So how big is A4 exactly I hear you ask? How many A5’s in an A3 and what exactly is a DL paper size? You can find the answer to all these questions and more right here. If you are just after a quick size reference however just scroll down to our paper size table to refresh your memory. On the surface of it paper sizes can be a little bewildering all these seemingly unrelated letters and numbers that mean nothing to the uniformed eye. Once you know what they mean however and how they relate to one another you will be relieved to know it all becomes rather simple. I will start with the most common paper size group, the A series. Standardised by ISO 216 this is group of paper sizes you will most likely already be familiar with. For most people knowledge of this group alone is sufficient. The naming convention for this series is simple, it uses the letter A followed by a number. I am sure you are already familiar with A4. It is likely the size of paper you printer uses, the size of letters you get in the post and pretty much the most commonly used size of paper on the planet. Ok that’s great so you know roughly how big an A4 is so what about the rest? Well if you are going up by 1 size from A4 to A3 (The lower the number the larger the sheet) you double the size of the shortest edge. So for instance an A4 sheet measures 210mm x 297mm making its shortest edge 210mm long. An A3 sheet measures 420mm x 297mm. so to move up a size 210 x 2 = 420. This gives an A3 sheet the flat size equivalent of exactly 2 A4 sheets. Now say for instance we wanted to move up a size to A2. You will notice that the edge that was the shortest previously has now become the long edge. Our current A3 sheet measures 297mm x 420mm. This means that we have to double the side of our new shortest edge, the 297mm edge. So this time we add 297 + 297 = 594. This gives us an A2 size of 420mm x 594mm. You will notice that this is exactly the same size as 2 A3 sheets or 4 A4 sheets.Paper sizes - The basics
How the paper sizes relate to one another
Starting to make sense? This system works the other way too. Say for instance we wanted to get to an A5 sheet all we would have to do is half the length of the longest edge, in this case 297mm. So 297/2 = 148, this gives us an A5 size of 148mm x 210mm, exactly half the size of and A4 sheet. See not so complicated after all is it. Rather than working it out every time howeveryou can always use our reference table at the top.
So what about business cards & compliment slips?
Because not everything fits the mould...
Compliment Slips
Compliment slips are usually printed on what is known as DL size. This is essentially 1/3 of an A4 sheet if you divide a portrait sheet horizontally. This makes a DL 210mm x 99mm.
Business Cards
There is no set standard size and these do vary in convention from country to country and also due to personal choice. In the UK however we do generally opt for a size of 85mm x 55mm.
Just in case we have left you feeling confused...
Yes the pattern continues past A0 it just takes a different naming convention. After A0 a number precedes the size to indicate how many A0 sheets would fit in it. For instance the size above is 2A0 (Meaning the equivalent of 2 A0 sheets) whilst the size above that is 4A0.
Check out our frequently asked questions for more help on your print related questions.
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For quick & easy reference:
FAQs
How do I change the default paper size on my printer? ›
- Click Start, point to Settings, and the click Printers.
- Right-click the appropriate printer, and then click Properties.
- Click the Paper tab, and then click the paper size you want to use in the Paper Size box.
The most popular formats of the traditional sizes are the Letter (8.5 × 11 inches), Legal (8.5 × 14 inches) and Tabloid (11 × 17 inches) formats.
What is 11x17 paper called? ›It may not be as common as legal paper or the sheets you use to print standard documents, but 11x17 paper is used in a variety of ways. Also known as ledger paper or tabloid paper, it gets its name from being the right size for a standard newspaper.
How do I change the default paper size in Word? ›Change the default paper size for new documents
On the Format menu, click Document. Click Default, and then click Yes. Note: If you change the preferred paper size or margins for the template that Word bases new documents on (normal.
- In the program you are trying to print from, click File, and then click Print.
- Make sure your printer is selected, and then open the Properties dialog box. ...
- Click Paper Source, and then confirm the correct paper tray is selected.
- Open the printing application, click File, click Print, and then click Printing Preferences.
- Verify the Paper Size drop-down is set to the correct size.
- Click the Paper Tray tab, and then click the Paper Source drop-down and select the paper tray to be printed from.
A3 paper size measurements are 297 mm x 420 mm, 29.7 cm x 42 cm or 11.7 in x 16.5 in. Its printing surface is large enough for everyday use at 0.125 m² or 1250 cm². Format.
