Common folding fan sizes
Common folding fan lengths are 21, 23, 26.5, 30 and 33 cm when closed. Compare closed length and open width together to choose the carrying size and space for artwork.
Use the table to compare paper fan sizes and suitable uses. Exact open widths vary by construction; confirm the finished dimensions before ordering.
| Closed length | Open width, approx. | When to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| 21 cm / 210 mm | 38 cm / 380 mm | Compact guest handouts and small bags |
| 23 cm / 230 mm | 42 cm / 420 mm | Event fans and everyday carrying |
| 26.5 cm / 265 mm | 47 cm / 470 mm | Larger illustrations and gift designs |
| 30 cm / 300 mm | 54 cm / 540 mm | Calligraphy, props and displays |
| 33 cm / 330 mm | 60 cm / 600 mm | Large artwork and decorative use |
Different models with the same closed length can have different open widths. Opening angle, rib shape and the paper extending beyond the frame all affect the result.
Fan size and paper size are different
The fan leaf is the paper or fabric attached to the ribs. A 23 cm fan does not have 23 cm of paper from top to bottom: part of its length is the exposed handle.
| Dimension | What it means |
|---|---|
| Closed length | End-to-end length of the closed fan, excluding loose tassels. For traditional rib sizes, measure the outer guard itself. |
| Open width | Widest straight-line distance across the fully opened fan, not the curved edge. |
| Open height | Distance from the lowest handle point to the highest edge in the normal open position. |
| Paper leaf depth | Distance between the inner and outer paper edges along the fan’s centerline. |
Paper depth and printable area vary by model. Ask for the actual leaf template; overall fan dimensions cannot tell you how much room your text or artwork will have.
Chinese cun, Japanese sun and inches
Traditional Chinese fan sizes often describe the outer rib length in cun (寸). Using the modern Chinese unit, 1 cun is about 3.33 cm.
| Chinese size label | Approximate rib length |
|---|---|
| 7 cun | 23.3 cm |
| 8 cun | 26.7 cm |
| 9 cun | 30 cm |
| 9.5 cun | 31.7 cm |
| 10 cun | 33.3 cm |
These are unit conversions. A supplier may round a nominal size differently, so confirm the measured length in millimetres.
Do not read 寸 as an English inch. One inch is exactly 2.54 cm, so 9 inches is 22.86 cm. Japanese fan labels use a different convention: a 9.5-sun fan can measure about 28.5 cm. Check the centimetre measurement when comparing labels.
16 ribs, 18 ribs and other counts
Traditional listings may use fang (方) or dang (档) for rib count. The total includes the two outer guards, which are wider than the inner ribs.
| Total rib count | Outer guards | Inner ribs |
|---|---|---|
| 16 ribs | 2 | 14 |
| 18 ribs | 2 | 16 |
“9.5 cun, 18 dang” (九五十八档) means a nominal rib length of about 31.7 cm and 18 ribs in total. It does not describe the open width.
Other counts include 13 and 20, 22, 24, 30 or 40, depending on the style. More ribs do not by themselves mean a stronger or better fan; rib thickness, spacing, material and the joint also matter.
Paikou (排口) means the width at the top of one outer guard. Record the guard width in millimetres separately from the total rib count. There is no fixed conversion between the two measurements.
How to measure a folding fan
- Close it gently. Measure the closed fan from end to end, excluding loose tassels. For the traditional rib size, measure the outer guard separately.
- Open it normally. Measure the widest straight span and the total height. Do not force the guards farther apart.
- Measure the leaf. Record its depth from the inner paper edge to the outer edge at the center. Use the supplier’s template for the full printing shape.
- Count the ribs. Include both outer guards. If paikou matters, measure the top width of one guard with a ruler or caliper.
- Take a photo. Show the ruler and both measurement endpoints. Use the same units when comparing samples.
Choose a size for handouts, gifts or display
For wedding guests or event handouts, compare 21–23 cm samples first. Check how they feel in the hand and whether they fit the intended bag. For larger artwork, compare 26.5–33 cm models using a full-size print of the design.
Large decorative fans use a different scale. Large wall fans can measure 150 cm wide and 75 cm high. Here, “1.5 m” refers to the open width—not a 1.5 m rib. Always confirm what a large size label measures.
Check the closed fan against its packaging
Measure closed length, width and thickness with any sleeve, tassel or other accessory in place. Compare these with the usable interior of the pouch or box, including its insert.
Try putting the fan in and taking it out. Leave enough room for normal size variation without squeezing the folds. Confirm the allowed size variation before ordering fitted packaging.
Send clear dimensions with your enquiry
For a custom folding fan, send the preferred closed length, open width, paper or fabric choice, rib count, quantity and intended use. Include a photo or sample if you want to match an existing fan.
If you are unsure, tell us what must fit: a bag, box, display or printed design. Email info@foldcool.com so we can discuss the size and construction for your project.