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What is the Standard Size of a Vinyl Record Album Cover

Vinyl Records

By Impress Vinyl September 5, 2024

Standard Size of a Vinyl Record Album Cover

Have you ever imagined why vinyl records feel so iconic? One could be due to their awesome album covers, which are not just protective sleeves but a canvas for creative expression. But what exactly is the standard size of a vinyl record album cover? If you are a collector, an artist, or a mere observer of these art pieces, knowing the standard size of vinyl record covers, vinyl record sleeves, and kinds of such covers will make you appreciate these customised vinyl records even more.

The Vinyl Record Album Covers

Records have now returned to popularity, and with records, their covers are relevant again. The outer covers for vinyl record albums are no longer just sleeves — they are art pieces artists use to leave an impression. But what does it mean to have standard sizes for these covers, and do they play any crucial role?

Advantages of vinyl Record album covers

Apart from protecting the vinyl records, album covers serve various functions as explained below which can be seen that digital music fails to offer.

  • Tangible Artwork:

     Vinyl covers are relatively big, thereby enabling detailed and immersive artwork taking each record as a work of art.

  • Enhanced Listening Experience:

     A focus is shifted not only to the tracks themselves but also to the action of removing the record from its sleeve and putting it on the turntable, which is quite symbolic in a way.

  • Durability:

     The covers that are made of vinyl offer the records the optimum kind of safety against dust, scratches, and any other form of damage thus keeping the records in top form for many years.

  • Resale Value:

     Records with their covers and plastics intact are worth far more and since most collectors buy with an end view of selling the records, it is the right investment to make.

Standardization: Reasons for its Importance

Thus, standardization about the size of the vinyl record covers aids in the similarities concerning storage, display, and production. It is convenient for collectors to arrange their collections, for artists to generate their covers, and for manufacturers to create similar products. The uniform size also makes the records compatible with standard vinyl record sleeves which are also used to further protect the Record from dust and scratches.

Standard Sizes of Vinyl Record Covers

Sleeves are mainly required for storage as well as for display purposes and normally a vinyl record cover should measure about 12 x 12 inches and this can be considered as the standard size of vinyl record cover. Just as you need to know the types of records depending on their use, it is equally important to understand the sizes of records, whether you are a collector, a DJ, or a music lover, for proper storage and display.

Standard Sizes of Vinyl Record Covers

12-Inch Vinyl Record Album Covers

The 12-inch cover is the standard size of the vinyl record cover, and it is commonly found in mainstream albums under LP or long-play variants. The dimensions of the 12-inch vinyl record album covers are known as standard 12.” 375 inches x 12. A diameter of 375 inches, which is the same as 31. 43 cm x 31. 43 cm. This size gives enough room for artwork and liner notes, meaning that this size is popular among collectors as well as artists.

10-inch Vinyl Record Album covers

Slightly less frequently, users employ the vinyl cover that is 10 inches long in measurement and approximately 10 inches. 25 inches x 10. 25 inches (26 cm x 26 cm) inches. These are usually used for EPs (Extended Plays) or special edition albums.

7-Inch Vinyl Record Album Covers

As expected, the 7-inch cover is usually associated with products such as singles because of its small size. The normal size for these covers is 7. 125 inches x 7. 125 inches (18. 1 cm x 18. 1 cm)

Custom Sizes

These, however, are the standard sizes, although most collectors or artists always opt for custom-made vinyl record album covers to have the feel of having a distinct kind of collection. Although records can be bought off the shelf, thus standard in size, vinyl records can be customized to the size that one desires, depending on the design and how one wishes to present them.

Vinyl Record Sleeves

Record covers are very important they help in the preservation of your records and make them playable for many years. However, not all sleeves are the same and this article will help you to differentiate between them.

Types of vinyl Record Sleeves

  • Paper Sleeves:

     These are the most common and affordable type, often included with new records. Despite this, they offer some protection to the record, though sometimes they leave paper particles on it.

  • Polyethylene Sleeves:

     These sleeves are made of plastic material, which is far better than paper in the protection of items. They are anti-static types, which helps keep the vinyl record clean.

  • Polypropylene Sleeves:

     These are quite clear and also quite crisp and thus provide a higher level of security. They are mostly employed and collected by serious collectors who wish to maintain their records in perfect shape.

  • Anti-Static Sleeves:

     These sleeves as you already know are made to minimise the build-up of static and are highly suitable for high-fidelity listening and reproduction of sound.

Sizes of Vinyl Record Sleeves

  • 7-inch Sleeves:

     These sheets are typically used for singles and EPs, and most of them are 7X7 inches in size.

  • 10-inch Sleeves:

     These are issued on 10-inch records and normally measure 10 inches by 10 inches.

  • 12-inch Sleeves:

     The first one can be applied to LPs, which are of size 12 inches by 12 inches, and the most widespread is the one for size 12 inches by 12 inches.

  • Outer Sleeves:

     These are relatively a bit bigger and they are intended to encapsulate the complete album artwork and they are nearly about twelve inches. 75 inches by 12.75 inches.

Impress Vinyl for the Best Custom Vinyl Record Album Covers

If you are in search of the best vinyl record album covers on the market, then it would be best to visit Impress Vinyl. We have been producing for years now, and our expertise is in designing customised vinyl records in the best way possible. From choosing the right materials to crafting eye-catching designs, our team works closely with you to bring your vision to life.

At Impress Vinyl, we understand that every detail counts. That is why we have several options available for you: different sizes, various types of finish, and different kinds of printing. From dozens for independent albums to thousands for a commercial album, we’ve got you covered with stunning customised vinyl records.

Wrap Up: The Perfect Cover for Your Vinyl

Therefore, the standard size of the vinyl record cover refers not only to the measurements but also to the vinyl’s concept. Whether you are already an avid collector of vinyl records or a musician in search of the right material to record, knowing the various cover sizes and types will prove valuable as you come across the various types of deals with manufacturers. As for custom vinyl record album covers and customised vinyl records, the company you should turn to is Impress Vinyl, which offers excellent quality and cover design.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

Do not hesitate to order an exclusive album cover for vinyl records in Impress Vinyl now. Feel free to contact us, to begin with creating your music unforgettable!