What is A5 paper called? ›| Paper | mm | inches |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm | 11.7 x 16.5 inches |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | 8.3 x 11.7 inches |
| A5 | 148.5 x 210 mm | 5.8 x 8.3 inches |
| A6 | 105 x 148.5 mm | 4.1 x 5.8 inches |
| Paper Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| A5 | 148 x 210 mm |
| B4 | 257 x 364 mm |
| B4 Wide | 364 x 257 mm |
| B5 | 182 x 257 mm |
| SIZE | INCHES | MILLIMETERS |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI B | 11 × 17 | 279 × 432 |
| ANSI C | 17 × 22 | 432 × 559 |
| ANSI D | 22 × 34 | 559 × 864 |
| ANSI E | 34 × 44 | 864 × 1118 |
What is another name for 13x19 paper? ›
This 13 x 19 copy paper is also known as "Super B Paper," and it can be used for large-scale design and engineering drawings printed out on wide-format laser and inkjet printers. This paper is super bright, smooth, acid-free and manufactured with recycled materials. It's eco-friendly and ideal for daily use.
Is A4 paper the same as 11x17? ›Standard paper sizes are different throughout the world. A4 is a European paper size that roughly equates to the American 8.5x11”, and A3 is roughly 11x17”, and believe it or not, this was largely determined by the length of a Dutchman's arms in the mid-1600s.
How do I change 11x17 to 8.5 x11 in Word? ›At File | Print (Ctrl+P), click the arrow beside 1 Page Per Sheet and then Scale to Paper Size. The menu that opens will depend on the selected printer but should include Letter. Choose that. Was this reply helpful?
What is the default paper size and orientation? ›Normally, the default format would be “letter” which is the standard size for a page (8.5 x 11 inches). This size is easy to work with and print since it fits into any printer or copier. If that is what you would wish to use, there is no reason to learn how to change size and orientation of one page in Word.
Why is 8.5 x11 the standard paper size? ›As offices became increasingly mechanized with the introduction of the typewriter, photocopier and printer, the need for paper at a fixed size grew, and 8.5 x 11 inches became standard “letter” paper.
Why does my printer keep saying paper size mismatch? ›The “Paper Mismatch” or “Paper Size Mismatch” error can occur when the paper, envelopes or other media loaded in the printer tray or feeder is a different size than the paper selected in the printer settings and is a safeguard programed into your printer to prevent ink or toner from being wasted.
How do you override paper size mismatch on brother? ›- Verify the paper loaded in the tray is one of the above-listed sizes.
- Verify the machine's Paper Size setting matches the paper that is loaded in the machine: ...
- Print the User Settings to test the machine:
If you get this error on the printer display, it means you are trying to print something that is formatted to a size other than standard letter paper (8 ½ x 11”). The library printers only have letter-size paper, so they cannot print other sizes. The printer will beep, and display will read “paper size mismatch”.
How do you fix a paper alignment? ›- Click "Start," then select "Devices and Printers."
- Right-click on the printer you need to align, then select "Printing Preferences" from the pop-up menu.
- Click the "Services" tab, then click the "Align the Print Cartridges" icon. ...
- Follow the instructions from the Alignment wizard to align the cartridges.
Printer control panel (printers with control panel menus): Open the Tools or Printer Maintenance menu, and then select the option to Align cartridges, Align printhead, or Print an Alignment Page.
Why does my paper length not match the paper size specified by the computer Epson? ›
Make sure the paper size selected in the printer software matches the paper size selected on the printer's control panel. To verify the paper size on the printer's control panel press, Home if necessary, then select Setup > Paper Setup. If this does not resolve the issue, contact Epson.
What is A2 size paper? ›The A2 format is 420 x 594 mm or 42 x 59.4 cm. In inches, A2 paper has a size of 16.5in x 23.4in.
What size is A4 paper? ›Is A4 the same as 8.5 x 11? The A4 size paper measures 8.27 x 11.69 inches, only slightly larger than the close equivalent to U.S letter size 8.5 x 11 inches.
Is A3 and A4 the same size? ›The A3 size print measures 29.7 x 42.0cm, 11.69 x 16.53 inches, if mounted 40.6 x 50.8cm, 15.98 x 20 inches. The A4 size print measures 21.0 x 29.7cm, 8.27 x 11.69 inches, if mounted 30.3 x 40.6cm, 11.93 x 15.98 inches.
Is A5 or A4 bigger? ›For example the most commonly used paper size is A4 (297mm x 210mm) and the next paper size is A5 (210mm x 148.5mm) which is equal to half of the A4 dimensions. The main uses of A, B and C paper sizes is their application to a particular print project.
Is A2 bigger than A4? ›This gives us an A2 size of 420mm x 594mm. You will notice that this is exactly the same size as 2 A3 sheets or 4 A4 sheets.
What size is A7 paper? ›Standard A7 paper size is 74 mm x 105 mm - or 2.91” x 4.13”.
What is B6 size paper? ›A B6 piece of paper measures 125 × 176 mm or 4.9 × 6.9 inches. Cutting it in half will create two B7 sheets of paper. B6 is part of the B series and is defined by the ISO 216 international paper size standard.
