Short answer
A standard 12-inch LP cover is a little over 12 inches square. Most guides give roughly 12.25 to 12.5 inches (about 31 to 32 cm) on each side, with 12.375 inches the figure quoted most often. Seven-inch single covers are usually a little over 7 inches square, and 10-inch covers a little over 10 inches. Exact measurements vary by label, country and era, so treat the numbers below as approximate.
Cover sizes by record format
| Record size | Typical jacket size (approx.) | Typical outer sleeve (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 inch | 12.25 to 12.5 in (about 31 to 32 cm) square | about 12.75 in square, some up to 13 in |
| 10 inch | about 10.25 to 10.5 in square | about 10.5 to 11 in square |
| 7 inch | about 7.25 in (about 18 cm) square | about 7.25 to 7.5 in square |
Sources differ by a few millimetres, so if you are cutting a frame or buying a storage product, measure a sample cover.
Why jacket sizes vary slightly
Jackets are made from printed board folded and glued around the record, and the allowance for the disc is not identical everywhere. Older covers can have worn edges, and some imports or boutique reissues use slightly different board. Spine thickness also varies, so two jackets with the same height and width can differ in how thick they feel.
Sleeves that fit each cover
There are two kinds of protective sleeve, and they are sized differently.
- Inner sleeves hold the disc and are sized close to the record itself, roughly 12 inches for an LP, though many are a little larger.
- Outer sleeves wrap the jacket and are sized a little larger than it, so the cover slides in without a fight.
For a full explanation of the types, see what a record sleeve is. If you are unsure how the disc itself is sized, our vinyl record dimensions guide covers 7, 10 and 12 inch records.
Gatefolds and thicker covers
A gatefold opens like a book and is usually the same height as a normal cover, with a wider opened spread. Double albums and gatefolds are often thicker, so they may need a wider outer sleeve, and a standard sleeve can feel tight. Box sets and special editions vary a lot, and some come in a vinyl slipcase that adds a further layer.
Are vinyl covers 12x12, and are all vinyls 7 inch?
Twelve-inch album covers are close to square and roughly 12 by 12 inches in the loose sense, although the real figure is a little larger. Not all records are 7 inch. Seven-inch is the single format, while albums are normally 12 inch, and 10 inch records exist as a third, less common size.
Designing or framing cover artwork
If you are designing a cover, ask your pressing plant or printer for its template, since bleed, spine width and board thickness change the final artwork size. For framing, choose a frame sized for a 12-inch LP, and look for one with a little extra room so you can slide the cover in and out without damage. A square image of about 12.375 inches is a reasonable starting point for display, but a template from the manufacturer is more reliable.
How to measure your own
Lay the cover flat and measure height and width with a ruler or tape, and note the spine thickness if you are buying sleeves for thicker releases. Measure two or three covers from your collection, because older and newer ones can differ slightly.