"Avery 18160 vs 5160: A Side-by-Side Comparison"
When it comes to labeling for everyday home and office use, two Avery label sizes dominate the conversation: Avery 18160 and Avery 5160. Both are designed for standard laser and inkjet printers, share the same label dimensions, and are among the most popular options on the market. But they aren’t exactly the same. Understanding the differences in finish, quantity, compatibility, and common use cases can help you choose the right product for your workflow, whether you’re printing return address labels, shipping tags, or organizing files.
What Are Avery 18160 and 5160?
Both Avery 18160 and Avery 5160 are “address labels” format labels, designed to fit US Letter-sized sheets. Each sheet contains 30 labels, arranged in a 3 columns by 10 rows layout. The individual label size is 1 inch by 2‑5/8 inches (approximately 25.4mm x 66mm), which is by far Avery’s most common address label size. The actual label dimensions and layout on the sheet are identical, so any software or template—Microsoft Word, Avery Design & Print, Google Docs—good be used with either product.
Where they differ is mainly in material and perceived use:
- Avery 18160: Typically described as “premium” or high-quality permanent adhesive labels, often used for professional-looking return address labels and product packaging.
- Avery 5160: The classic everyday address label, widely used for mailing, shipping labels, and general-purpose labeling.
Adhesive and Print Compatibility
One of the practical differences between Avery 18160 and 5160 lies in the adhesive and recommended printing methods. While both are designed for inkjet and laser printers, subtle changes in adhesive formulation and sometimes sheet coating can affect how well ink adheres and how firmly labels stick over time.
Adhesive strength and finish:
- Avery 18160: Usually marketed with a “permanent” adhesive that is intended for items that need a more secure, long-lasting bond, such as return address labels on packages, jars, or boxes that may be handled frequently.
- Avery 5160: Also features a strong adhesive, but it is positioned as a general-purpose label for mailing and shipping, and while still considered permanent, it is widely used for everyday label needs.
Pricing, Availability, and Where to Buy
Both Avery 18160 and 5160 are available at most major retailers—Amazon, Walmart, Staples, Office Depot—and are often priced very similarly, with slight variations in multipack options. In general, 5160 tends to be slightly more available in higher-count packages, often seen in bulk packs of 5,000 or more labels.
Typical price range (subject to availability):
| Product | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Avery 18160 | Often 150–300 sheets (4,500–9,000 labels) | Slightly higher per-sheet price, marketed for professional use |
| Avery 5160 | Commonly 500–1,000 sheets (15,000–30,000 labels) | Everyday value packs available |
Prices fluctuate, but the difference per sheet is usually minor. If you’re in doubt, buying a smaller pack first to test is wise before committing to bulk orders.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re printing a few hundred return address labels for holiday cards, standard file folders, or shipping packages in your home office, either product will perform well. For most users, the decision comes down to availability and the level of finish you prefer. If you need labels that feel slightly more premium and are going to be on product packaging or customer-facing items, and you don’t mind paying a little extra for a smoother finish and slightly more durable adhesive, Avery 18160 is a solid choice.
For high-volume everyday mailing and internal labeling where cost-per-label matters more than a premium look, Avery 5160 is the workhorse option that has been trusted for decades. Ultimately, both will print cleanly in most inkjet and laser printers and adhere well to paper, cardboard, and many other surfaces.