Whether you’re creating wedding invitations or printing important documents for work, you need to make sure you get the correct size of paper or cardstock. If you’ve spent any time shopping for paper, you know that there is a lot of terminology related to common sizes, most of which adhere to industry-wide standards. However, since these standards can vary from one region to the next, it can make it more difficult to ensure that you’re getting the right size paper to meet your needs.
In today’s guide, we’re going to discuss all of the most common (and a few uncommon) paper sizes, including names, dimensions, and popular uses. And remember, if you’re currently in the market for high-quality paper or cardstock, be sure to check out our products at Fine Cardstock today!
Standard Paper Sizes
While international standards include greater variations (which we will cover a little later on), there are a select few sizes that are most commonly used throughout North America and many parts of Latin America. The table below shows the correct dimensions for some of the most popular sizes, but continue reading to learn more about all of the sizes commonly used in the United States, Canada, and Mexico:
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| Letter | 8.5 x 11 | 216 x 279 |
| Legal | 8.5 x 14 | 216 x 356 |
| Tabloid | 11 x 17 | 279 x 432 |
| Ledger | 17 x 11 | 432 x 279 |
| Junior Legal | 5 x 8 | 127 x 203 |
| Half Letter | 5.5 x 8.5 | 140 x 216 |
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LetterLetter or US Letter is one of the most common paper sizes in North America. Measuring 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches tall, Letter-sized paper is widely used for printed or written letters (hence the name), as well as standard documents and forms. While similar to the A4 size, Letter paper is slightly taller and a little less wide, making it easier to fold into most envelopes. |
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LegalAs the name implies, Legal paper is most often used for legal documents, including contracts, witness reports, affidavits, and other official forms and paperwork used in a court of law. Measuring 8.5 inches wide and 14 inches tall, Legal-sized paper offers more room for additional text and intricate formatting. However, since some legal paperwork requires highly-specific formatting, it is important to note that paper used for legal documents may use sizes that adhere to the requirements of the particular form. These sizes can differ from the standardized dimensions listed here. |
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TabloidTabloid paper measures 11 inches wide and 17 inches tall. In the past, this paper was traditionally used for “tabloid” newspapers, which were smaller than standard newspapers. In addition to certain kinds of newspapers, Tabloid paper can also be used for larger documents, posters, and booklets. It is especially good for documents that include images, illustrations, or large layouts. |
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LedgerWhile technically its own size, Ledger paper is the same size as Tabloid paper. Rather than being a “tall” size, Ledger is wide. It essentially takes the Tabloid paper and simply turns it on its side, measuring 17 inches wide and 11 inches tall. The name comes from this paper’s original use for financial ledgers. The wider dimensions make it ideal for accounting spreadsheets and similar documents that need to record multiple columns of data in a row. |
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Half LetterWhile the name might imply that Half Letter is exactly half the size of standard Letter paper, this is not the case. Measuring 5.5 inches wide and 8.5 inches tall, Half Letter (also known as Statement size) is significantly smaller than Letter paper. Due to its small size, Half Letter paper is ideal for small brochures, notepads, and other documents designed for optimal portability. |
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Junior LegalThough Junior Legal and Half Letter are often used interchangeably, they are technically different sizes. Junior Legal is slightly smaller, measuring 5 inches wide and 8 inches tall. Despite this difference, Junior Legal and Half Letter are often used for similar purposes, including brochures, brief memos, notepads, and compact documents. |
ANSI Paper Sizes
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets specific paper sizes that are almost exclusively used in the United States and Canada. These sizes are based on the aforementioned Letter, Ledger, and Tabloid sizes, as well as a few larger sizes. ANSI also utilizes a more comprehensive system based on designated letters: A, B, C, D, and E. You can find the dimensions for each size in the table below:
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| ANSI A | 8.5 x 11 | 216 x 279 |
| ANSI B | 11 x 17 | 279 x 432 |
| ANSI C | 17 x 22 | 432 x 559 |
| ANSI D | 22 x 34 | 559 x 864 |
| ANSI E | 34 x 44 | 864 x 1118 |
Additionally, here are some of the most common uses for each ANSI size:
- ANSI A – Since its dimensions are the same as Letter paper, this size is most often used for letters and other documents that can be easily folded into a standard envelope.
