DTF A4 vs A3 vs linear metre: which format to order

When A4 or A3 wins

For one or a few small or medium designs, A4 is usually the simplest and cheapest: a fixed price, with nothing to lay out. A3 wins when the design is larger or you want several medium pieces on one sheet. If you only need one or two sheets, it is not worth building a metre.

• 1–2 small designs: A4, fixed price
• Large design or several medium pieces: A3
• No layout: a sheet ready to order
• Ideal for tests and one-off orders

When the linear metre is worth it

As soon as you have several logos or many copies, the linear metre is almost always cheaper: you group everything on the 60 cm sheet and pay only for the length used, with no per-piece price. The more designs you fit across the width, the lower the cost per unit.

• Several designs or many copies: metre is cheaper
• No minimum per design: you pay the length, not the piece
• You use the full 60 cm usable width
• The builder works out the price in real time

Sheet usage in each format

The linear metre uses the material better because you place pieces across the 60 cm width and rotate them to leave no gaps. On A4/A3, usage depends on how much you fill the sheet: a sheet with a single small design wastes area. That is why, above a certain volume, the metre is more efficient.

Quick decision table

In short: if you have few designs and do not want to lay anything out, A4 or A3. If you have several designs or many copies and want the lowest cost per unit, the linear metre. When in doubt, build your order in the builder and compare: the metre price shows instantly.

• 1–2 small pieces → A4
• Large piece or a few medium ones → A3
• Several designs or many copies → linear metre
• Not sure? Compare in the builder in real time