What is a Gusset?
If you have ever compared bag sizes and seen a third measurement listed as a gusset, you might have wondered what it means. Understanding gussets makes it much easier to pick a bag that fits your products properly.
What is a gusset?
In packaging, a gusset is an expandable fold built into the side or bottom of a bag. It is simply part of the bag folded back in on itself, which opens out to give the bag extra depth and carrying volume. In other words, a gusset lets a flat bag hold bulkier items.
Types of gussets
- Side gusset: folds on the left and right sides that expand outward, adding width for chunkier contents.
- Bottom gusset: a fold at the base that opens up so the bag can hold more and sit more stably.
- Box bottom (block bottom): a common style of bottom gusset on paper bags that lets the bag stand upright on its own on a flat surface. Perfect for retail, cafes and takeaway.
Gusset types at a glance
| Gusset type | Where the fold is | What it does | Example bag | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side gusset | Both sides of the bag | Adds width so thicker items fit | Cellophane bags 100x180mm + 50mm side gusset | Cellophane bags › |
| Bottom gusset | The base of the bag | Opens out so the bag stands and holds more | Clear pouch bags 160x230mm & 90mm bottom gusset | Stand-up pouches › |
| Box bottom | A flat, rectangular base | Stands upright on its own, even when empty | Brown paper grocery bags 160x300mm & 85mm gusset | Grocery bags › |
How to read a bag size with a gusset
Gusseted bags are listed as width x length plus the gusset. For example, 160x300mm & 85mm gusset means the bag is 160mm wide and 300mm long, and the gusset opens out to give about 85mm of depth.
When you size a bag, check that your product's width fits the bag width and its thickness fits within the gusset, with a little room left at the top to fold or seal.
Why gussets matter
Choosing the right gusset means your packaging fits the product snugly without wasting space. Side gussets suit tall or bulky items, while box-bottom bags are ideal for anything you want to pack quickly and display upright.
Shop gusseted bags at QIS Packaging
Gusseted bags that expand and stand up: paper, pouches, cello and clear display bags.
Grocery Bags (SOS)
Box bottom paper bags that stand up
Shop grocery bags
Paper Bags
Flat, grocery and carry bags
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Stand-up Pouches
Bottom gusset pouches, clear and kraft
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Cellophane Bags
Flat and side gusset cello bags
Shop cello bags
Polypropylene Bags
Clear display bags, flat and gusseted
Shop PP bagsNot sure which gusset size you need?
Tell us what you are packing and its size. Our Brisbane team will recommend the right bag, width and gusset.
Which gusseted bag for which job?
Popular gusseted bags, matched to the job they do best.
Groceries, bakery and takeaway
Grocery Bags Size 3, 160x300mm (Qty 500)
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Bread rolls, deli and small takeaway
Flat Paper Bags Size 2, 115x245mm (Qty 500)
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Stand-up display on the shelf
Clear Pouch Bags 160x230mm (Qty 100)
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Natural kraft look for retail
Kraft Pouch Bags 235x345mm (Qty 100)
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Lollies, biscuits and gifts
Cellophane Bags 100x180mm (Qty 1000)
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Bulkier retail and food items
PP Display Bags 290x190mm (Qty 1000)
Shop nowGusset FAQs
What is a gusset on a bag?
A gusset is a fold built into the side or bottom of a bag that opens out to give the bag extra depth. It lets a flat bag hold bulkier items and, on bottom gusset bags, helps the bag stand up.
What is the difference between a side gusset and a bottom gusset?
A side gusset folds in along both sides and adds width, so the bag fits thicker items. A bottom gusset folds in at the base and opens out so the bag can stand upright, like a stand-up pouch.
How do I read a bag size with a gusset?
Sizes are listed as width x length plus the gusset. For example, 160x300mm & 85mm gusset means the bag is 160mm wide and 300mm long, and the gusset opens out to give about 85mm of depth.
Do gusseted bags stand up on their own?
Bottom gusset and box bottom bags stand upright once filled, which is ideal for shelf display and packing. Side gusset bags add room but usually lie flat or lean.
What is a box bottom bag?
A box bottom (or block bottom) bag has a flat, rectangular base formed by the bottom gusset, so it stands on its own. Brown paper grocery bags, also called SOS bags, are the most common example.
Related guides
Learn more in What is an SOS Bag?, What are Courier Bags? and What is Cellophane?.
Need a specific gusset size or a custom bag? Request a quote and we will help you spec it.