Determining the exact number of "standard" paper sizes is complex, as "standard" can vary by region and industry. However, we can break it down into commonly recognized standards like ANSI (North America) and ISO (International).
Understanding Paper Size Standards
There isn't a single, universally agreed-upon list of "standard" paper sizes. Different organizations and regions use their own standards. The two most prevalent are:
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute): Predominantly used in North America.
- ISO 216 (International Organization for Standardization): Used in most of the world outside North America.
ANSI Standard Paper Sizes
The ANSI standard, based on the original Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), includes the following common sizes:
| SIZE | WIDTH (in.) | HEIGHT (in.) |
|---|---|---|
| Letter/ANSI A | 8.5 | 11 |
| Legal | 8.5 | 14 |
| Ledger/Tabloid/ANSI B | 11 | 17 |
| ANSI C | 17 | 22 |
| ANSI D | 22 | 34 |
| ANSI E | 34 | 44 |
This demonstrates a series of at least 6 common sizes under the ANSI standard. There are also variations and larger sizes within the ANSI standard.
ISO 216 Standard Paper Sizes
The ISO 216 standard is based on the A series, with A0 being the largest. Each subsequent size (A1, A2, A3, etc.) is created by halving the longer side of the previous size. Common sizes include:
- A0
- A1
- A2
- A3
- A4 (most common worldwide)
- A5
- A6
- A7
- A8
This series includes at least 9 common sizes. The ISO standard also includes B and C series paper sizes for envelopes and other specific uses.
Conclusion
Therefore, providing a single number for the question "How many standard paper sizes are there?" is impossible without specifying a standard. Depending on whether you are referring to the ANSI standard or ISO 216 standard, there are different "standard" sizes. While several sizes exist within each standard, the most commonly used count is likely between 6-9 paper sizes for each standard.
