Checks aren't all one size. Printing the wrong layout for your stock is one of the most common causes of misalignment, so it's worth knowing the standard sizes before you start.
Common check sizes
- Standard business check: 8.5 x 3.5 inches, usually with a stub above or below for your records.
- Personal check: about 6 x 2.75 inches, with no stub.
- Wallet check: smaller still, around 6 x 2.75 inches or less, designed to fold into a standard wallet.
- Voucher check: the same 8.5 x 3.5 inch check size, with one or two attached stubs listing payment details.
What to set in your software
Most check software lets you choose a check size or layout template before printing. Match this to your actual stock's dimensions — printing a business-size layout on personal check stock (or vice versa) is a guaranteed alignment failure, no matter how well-calibrated your printer is otherwise.
Check Writer 123 supports standard business check layouts today, with top, middle, and bottom stub positioning — matching the most common check stock formats.