Introduction: Why Paper Sizes Matter
Paper size standardization is essential for efficient document creation, printing, and sharing across different systems and countries. Understanding the dimensions and properties of common formats like A4 and US Letter helps ensure proper document formatting, reduces waste, and prevents compatibility issues in global communications. This cheat sheet provides comprehensive reference information on standard paper sizes used worldwide.
Core Paper Size Systems
- ISO 216 (A Series): International standard used in most countries
- North American System: Used primarily in the USA and Canada
- JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): Used in Japan
- Special Formats: Used for specific applications (business cards, photographs)
A4 vs. US Letter: Key Comparisons
| Characteristic | A4 | US Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (mm) | 210 × 297 mm | 215.9 × 279.4 mm |
| Dimensions (inches) | 8.27 × 11.69 in | 8.5 × 11 in |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:√2 (1:1.414) | 1:1.2941 |
| Area | 623.7 cm² (96.7 in²) | 603.5 cm² (93.5 in²) |
| Primary Usage | Worldwide (except North America) | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Standard System | ISO 216 | ANSI/ASME Y14.1 |
ISO 216 Paper Sizes (A Series)
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | 33.11 × 46.81 in | 1.000 m² |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 23.39 × 33.11 in | 0.500 m² |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 16.54 × 23.39 in | 0.250 m² |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 11.69 × 16.54 in | 0.125 m² |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 8.27 × 11.69 in | 0.062 m² |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 5.83 × 8.27 in | 0.031 m² |
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | 4.13 × 5.83 in | 0.016 m² |
| A7 | 74 × 105 mm | 2.91 × 4.13 in | 0.008 m² |
| A8 | 52 × 74 mm | 2.05 × 2.91 in | 0.004 m² |
North American Paper Sizes
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 215.9 × 279.4 mm | 8.5 × 11 in | General documents |
| Legal | 215.9 × 355.6 mm | 8.5 × 14 in | Legal documents |
| Tabloid/Ledger | 279.4 × 431.8 mm | 11 × 17 in | Spreadsheets, tabloids |
| Junior Legal | 127 × 203.2 mm | 5 × 8 in | Notepads |
| Government Letter | 203.2 × 266.7 mm | 8 × 10.5 in | Official documents |
| Statement | 139.7 × 215.9 mm | 5.5 × 8.5 in | Personal statements |
ANSI Paper Sizes (American National Standards Institute)
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Relation to Letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSI A | 215.9 × 279.4 mm | 8.5 × 11 in | Same as US Letter |
| ANSI B | 279.4 × 431.8 mm | 11 × 17 in | 2× ANSI A |
| ANSI C | 431.8 × 558.8 mm | 17 × 22 in | 2× ANSI B |
| ANSI D | 558.8 × 863.6 mm | 22 × 34 in | 2× ANSI C |
| ANSI E | 863.6 × 1117.6 mm | 34 × 44 in | 2× ANSI D |
ISO B Series (Poster & Envelope Sizes)
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| B0 | 1000 × 1414 mm | 39.37 × 55.67 in | Posters, displays |
| B1 | 707 × 1000 mm | 27.83 × 39.37 in | Posters, displays |
| B2 | 500 × 707 mm | 19.69 × 27.83 in | Posters, artwork |
| B3 | 353 × 500 mm | 13.90 × 19.69 in | Tabloids, small posters |
| B4 | 250 × 353 mm | 9.84 × 13.90 in | Books, newspapers |
| B5 | 176 × 250 mm | 6.93 × 9.84 in | Books, magazines |
| B6 | 125 × 176 mm | 4.92 × 6.93 in | Books, pocketbooks |
ISO C Series (Envelope Sizes)
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Fits Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0 | 917 × 1297 mm | 36.10 × 51.06 in | A0 |
| C1 | 648 × 917 mm | 25.51 × 36.10 in | A1 |
| C2 | 458 × 648 mm | 18.03 × 25.51 in | A2 |
| C3 | 324 × 458 mm | 12.76 × 18.03 in | A3 |
| C4 | 229 × 324 mm | 9.02 × 12.76 in | A4 |
| C5 | 162 × 229 mm | 6.38 × 9.02 in | A5 |
| C6 | 114 × 162 mm | 4.49 × 6.38 in | A6 |
| DL | 110 × 220 mm | 4.33 × 8.66 in | A4 folded in thirds |
Special Format Paper Sizes
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Card (US) | 88.9 × 50.8 mm | 3.5 × 2 in | Standard US business card |
