What are standard paper sizes?
Standard paper sizes vary depending on the region (e.g., North America vs. the rest of the world), but generally refer to commonly used dimensions for printing and writing.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common standard paper sizes:
These sizes are based on inches and are primarily used in the United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico.
| Size Name | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 8.5 x 11 | 216 x 279 | General documents, letters, reports, and everyday printing |
| Legal | 8.5 x 14 | 216 x 356 | Legal documents, contracts |
| Tabloid | 11 x 17 | 279 x 432 | Large format documents, posters, spreadsheets |
| Half Letter | 5.5 x 8.5 | 140 x 216 | Small notepads, short letters |
International Standard Paper Sizes (ISO 216)
The ISO 216 standard is used in most countries outside of North America. It's based on the metric system and utilizes a logical system where each size is derived by halving the next larger size. The most common series is the "A" series.
A Series
- A0: 841 x 1189 mm (33.1 x 46.8 inches) - Largest size, used for posters and technical drawings
- A1: 594 x 841 mm (23.4 x 33.1 inches) - Posters, flip charts
- A2: 420 x 594 mm (16.5 x 23.4 inches) - Posters, architectural drawings
- A3: 297 x 420 mm (11.7 x 16.5 inches) - Posters, presentations, diagrams
- A4: 210 x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 inches) - Standard document size, letters, reports, magazines
- A5: 148 x 210 mm (5.8 x 8.3 inches) - Notebooks, flyers
- A6: 105 x 148 mm (4.1 x 5.8 inches) - Postcards
- A7: 74 x 105 mm (2.9 x 4.1 inches)
- A8: 52 x 74 mm (2.0 x 2.9 inches)
- A9: 37 x 52 mm (1.5 x 2.0 inches)
- A10: 26 x 37 mm (1.0 x 1.5 inches)
B Series
The B series is less common than the A series but is still used for some specific purposes.
- Examples: B0, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, etc. B sizes are geometrically in between A sizes.
C Series
The C series is primarily used for envelopes. C sizes are designed to hold A series papers.
- Example: A C4 envelope is designed to hold an A4 sheet of paper.
In summary, standard paper sizes are defined by conventions and vary by region and purpose, but the Letter, Legal, and Tabloid sizes are most common in North America, while the A series (particularly A4) is dominant internationally.
