Paper Bags Wholesale: Sizes, Basis Weights and Case Packs

Published October 11, 2026 · by JiaroPack

The quick answer

To buy paper bags wholesale, choose the bag by what it has to hold: measure your product, pick a width x gusset x height that clears it with a little room to spare, check the handle and strength, then compare cost per bag across case packs. Case counts here run from 100 to 400 bags, and the cost per bag falls as you buy more cases.

How paper bag sizes are written

Paper bag sizes are given as width x gusset x height in inches. The gusset is the depth of the bag when it is open. A 10x5x13 in bag is 10 inches wide, 5 inches deep and 13 inches tall.

To size a bag for your product, measure the product's width, depth and height. The bag should be at least an inch wider and deeper than the product, and tall enough that the product sits below the top edge with room to fold or tie the top. If you stock many items, you will usually need two or three sizes rather than one.

Paper bag sizes and case packs

The table below shows the kraft paper gift bags on JiaroPack's paper bags collection as of October 11, 2026. The cost per bag is worked out from the case price at 1 case and at 12 cases.

Prices and colors change, and some colors are out of stock at times, so confirm on the product page. The "good for" column is a guide based on size, not a load rating.

JiaroPack also sells a printed 8.6x7x3.3 in kraft bag for the holidays and a 12.6x9.8x4.3 in gift bag set that includes tissue paper, a bow, greeting cards and a matching envelope. Those are priced per set or per pack, so they are not in the comparison above.

Handles and strength

The bags in this range have twisted paper handles, which JiaroPack lists as holding up to 10 lb. That is a good fit for apparel, gifts, candles and similar retail items, and not for heavy goods like bottles in bulk or hardware.

When you compare suppliers, ask for the paper weight (basis weight, usually in lb or gsm). Heavier paper is stiffer and holds more, and it also costs more per bag. Our product pages do not list the basis weight yet, so ask us for it if the number matters for your order.

• Handle attachment: a bag fails at the handle first. Check how the handle is fixed to the bag.
• Bottom: a flat, folded bottom holds shape and stands up on a counter.
• Moisture: paper does not handle wet items well. For anything damp, plastic does better.

Paper or plastic: which should you buy?

Our guide to choosing paper over plastic for checkout covers this in detail. In short:

• Cost: plastic bags are generally cheaper per unit than a comparable paper bag with handles.
• Moisture: plastic performs much better when the contents are wet.
• Look and feel: kraft paper reads as a step up in perceived quality.

Many stores use both: paper for gifts and boutique sales, plastic for quick checkout and wet items. For sizing plastic checkout bags, see small vs. large thank you bags.

How many bags should you order?

Estimate bags per week, multiply by the weeks you want to cover, and divide by the case count. For example, a gift shop that sends out about 60 of the 10x5x13 in bags a week uses about 240 a month. At 100 bags a case, that is 2.4 cases a month, so 12 cases covers about five months at the lowest tier. (This is an illustrative example.)

Do not overbuy a color you have not tested. Order one case of each new color or size, check the fit with your real products, then scale up.

Common mistakes

• Choosing by width and height only. The gusset decides whether a boxed or bulky item fits.
• Comparing price per case. Cases hold 100 to 400 bags. Divide the price by the count.
• Ignoring load. Handles that hold 10 lb are not meant for heavy goods.
• Ordering one size for everything. Oversized bags look cheap and waste money.
• Skipping the sample. Test with real products before you commit to a full case.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to buy paper bags in bulk?

Buy larger quantities. JiaroPack lowers the price per case at 3, 6 and 12 cases, and the cost per bag falls with it.

How many paper bags come in a case?

On JiaroPack's gift bag range, a case holds 100 to 400 bags depending on size.

How do I read a paper bag size like 10x5x13?

It is width x gusset (depth) x height in inches.

How much weight can a kraft paper bag hold?

JiaroPack lists its twisted-handle kraft bags as holding up to 10 lb. Weight capacity depends on paper weight and handle construction, so check the spec for your supplier.

Are kraft paper bags recyclable?

JiaroPack describes its kraft paper bags as recyclable and FSC-compliant.

Can I buy paper bags in more colors?

Yes. The range includes brown, white, black, bronze, red, pink and champagne in different sizes, and stock varies by size.

Ready to order?

Browse the paper bags collection or request a wholesale quote for volume pricing.

Related reading: paper thank you bags vs. plastic, small vs. large thank you bags.

Sources

• JiaroPack: Wholesale kraft paper bags with handles (sizes, pack counts, prices as of October 11, 2026)
• JiaroPack: Paper thank you bags, when to choose paper over plastic