| Business Card (EU) | 85 × 55 mm | 3.35 × 2.17 in | Standard EU business card |
| Postcard (US) | 152.4 × 101.6 mm | 6 × 4 in | Standard US postcard |
| Index Card | 127 × 76.2 mm | 5.0 × 3.0 in | Reference cards |
| 4×6 Photo | 152.4 × 101.6 mm | 6 × 4 in | Standard photo print |
| 5×7 Photo | 177.8 × 127 mm | 7 × 5 in | Larger photo print |
| 8×10 Photo | 254 × 203.2 mm | 10 × 8 in | Portrait photo |
Paper Weight Comparison
| Region | Measurement System | Light Paper | Standard Copy | Card Stock | Heavy Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US/Canada | Pounds (lb) | 20 lb | 24 lb | 65 lb | 110 lb |
| Europe/ISO | Grams per m² (gsm) | 75 gsm | 90 gsm | 176 gsm | 300 gsm |
| Points | Thickness | 5 pt | 7 pt | 14 pt | 24 pt |
| Common Usage | Â | Letterhead | Office copies | Business cards | Postcards |
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Converting Between A4 and US Letter
- Solution: Set document margins to accommodate both (0.75″ or 19mm minimum)
- Solution: Use PDF format which preserves page size across systems
Challenge: Printing A4 on Letter (or vice versa)
- Solution: Set printer to “Fit to paper size” or “Scale to fit”
- Solution: Enable “borderless printing” if available to minimize scaling
Challenge: Scanning Documents Between Standards
- Solution: Save as PDF which maintains original dimensions
- Solution: Set scanner to detect dimensions automatically
Challenge: Creating Templates for Multiple Regions
- Solution: Design for smaller dimension in each direction
- Solution: Use percentage-based margins rather than fixed
Best Practices for Working with Different Paper Sizes
Document Creation
- Design with “safe areas” that work across both A4 and Letter
- Specify intended paper size in document properties
- Use standard margins (minimum 0.75″ or 19mm) for better compatibility
- Consider using templates specifically designed for your target paper size
Printing
- Always verify paper size settings before printing
- Use “Scale to fit” option when printing to a different size
- Consider creating PDF versions to preserve formatting
- Test print samples before large print runs when using non-standard sizes
Publishing
- Specify paper size requirements clearly in printing instructions
- Provide documents in multiple formats for international distribution
- Consider PDF/A format for archival purposes to preserve size and layout
- Include crop marks for professional printing if using non-standard sizes
Digital Document Settings for Paper Sizes
Page Layout Software Settings
- Set bleed area to 3mm (0.125″) for professional printing
- Set document to target paper size from the beginning
- Use master pages or templates for consistent layouts
- Enable facing pages for book layouts
PDF Export Settings
- Include document dimensions and bleed in PDF metadata
- Use PDF/X-1a:2001 standard for professional printing
- Embed all fonts when distributing internationally
- Include trim marks for professional printing
Resources for Further Learning
Standards Organizations
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC)
Design Resources
- Adobe InDesign Paper Size Templates
- Microsoft Office Templates for various paper sizes
- Print and Design Federation guidelines
Useful Calculators and Tools
- Paper size conversion calculators
- Print cost estimators based on paper size
- Folding calculators for brochures and pamphlets
Final Checklist Before Printing
- [ ] Correct paper size selected in document settings
- [ ] Margins accommodate printer limitations (minimum 0.25″/6.35mm)
- [ ] Content fits within printable area (accounting for printer margins)
- [ ] Bleed settings added if doing professional printing (3mm/0.125″)
- [ ] Document resolution appropriate for printing (minimum 300 dpi)
- [ ] Paper weight/thickness selected appropriately for project
- [ ] Printer settings match document dimensions
- [ ] Test print completed on target paper size
Understanding paper sizes ensures proper document formatting and prevents compatibility issues when sharing documents internationally. Always verify your target audience’s standard paper size before finalizing important documents.