- ANSI B – Just like the Ledger and Tabloid sizes, ANSI B can be used for large-format documents, small posters, and spreadsheets.
- ANSI C – This size is much larger than most standard documents, making it ideal for charts, diagrams, or even maps.
- ANSI D – ANSI D is particularly useful for engineering purposes, as its large size works well for technical drawings and large charts.
- ANSI E – Lastly, ANSI E is the largest size within this system, and it can also be put to use for engineering or architectural purposes.
Arch Paper Sizes
Arch paper size, which is short for “Architectural” paper size, refers to a series of standardized dimensions typically reserved for use by architects, engineers, and other technical professionals. Unlike ANSI sizes which all have distinct aspect ratios, Arch sizes all have a ratio of 4:3. This makes it easier for professionals to scale up or down in size. You can find the precise dimensions for each Arch paper size in the table below:
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| Arch A | 9 x 12 | 229 x 305 |
| Arch B | 12 x 18 | 305 x 457 |
| Arch C | 18 x 24 | 457 x 610 |
| Arch D | 24 x 36 | 610 x 914 |
| Arch E | 36 x 48 | 914 x 1219 |
| Arch E1 | 30 x 42 | 762 x 1067 |
| Arch E2 | 26 x 38 | 660 x 965 |
| Arch E3 | 27 x 39 | 686 x 991 |
Here are some of the most common uses for each Arch size:
- Arch A – This is the smallest of the Arch paper sizes and is typically used for small drawings and sketches.
- Arch B – Arch B is larger than Letter paper and makes a good fit for standard documents or diagrams.
- Arch C – Arch C represents a significant step up in size and it works well for larger site plans and layouts.
- Arch D – This size is commonly used for full-scale engineering or architectural drawings.
- Arch E – Arch E is even larger than Arch D and can be used for large-format maps or drawings.
- Arch E1 – This variation of Arch E is a little smaller, but is equally useful for large architectural plans.
- Arch E2 – Arch E2 falls between Arch D and Arch E1 and may be chosen for technical documents that require very specific dimensions.
- Arch E3 – Like Arch E2, Arch E3 is a smaller variation that works well for a wide range of professional drawings.
A Paper Sizes
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops standards for a wide variety of products, including paper. Since many of the sizes previously mentioned in this guide are almost exclusively used in North America, it is important to note standard paper sizes that are used worldwide.
The ISO 216 A series standardizes paper sizes internationally using the metric system. Rather than developing sizes based on functional purposes (Letter, Ledger, Tabloid, etc.), “A” paper sizes use an aspect ratio of the square root of 2, which is approximately 1.41. You can find the dimensions for the most common ISO 216 A paper sizes in the table below:
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| A0 | 33.1 x 46.8 | 841 x 1189 |
| A1 | 23.4 x 33.1 | 594 x 841 |
| A2 | 16.5 x 23.4 | 420 x 594 |
| A3 | 11.7 x 16.5 | 297 x 420 |
| A4 | 8.3 x 11.7 | 210 x 297 |
| A5 | 5.8 x 8.3 | 148 x 210 |
| A6 | 4.1 x 5.8 | 105 x 148 |
| A7 | 2.9 x 4.1 | 74 x 105 |
A0
As the largest of the ISO 216 A paper sizes, A0 is frequently used for large posters and technical drawings. Measuring 33.1 inches wide and 46.8 inches tall, its size is only a little smaller than the size of Arch E. This makes A0 paper a good fit for many engineering and architectural projects.
A1
A1 is a significant step down in size from A0. Consequently, it is often reserved for medium posters or charts for small presentations. Measuring 23.4 inches wide and 33.1 inches tall, the A1 size is most similar to the ANSI D and Arch D sizes.
A2
A2 is still much larger than standard Letter paper, which means it is a good fit for posters and large-format documents. Measuring 16.5 inches wide and 23.4 inches tall, A2 is close to the ANSI C. A2 paper is also commonly used to make calendars.
A3
A3 paper is very similar to Tabloid or Ledger paper. Depending on how it is oriented, A3 can be used for standard documents, magazine pages, or spreadsheets. Internationally, A3 is one of the most common sizes, second only to A4.
