Hong Kong Red Packet Sizes (2026): Fit Every Banknote

Pick the right size and your banknotes sit flat — no crowding, no curled corners. This guide works backwards from the note dimensions published by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) to recommend red packet specs, then covers the die-cut, note test-fit and ordering points you need before a run.

Pick a size in three lines

• Want every denomination ($10–$1,000) to lie flat as a single note: choose the Tall / portrait 90 × 171 mm (inner size roughly 86 × 168 mm).
• Prefer compact and don't mind folding: pick the Medium 90 × 128 mm or the Square 90 × 90 mm.
• Going Landscape 169 × 85 mm: the inner width must be ≥ 82–83 mm; test-fit a real note before you commit to holding a $1,000.

Hong Kong banknote dimensions

Note: batches can vary by ±0.5 mm; when you design a red packet, leave an extra 2–3 mm on the inner size.

Common finished red packet sizes

• Tall (portrait): 89–90 × 171 mm
• Medium (portrait): 90 × 128 mm
• Square: 90 × 90 mm
• Landscape: 169 × 85 mm

The finished size is the outer dimension; the usable inner size is normally 2–3 mm smaller on each edge (the glued seams and the flap eat into it).

Working out the inner size and tolerances

• Inner width ≈ finished width − side seams (2–2.5 mm each)
• Inner height ≈ finished height − top-mouth seam (3–4 mm)
• Stack thickness: new notes run 0.10–0.13 mm each ⇒ 10 notes ≈ 1–1.3 mm
• Production tolerance: die-cut ±1–2 mm, seams ±0.5–1 mm ⇒ allow another 2–3 mm of margin

Note-fit reference (lies flat / must fold)

Rule of thumb: the inner size needs to beat the note's width and height by 2–3 mm each for a single note to lie flat; if the gap is only 1–2 mm, step up a size or plan to fold.

Take 90 × 171 mm: the estimated inner size is about 86 × 168 mm.

Tall 90 × 171 mm (inner size ≈ 86 × 168)

• $1,000 / $500: a single note lies flat comfortably; ≤10 notes still work (leave 4–5 mm at the mouth).
• $100 / $50 / $20 / $10: a single note and ≤10 notes all lie flat.
  Verdict: if you want every denomination, up to 10 notes, to still lie flat, Tall is the safest bet.

Landscape 169 × 85 mm (inner size ≈ 165 × 82)

• $1,000: borderline; you need an inner width ≥ 82–83 mm to avoid scraping the edges — test-fit first.
• $500 and below: a single note or ≤5 notes generally lie flat; 10 notes depend on the seams.
  Advice: always proof a Landscape design and test-fit real notes; a V-shaped mouth cut adds tolerance.

Medium 90 × 128 mm (inner size ≈ 86 × 125)

• Every denomination has to be folded.
  Verdict: Medium is a compact size built around folding.

Square 90 × 90 mm (inner size ≈ 86 × 86)

• Every denomination has to be folded.
  Verdict: a good pick if you're after the shape and look — just expect folding as part of the etiquette.

Die-cut and construction

• Portrait, top-opening: side seams 2–3 mm each; top-mouth seam 3–4 mm; closing flap 12–15 mm (R2–R3 corner radius).
• Landscape, pull-out: inner pull card 250–300 g; add a crescent thumb-cut (20–25 mm) at the opening.
• Gift-box set: outer box 350 g card + 1.5 mm greyboard; 8–10 envelopes per box.

Materials and finishing

• Stock: 120–150 g pearlescent / fine-art paper; inner liner 100–120 g.
• Surface: matte lamination or Soft-Touch (score the fold lines first).
• Finishing: foil stamping / spot UV / laser-cut fretwork (pick 1–2; keep foil ±3 mm clear of fold lines).
• Colour: red, purple and gold are the usual choices; for foil, try gloss gold, matte gold or gloss red-gold.

Design risks and things to watch

1. An inner width under 82 mm tends to scrape a $1,000 note.
2. A closing flap under 12 mm comes loose easily; over 18 mm is hard to open.
3. Large solid-red areas scuff easily if left unlaminated; use matte lamination or a soft-touch card, and score first.
4. Keep any cut-outs ≥ 5 mm from the edge and away from the closure.
5. Without a liner the envelope sags; add a 100–120 g inner liner.
6. Size any QR code ≥ 15 mm and keep it ≥ 6 mm from the edge (so the seal sticker doesn't cover it).
7. Etiquette tip: avoid folding large-denomination notes; if you must fold, tucking the note in corner-first sits more neatly.

Sample order spec

Style: red packet (Tall 90 × 171 mm)
Inner size: about 86 × 168 mm
Stock: 150 g pearlescent paper
Surface: Soft-Touch velvet
Finishing: 1-colour gloss-gold foil (±3 mm clear of fold lines)
Closure: tuck flap + 25 mm seal sticker
Packing: 10 per set; each set in an OPP sleeve
Quantity: 2,000 units
Note: proof required first.

FAQ

Q: What's the smallest size if I want every denomination to lie flat as a single note?
A: An inner size of at least 84 × 166 mm, which maps to a finished size of about 90 × 171 mm (depending on the seams).

Q: How do I handle the size variation on the $10 polymer note?
A: Different years are listed at 133–134 × 66 mm; design to 134 × 66 mm to be safe.

Q: Is Landscape easier to use?
A: It works, but make sure the inner width is ≥ 82–83 mm; proof it and test-fit real notes.

Ready to print? Browse our red packet envelopes — we deliver across Hong Kong and Macau, and every run is proofed before printing. Questions on sizing or artwork? WhatsApp us at +852 3001 5678 (English is fine).