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Paper size guide
Paper sizes explained
Understanding paper sizes is essential across a wide range of applications, from designing layouts and preparing printed materials to managing office documents, organising creative projects or navigating the purchase of office supplies. The globally used ISO 216 standard sizing like A4 and A3, along with specialty sizes have an impact on everything from printing costs to design flexibility. In this guide, we’ll break down the details of these paper sizes to simplify your choice.
ISO 216 Paper Standards
ISO 216 is the international standard for paper sizes, used in most countries except a few like the United States and Canada. ISO 216 ensures a standardised approach to paper sizes, simplifying global communication and document management across industries. It includes three series:
- A-series (SO 216 A)
- B-series (SO 216 B)
- C-series (SO 216 C)
For full details on paper sizes, download our paper sizing guide and print it on premium A-GRADE 123ink own-brand paper for best results.
Paper size chart
The following table provides an overview of the A-series paper sizes, including their dimensions in both millimetres and inches, as well as typical uses for each size:
| Size | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841mm x 1189mm | 33.1 x 46.8 | Large posters, architectural drawings |
| A1 | 594mm x 841mm | 23.4 x 33.1 | Posters, diagrams, technical drawings |
| A2 | 420mm x 594mm | 16.5 x 23.4 | Posters, flip charts, small drawings |
| A3 | 297mm x 420mm | 11.7 x 16.5 | Magazines, brochures, small posters |
| A4 | 210mm x 297mm | 8.3 x 11.7 | Standard document size, letters, reports |
| A5 | 148mm x 210mm | 5.8 x 8.3 | Notebooks, diaries, small flyers |
| A6 | 105mm x 148mm | 4.1 x 5.8 | Postcards, small flyers, invitations |
| A7 | 74mm x 105mm | 2.9 x 4.1 | Tickets, business cards |
| A8 | 52mm x 74mm | 2.0 x 2.9 | Labels, smaller items |
| A9 | 52mm x 37mm | 1.5 x 2.0 | Tiny labels, very small flyers |
| A10 | 26mm x 37mm | 1.0 x 1.5 | Extremely small print items |
Understanding the dimensions of the A-Series paper sizes helps make it easier to choose the right size for different tasks. You can easily choose the right size for everything from documents to posters and smaller print items, making sure you pick the best paper for your needs.
A-series paper size: A4, A4, A2, A1 paper size
The A-series is the most popular size category. The A-series is based on the principle of halving paper sizes, so each subsequent size is half the size of the one before it. See the chart below for a more detailed overview:
The A-series' popularity stems from its versatile, practical sizing system, which seamlessly halves dimensions for consistent and efficient usage.
An overview of B-paper sizes
The B-series paper sizes are part of the ISO 216 standard and are used for specific applications like posters, books and passports. They provide sizes that are slightly larger than the corresponding A-series, making them ideal for documents requiring more space. Popular sizes include B5 for books and B7 for passports, while larger sizes like B1 and B2 are commonly used for posters. See the chart below for a more detailed overview:
To summarise the B-series, it offers slightly larger dimensions than the A-series, making it ideal for specialized applications.
The C-series explained?
The C-series paper sizes are primarily used for envelopes designed to fit A-series paper. Each C size is slightly larger than the corresponding A size, allowing A-series sheets to fit comfortably inside. An A4 sheet fits into a C4 envelope. Common sizes like C4, C5, and C6 are widely used for letters, invitations, and documents. See the chart below for a more detailed overview:
When is the A-Series used?
The A-Series paper, particularly A4, is widely used for office documents, letters, reports and CV’s. It’s also common in printing and publishing, as well as for assignments, notes and legal or government documents. The A-Series is widely used across industries such as office and business, printing and publishing, education, legal and government, and design and creative fields.
When are the B and C-Series used?
The B-series is used for items requiring more space, like posters, books, and technical drawings, while the C-series is tailored for envelopes to neatly fit A series paper for professional document handling:
| Paper Series | Purpose | Common Uses | Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-series | Larger than A-series | Posters, art, books, technical drawings | Publishing, design, architectural, engineering |
| C-series | Envelopes sized to fit A-series paper | Mailing documents, letters, invitations, packaging | Office, postal, stationery |
The B-series is ideal for larger items like posters and technical drawings and the C-series is designed to fit A-series paper in envelopes, ensuring a neat and professional appearance for documents.