What is B size paper used for? ›The B-series is widely used in the printing industry to describe both paper sizes and printing press sizes, including digital presses. B3 paper is used to print two US letter or A4 pages side by side using imposition; four pages would be printed on B2, eight on B1, etc.
What is C5 size paper? ›A standard C5 envelope measures 162mm x 229mm. This is designed to fit A4 paper folded in half, or A5 paper unfolded.
What is C size paper called? ›
| Size | Other Names | Width x Height (in) |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI C | (-) | 17” × 22” |
| ANSI D | (-) | 22” × 34” |
| ANSI E | (-) | 34” × 44” |
| Arch A | (-) | 9” × 12” |
"D" size paper for engineering design applications refers to 22" x 34" paper.
What is 36x24 paper called? ›Architectural drawing sizes are based on the ARCH scale, while engineering drawing paper sizes are based on the ANSI scale. D-size paper for architectural plans is 24” x “36” inches (or 609.6 x 914.4 millimeters), while D-size paper for engineering plans is 22” x 34” (or 558.8 x 863.6 millimeters).
What is 17x22 paper called? ›"C" size paper for engineering design applications refers to 17 x 22 paper.
What is double A3 paper called? ›A3 has its shortest edge (297mm) doubled to be the longest edge of A2 (594mm).
What size is A1 paper? ›| Paper Size | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 23-3/8 x 33-1/8 in | 594 x 841 mm |
| A2 | 16-1/2 x 23-3/8 in | 420 x 594 mm |
| A3 | 11-3/4 x 16-1/2 in | 297 x 420 mm |
| A4 | 8-1/4 x 11-3/4 in | 210 x 297 mm |
Standard US sizes
Letter size as mentioned before is the equivalent of A4, this would be used for general printing at home, letters, flyers, homework – you name it. Ledger (landscape) or Tabloid (portrait) is slightly larger than A3 and could be used for small posters, menus and record keeping.
A4 Paper Size measures 210mm (width) x 297mm (height) or 21cm x 29.7cm or 11.7inches x 8.3inches. A5 Paper Size measures 148mm (width) x 210mm (height) or 14.8cm x 21cm or 5.8inches x 8.3inches.
Is US legal size the same as A4? ›Legal size paper is 8.5 x 14.0 inches (216 x 356 mm), whereas A4 size paper is 8.3 x 11.7 inches (210 x 297 mm). Legal and A4 size paper have little in common with each other, as legal paper is still taller than A4, which is much more closely related to letter size paper.
How do I change the paper settings on my HP printer? ›In the Print window, click Preferences, Properties, or Printer Properties. Click the Paper/Quality tab, and then select the paper from the Paper Size menu, or click Advanced to find and select the paper.
Is the default paper size for Page Setup? ›
Normally, the default format would be “letter” which is the standard size for a page (8.5 x 11 inches). This size is easy to work with and print since it fits into any printer or copier.
How do I change the default paper size on HP Smart? ›Search Windows for devices, and click Devices and Printers in the list of results. Right-click the printer icon ( ) for your printer, and then select Printing preferences. Select your new default print settings (paper size, orientation, etc.), and then click OK.
Why does my HP printer say wrong paper size? ›The “Paper Mismatch” or “Paper Size Mismatch” error can occur when the paper, envelopes or other media loaded in the printer tray or feeder is a different size than the paper selected in the printer settings and is a safeguard programed into your printer to prevent ink or toner from being wasted.
Is 11x17 paper actually 11x17? ›Paper, commercially, comes in various sizes ranging from letter size to the large 13x19 and beyond. The most common size, however, in engineering offices and other areas of workspace, is the 11”x17” paper. This size of a sheet of paper is usually called the Tabloid, Ledger or B size paper.
Why is American paper a different size? ›According to the American Forest and Paper Association, the country's paper sizes are a result of industrial process. Paper used to be made by hand, and the molds that it was made from measured 44 inches by 17 inches. This was used to create eight 8.5-inch-by-11-inch pieces, of what became known as “letter.”
Can a 8.5 x11 fit in a 8x10? ›However, in the example above, you could even go a little smaller if you so choose. 8x10 is another standard size, and the artwork of my 8.5x11 prints will all fit inside that opening. Mat external size: This is the overall size of the mat edge-to-edge. So, for an 11x14 frame, you'll want an 11x14 mat.
What is the default paper size and orientation of a newly opened document? ›By default, the page size of a new document is 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
Which is the default setting of paper? ›Answer. Answer: Word's default paper size is “Letter,” which is 8.5 x 11 inches.
What is the default paper size in docs? ›Document setup
In particular, the default paper size is US Letter, so make sure you change that to A4.