HTV design size chart
These are the sizes most crafters start with. They work for heat transfer vinyl (HTV), iron-on, DTF and sublimation transfers. Width matters most; the height follows from your design's shape, as long as it stays under the max height.
| Shirt | Full front | Left chest | Full back | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (S–XL) | 9–11 in | 3–4 in | 10–12 in | 2.5–3.5 in |
| Adult (2XL+) | 10–12 in | 3.5–4 in | 11–13 in | 3–3.5 in |
| Women's fitted | 8–10 in | 3–3.5 in | 9–11 in | 2.5–3 in |
| Youth | 7–9 in | 2.5–3 in | 8–10 in | 2–2.5 in |
| Toddler (2T–5T) | 5–7 in | 2–2.5 in | 6–8 in | 1.5–2 in |
| Baby bodysuit | 4–5 in | — | 4–5 in | — |
Widths in inches. Common starting points; brands and fits vary.
How far below the collar?
The most common placement mistake is putting a front design too low, where it ends up on the stomach. A quick rule many crafters use is the finger rule: lay your fingers flat just below the collar and place the top of the design below them.
- Adult: about 4 fingers (3–4 in)
- Youth: about 3 fingers (2.5–3 in)
- Toddler: about 2 fingers (2 in)
- Baby bodysuit: about 1.5–2 in
For left chest designs, remember it's the wearer's left, which is on your right when the shirt is facing you.
Finding the center line
Fold the shirt in half lengthwise and press lightly for a second or two to make a crease, then fold your carrier sheet the same way. Line the two creases up and the design will be centered. A T-shirt ruler makes this faster, but the fold method works fine.
Before you press
- Mirror the design before cutting HTV, with the shiny carrier side down on the mat.
- Pre-press the shirt for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Hold the cut design up to the shirt before pressing. Sizes on a chart are a guide; your eye is the final check, especially on fitted or oversized tees.
- For printed transfers (DTF or sublimation), make sure the file has enough pixels for the size. The DPI checker tells you if it will print sharp.
Frequently asked questions
What size should an HTV design be on an adult shirt?
For a full-front design on an adult unisex shirt, about 9–11 inches wide is the common range, placed about 3–4 inches below the collar. Left chest designs are usually 3–4 inches wide.
How far down from the collar should a shirt design go?
A common guide is about 3–4 inches for adult shirts, 2.5–3 inches for youth, about 2 inches for toddlers and 1.5–2 inches for baby bodysuits, measured from the bottom of the collar to the top of the design.
What size is a left chest design?
Left chest designs are usually about 3–4 inches wide on adult shirts, 2.5–3 inches on youth shirts and 2–2.5 inches on toddler shirts.
What size HTV design for a youth shirt?
A full-front youth design is commonly 7–9 inches wide, placed about 2.5–3 inches below the collar.
More free tools
Last updated 2026-10-08. All calculations run in your browser. Nothing you enter or upload is sent to a server.