Understanding letter, legal and tabloid paper sizes
Letter, Legal and Tabloid are commonly used in Northern America. The right paper size depends on regional standards and the specific needs of the print job, ensuring proper fit for printing or mailing. Below lists a more extensive range:
| Paper Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 8.5 x 11 | 216 x 279 | Standard documents, letters |
| Legal | 8.5 x 14 | 216 x 356 | Legal contracts, forms |
| Tabloid | 11 x 17 | 279 x 432 | Newsprints, posters, brochures |
| A4 | 8.27 x 11.7 | 210 x 297 | Office documents, reports |
| Executive | 7.25 x 10.5 | 184 x 267 | Business letters, formal use |
| Foolscap | 8 x 13 | 203 x 330 | Legal and formal documents |
Selecting the right paper size ensures that your documents are printed correctly and fit the intended purpose, whether for professional, legal, or personal use.
Paper sizes: A world of different dimensions
Paper dimensions vary globally, reflecting different regional standards and preferences. The ISO 216's A-series (A4, A3) being the standard worldwide and in North America, sizes like Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) and Legal are most commonly used. Understanding these differences is key for international projects to ensure compatibility and avoid printing errors.
Paper sizes: for print design and layout
Paper size is important in print design, as it impacts the layout, readability, and overall appearance of your project. The correct size ensures your design is visually balanced and effectively communicates your message. Understanding paper sizes helps create practical and appealing layouts for printing brochures, posters, or business cards. It is a key step in creating designs that are both practical and visually appealing.
Picking the perfect paper size for your printer
Choosing the right paper size for your printer is essential for optimal print quality. Standard sizes like A4 (210mm x 297mm) work for most documents, while legal or tabloid sizes are better for larger prints. Always match the paper size in both the printer settings and software to avoid issues like cropped text or images.
For information on choosing the right paper type for your printer visit our blog here.
For information on choosing the right paper type for your printer visit our blog here.
Envelope sizes made simple
The C-series is the international standard for envelopes, designed to fit A-series paper sizes like A4, A5, and A6. Below you will find more information about this:
| Envelope Size | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Fits | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C4 | 229mm x 324mm | 9.0in x 12.8in | A4 sheet (no folding) | Documents, large prints |
| C5 | 162mm x 229mm | 6.4in x 9.0in | A4 sheet (folded in half) | Brochures, letters |
| DL | 110mm x 220mm | 4.3in x 8.7in | A4 sheet (folded into thirds) | Standard letters, invoices |
| C6 | 114mm x 162mm | 4.5in x 6.4in | A5 sheet or A4 sheet (folded twice) | Greeting cards, invitations |
| C7 | 81mm x 114mm | 3.2in x 4.5in | A7 sheet | Small cards, notes |
Understanding paper sizes
Understanding paper sizes like A4, letter and legal is key to ensuring your printing projects go smoothly. Whether you're printing documents for work, school, or personal use, choosing the right size can help avoid formatting issues and enhance the quality of your prints. By familiarising yourself with common paper sizes and their uses, you’ll be better equipped to select the perfect option for every task. With this guide, you can confidently navigate the world of paper sizes and achieve professional results every time. C-size envelopes are designed to accommodate larger paper sizes. Their dimensions provide the perfect fit, ensuring that your documents are mailed securely and without creases, making them a practical choice for various paper sizes and mailing needs.
Understanding paper sizes
Understanding paper sizes like A4, letter and legal is key to ensuring your printing projects go smoothly. Whether you're printing documents for work, school, or personal use, choosing the right size can help avoid formatting issues and enhance the quality of your prints. By familiarising yourself with common paper sizes and their uses, you’ll be better equipped to select the perfect option for every task. With this guide, you can confidently navigate the world of paper sizes and achieve professional results every time.
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Common questions
What is the standard size of printer paper?
The standard size of printer paper is A4, measuring at 210mm x 297mm. This size is widely used for printing documents, letters and office materials. It’s the most common paper size in countries that follow the international ISO 216 standard.
What are the different sizes of paper?
Different size papers depend on regional standards. The ISO 216 system, used globally, includes A, B and C-series sizes, with A4 being the most common. North America uses its own sizes like Letter and Legal.
Which is bigger, A3 or A2?
A2 is bigger than A3. The dimensions of A2 paper are 420mm x 594mm, while A3 paper measures 297mm x 420mm. A2 is essentially twice the size of A3, as each size in the A-series is double the size of the one smaller than it.
How do I calculate paper size?
In the A-series, each paper size is half the size of the one before it when split along the longer side. A2 paper is half the size of A1 paper. A1 measures 594mm x 841mm, and when cut in half, it becomes A2, which measures 420mm x 594mm. To determine the sizes of smaller papers like A3 or A4, you keep halving the previous size along its longer side.
What size paper is 6in x 9in?
A paper size of 6 inches by 9 inches is commonly referred to as digest size. It is often used for small booklets, catalogues and certain types of brochures. It is a custom size rather than a formal paper size part of the ISO A-series.
Search our extensive range of A4, A3 and SRA3 paper. Feel free to give us a call if you have any queries.!
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