A4
A4 is the most common paper size in the world and is often used for standard letters, documents, and forms. Measuring 8.3 inches wide and 11.7 inches tall, A4 is very close to the standard North American “Letter” size, albeit slightly shorter and wider. A4 is frequently used in offices, schools, and other professional settings. It is also one of the most versatile sizes within the ISO 216 A series, as it can be used for written or typed paperwork, photocopying, business reports, and much more.
A5
A5 is the largest size among the “A” series that is still smaller than most other standardized paper sizes. Measuring 5.8 inches wide and 8.3 inches tall, A5 is closest in appearance to the Half Letter. As a result, it is most often used for small flyers, booklets, and notepads.
A6
A6 is 4.1 inches wide and 5.8 inches tall, making it too small for standard letters or forms. However, A6 is commonly used for postcards, notepads, or invitations. Due to its size, A6 is often seen in cardstock, as opposed to regular printer paper.
A7
A7 is the smallest size in the common “A” series. Measuring 2.9 inches wide and 4.1 inches tall, A7 often has highly specific uses in commercial settings. For example, A7 paper or cardstock can work for very small notepads, tickets, or product labels.
Additional A Sizes
It’s important to note that A0 through A7 are not the only sizes in the ISO 216 A series; they just happen to be the most common. However, you can also find sizes that are smaller than A7, larger than A0, as well as sizes that do not fit within ISO’s standard sizes, but are used and referenced nonetheless. You can find the dimensions for these additional “A” sizes in the tables below:
Smaller Sizes
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| A8 | 2.05 x 2.91 | 52 x 74 |
| A9 | 1.46 x 2.05 | 37 x 52 |
| A10 | 1.02 x 1.46 | 26 x 37 |
| A11 | 0.7 x 1.00 | 18 x 26 |
| A12 | 0.5 x 0.7 | 13 x 18 |
| A13 | 0.4 x 0.5 | 9 x 13 |
Larger Sizes
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| 2A0 | 46.8 x 66.2 | 1189 x 1682 |
| 4A0 | 66.2 x 93.6 | 1682 x 2378 |
*Non-Standard Sizes
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| A0+ | 33.2 x 46.9 | 843 x 1191 |
| A1+ | 23.5 x 33.2 | 597 x 843 |
| A3+ | 11.8 x 16.6 | 299 x 421 |
*The “+” sign denotes sizes that are not standardized but may be slightly larger due to uneven trimmings or differences between manufacturers. The measurements listed are approximations.
B Paper Sizes
The ISO 216 B series falls between the respective sizes in the “A” series, offering more options to meet certain layout requirements or document specifications. You can find the dimensions for each of the “B” paper sizes, including standard B0 to B10, as well as less common and non-standard alternatives like B11 to B13 and “+” sizes in the sections below:
Common B Sizes
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| B0 | 39.4 x 55.7 | 1000 x 1414 |
| B1 | 27.8 x 39.4 | 707 x 1000 |
| B2 | 19.7 x 27.8 | 500 x 707 |
| B3 | 13.9 x 19.7 | 353 x 500 |
| B4 | 9.8 x 13.9 | 250 x 353 |
| B5 | 6.9 x 9.8 | 176 x 250 |
| B6 | 4.9 x 6.9 | 125 x 176 |
| B7 | 3.5 x 4.9 | 88 x 125 |
| B8 | 2.4 x 3.5 | 62 x 88 |
| B9 | 1.7 x 2.4 | 44 x 62 |
| B10 | 1.2 x 1.7 | 31 x 44 |
Non-Standard Sizes
| Name | Width/Height (in) | Width/Height (mm) |
| B11 | 0.9 x 1.2 | 22 x 31 |
| B12 | 0.6 x 0.9 | 15 x 22 |
| B13 | 0.4 x 0.6 | 11 x 15 |
| *B0+ | 39.5 x 55.8 | 1003 x 1417 |
| *B1+ | 27.9 x 39.5 | 708 x 1003 |
| *B2+ | 19.8 x 27.9 | 502 x 708 |
*The “+” sign denotes sizes that are not standardized but may be slightly larger due to uneven trimmings or differences between manufacturers. The measurements listed are approximations.
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