Jiffy Bubble Envelope Size Guide with Dimensions

Key Takeaways

• Jiffy bubble envelopes come in 11 standard sizes, ranging from JL000 (90x145mm) for small items like gift cards to JL8 (460x660mm) for large documents and bulky items.
• When selecting the proper envelope size, always measure your item's dimensions and add 20–30mm for padding to ensure adequate protection.
• Internal dimensions (not external measurements) are the critical sizing factor for ensuring your items fit properly inside Jiffy envelopes.
• Choosing the correct Jiffy bubble envelope size can significantly reduce shipping costs while ensuring optimal protection.
• Globe Packaging stocks the complete range of Jiffy bubble envelopes at competitive prices and provides expert sizing guidance.

Understanding Jiffy Bubble Envelope Sizing

Finding the right bubble envelope size shouldn't require a PhD in packaging science. Whether you're shipping delicate electronics or essential documents, selecting the correct Jiffy bubble envelope dimensions is crucial for both protection and cost-efficiency. 

Jiffy bubble envelopes feature a durable kraft brown outer layer with a tear-resistant construction and a convenient peel-and-seal closure strip. The bubble-lined interior provides cushioned protection for your items during transit.

Jiffy bubble envelopes follow a standardized sizing system that uses both alphanumeric codes (JL000 through JL8) and letter designations (A through L). The smallest size, JL000 (A), measures 90x145mm internally, while the largest standard size, JL8 (L), offers a generous 460x660mm interior space. Understanding this size progression helps you quickly identify which envelope will accommodate your items without wasting materials or unnecessarily increasing shipping costs.

Most commonly shipped items fall within predictable size ranges. Small electronics, gift cards, and jewelry typically fit within the JL000 to JL0 range. Books, DVDs, and small accessories generally require JL1 to JL3 envelopes. Clothing items, larger electronics, and bulkier merchandise are usually JL4 through JL8. The exact measurements of each size category ensure you can make precise selections based on your shipping needs.

Complete Jiffy Bubble Envelope Size Chart

Below is a comprehensive reference table showing all standard Jiffy bubble envelope dimensions. Note that these measurements represent the usable internal space—the area where your item will sit inside the envelope.

Small Envelope Sizes (JL000–JL0)

Small Jiffy bubble envelopes are perfect for compact items that still require impact protection. The JL000 (A) size measures 90x145mm internally and works exceptionally well for memory cards, gift cards, and small jewelry pieces. Moving up slightly, the JL00 (B) size at 115x195mm accommodates larger jewelry items, small electronics accessories, and thin items that need protection.

Medium Envelope Sizes (JL1–JL4)

The medium range of Jiffy bubble envelopes offers versatility for everyday shipping needs. The JL1 (D) size provides 170x245mm of internal space, making it perfect for DVDs, standard paperback books, and small electronic accessories. This size strikes an excellent balance between protection and shipping economy for moderately sized items that still need cushioning against impacts.

Moving up to JL2 (E) at 205x245mm gives you additional width while maintaining similar height, ideal for wider books and compact electronics. The JL3 (F) expands to 220x320mm, providing ample space for tablets and e-readers while still keeping postal rates reasonable. JL4 (G) measures 240x320mm internally, offering expanded width for larger electronics while maintaining the same height profile as the JL3.

Large Envelope Sizes (JL5–JL8)

For substantial items requiring maximum protection, the larger Jiffy bubble envelope sizes provide extensive internal space. The JL5 (H) size offers 260x345mm of internal room, making it suitable for smaller laptops, multiple folded clothing items, or bundled office supplies. These larger envelopes maintain the protective bubble lining as they scale up to accommodate bulkier merchandise.

The JL6 (J) envelope expands to 290x445mm, providing sufficient space for most standard laptops, multiple clothing items, or small framed photographs. JL7 (K) measures 340x445mm internally, accommodating larger laptops and multiple boxed items together. The largest standard size, JL8 (L), offers an impressive 460x660mm of internal space, perfect for shipping larger documents, artwork, or multiple related items that need to stay together during transit.

How to Measure Items for Perfect Envelope Fit

Step 1: Measure Your Item's Dimensions

Start by measuring the length, width, and thickness of your item at its largest points. For irregularly shaped items, measure the maximum dimensions in each direction. Use a ruler or measuring tape to get precise measurements in millimeters or inches. For multiple items being shipped together, arrange them as they'll be placed in the envelope, and measure the total combined dimensions.

