40x40, Airlaid, Like-Linen® or kangaroo napkins.

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