Step 2: Add Padding Allowance

Once you have your item's dimensions, add approximately 20–30mm (about 1 inch) to each measurement to account for the required padding. This extra room ensures the bubble lining can properly cushion your item without being compressed. The padding allowance may need to be increased for particularly fragile items that require additional protection from impacts and pressure.

Step 3: Choose the Right Size Envelope

Compare your final measurements (including padding allowance) to the Jiffy bubble envelope size chart. Select the envelope size with internal dimensions that equal or exceed your item's measurements plus padding allowance. When in doubt between two sizes, opt for the slightly larger option to ensure adequate protection without compromising the bubble lining's effectiveness.

Common Shipping Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Using Oversized Envelopes (Wasting Money)

One of the most common errors is selecting an envelope that is significantly larger than necessary for your item. While extra space provides additional protection, oversized packaging actually allows items to shift during transit, potentially causing damage from repeated impacts against the envelope walls. Additionally, larger envelopes often incur higher shipping costs, unnecessarily reducing your profit margins.

The solution is simple: measure your items accurately and select the Jiffy size that provides adequate room for the item plus a small cushioning allowance of 20–30mm. This approach ensures protection while effectively controlling costs.

Choosing Undersized Options (Damaging Products)

Equally problematic is selecting envelopes that are too small for your items. Forcing products into undersized Jiffy bubble envelopes compresses the protective air bubbles, severely reducing their cushioning ability. Compressed bubbles can't absorb impacts effectively, leaving your products vulnerable to damage during handling and transit.

Additionally, overly tight packaging creates pressure points on your merchandise, potentially causing bending, warping, or breakage. Always ensure your selected envelope size accommodates your item without stretching or distorting the bubble lining.

Ignoring Internal Dimensions

A critical mistake many shippers make is confusing external and internal dimensions when selecting Jiffy bubble envelopes. Remember that the sizing specifications (like 90x145mm for JL000) refer to the usable internal space, not the envelope's total exterior dimensions. The actual exterior measurements will be larger to account for seals, flaps, and the thickness of the bubble lining.

When measuring your items, always compare them to the envelope's internal dimensions. This ensures your items will fit properly within the usable space, maintaining the protective integrity of the packaging.

Find Your Perfect Fit with Globe Packaging's Jiffy Envelope Expertise

At Globe Packaging, we understand that proper sizing means the difference between products arriving pristine or damaged. That's why we provide detailed internal dimensions for every Jiffy envelope size, so you can select packaging that accommodates your items. 

Our expertise helps you avoid costly mistakes, such as oversized envelopes that increase postage or undersized options that compress protective bubbles. Beyond our comprehensive Jiffy envelope selection, Globe Packaging offers competitive pricing that makes professional-grade protective packaging accessible to businesses of all sizes. 

Our knowledgeable team can guide you in selecting the right size for your specific products, shipping volumes, and budget. With next-day delivery on orders placed by 4 PM and our position as one of the UK's most trusted packaging suppliers, we ensure you never compromise between protection and cost-efficiency. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the difference between internal and external dimensions on Jiffy envelopes?

Internal dimensions represent the usable space inside where your item sits, while external dimensions include seals, flaps, and the thickness of the bubble lining. Jiffy specifications, like "JL000 (90x145mm)", always refer to internal dimensions, with external measurements typically 10–20mm larger on each side.

How much padding allowance should I add when selecting a Jiffy envelope size?

Add 20-30mm (approximately 1 inch) to each of your items' dimensions when selecting envelope size. This padding allowance ensures the bubble lining can properly cushion your item without compression. For particularly fragile items, consider increasing this allowance slightly.

Can Jiffy bubble envelopes be reused for multiple shipments?

Yes, Jiffy envelopes can be reused if opened carefully along the seal. The bubble lining remains effective through several uses unless compressed or punctured. However, for high-value items or professional shipments, new envelopes ensure maximum protection and presentation quality.

Which Jiffy size fits standard A4 documents?

Standard A4 documents (210x297mm) fit comfortably in JL3 envelopes (220x320mm internal dimensions). This size provides adequate space for the document plus protective padding without excessive bulk, keeping shipping costs reasonable while ensuring protection against bending and impacts.

Does Globe Packaging stock all Jiffy bubble envelope sizes?

Yes, Globe Packaging stocks the complete range of Jiffy bubble envelopes from JL000 through JL8 in all 11 standard sizes. Orders placed by 4 PM receive next-day delivery across mainland UK, ensuring immediate availability for your packaging needs.

*Note: Product listings and prices shown are approximate and subject to change. Contact Globe Packaging for the latest information.