The Complete Guide to Printing Paper Sizes

James Birch

Understanding paper sizes is paramount in the realm of printing. No matter whether you are a graphic designer, student, or simply want to print important documents in the workplace, grasping the significance of paper dimensions are essential. There are numerous paper sizes to learn about, from sizes A1 – 10, to even B sized paper and, C Size and paper weights. In this article, we will explore the various varieties of paper size types, to help you to make informed decisions about what size of paper is right for you to advertise your business.

 

Contents

 

Types of Paper Guide

Before we look at the different sizes of paper, we first need to consider the types of paper that are available on the market. Understanding the different types of paper will make a significant impact on your overall decision of the kind of paper that you want to use for your business.

 

Inkjet printer paper: This form of paper is tailored specifically for inkjet printers and comes in various forms optimized for different inkjet inks. This paper is suitable to use for photos, glossy paper, business cards, and greeting card variations.

 

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Laser printer paper: These are designed for laser printers and can commonly be used in numerous business environments for printing documents, cheques, and mailing labels.

 

Matte: This is widely used for everyday printing tasks, and matte paper features includes a white coating that helps promote ink to dry faster, making it ideal for time-sensitive documents.

 

Bright White: With a smooth, non-textured surface, bright white paper is perfect for high-quality double-sided printing, and will ensure that both sides remain crisp and clear.

 

Glossy: Traditionally employed for printing images or photographs, glossy paper enhances colour and produces sharp, vibrant images with clear clarity, surpassing results that are generated from matte paper.

 

Card Stock: Renowned for its durability, card stock is a robust paper type frequently used for scrapbooking, business cards, and postcards. Its thickness allows it to withstand frequent handling without tearing.

 

Resume: This unique paper type is slightly heavier and off-white in appearance and adds a touch of distinction to important documents such as CVs. The ivory or cream tone of resume paper conveys significance and professionalism, making it the ideal paper for office use.

 

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Guide to Paper Sizes

Now that you are aware of the types of paper, now you need to consider the sizes of paper. Specifically, for this section, A-size. So if you have ever been curious about how big is a6 paper, what size is half of a4, or the dimension pixels of paper, then here is everything that you need to know about them.

 

 

Paper Size

Width x Height (mm)

Width x height (inches)

Width x height (cm)

A0

841 x 1189 mm

33.1 x 46.8 in

84.1 x 118.9 cm

A1

594 x 841 mm

23.4 x 33.1 in

59.5 x 84.1 cm

A2

420 x 594 mm

16.5 x 23.4 in

42 x 59.4 cm

A3

297 x 420 mm

11.7 x 16.5 in

29.7 x 42 cm

A4

210 x 297 mm

8.3 x 11.7 in

21 x 29.7 cm

A5

148 x 210 mm

5.8 x 8.3 in

14.8 x 21 cm

A6

105 x 148 mm

4.1 x 5.8 in

10.5 x 14.8 cm

A7

74 x 105 mm

2.9 x 4.1 in

7.4 x 10.5 cm

A8

52 x 74 mm

2.0 x 2.9 in

5.2 x 7.4 cm

A9

37 x 52 mm

1.5 x 2.0 in

3.7 x 5.3 cm

A10

26 x 37 mm

1.0 x 1.5 in

2.6 x 3.7 cm

 

A Size

The following section will go into more detail about these A paper sizes. After all, most printer users are already familiar with the numerous sizes of ‘A size’ paper, since they are commonly used for everyday use and are the most distinguishable. They are also easy to understand and can increase and decrease in successive order. A1 is usually considered to be the biggest form of paper size, whilst A10 is the smallest.

 

A0 and A1 (Large Format Printing)

A0 and A1 are predominantly found in reprography shops or graphic centres, specifically to the needs of technical drawing. These sizes find extensive use in the construction and architecture sectors, as their proportionate sizes ensure accurate representation of projects. Moreover, the advertising and communication industries benefit from using A0 and A1 formats the most, as their dimensions can be used for promotional materials such as posters, also known as large format printing.

 

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A3, A4 and A5 (Intermediate Paper Sizes)

Among the rest of the paper sizes in this guide, the following three remain the most popular in many industries, and we all have had some experience with these paper sizes at some point in our lives. If you are unaware of them, or need more information if you are interested in using them for your paperwork, then you are in the right place.

A3

A3 paper format serves as a versatile medium for prints and posts, whilst its double size compared to A4 makes it an ideal visual tool for meetings and presenting ideas. Its paper sizes consist of 297mm x 420mm and can be used for printing documents to help make a visual impact, from large graphic materials to high-resolution images. A3 printers are more versatile and can print both A3 and A4 paper due to their faster printing engines.

 

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A4

A4 format stands as the most recognisable paper size for both personal and professional domains. A4 dimensions is usually 210mm x 297mm (for further information, see the table above). Typically sold in various unit packs, A4 is used for commercial purposes including magazines, small posters, booklets, menus, and calendars. Their compact appearance makes them perfect to use in the palm of your hand, and we have all had personal experience using this paper the most out of the rest in this article.

 

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A5

Within the publishing and stationary sectors, the A5 format finds its niche perfectly. Its presence can often be found on shelves that are found in the form of books, diaries, notebooks, and greeting cards. The compact dimensions of A5 paper are 148 x 210 mm and can be placed in smaller spaces and even in your pockets.

 

Other A sizes

In additional to the standard A sizes, there are smaller options, from A6 to A10, which also present excellent choices for printing flyers and other compact media methods. On the other hand, for those seeking larger dimensions, A1 and A2 paper sizes provide ample space to print eye-catching posters and banners, enabling you to make a bold visual impact.

A paper size guide

A0

841 x 1189 mm | 33.1 x 46.8 in | 84.1 x 118.9 cm

 

Small paper sizes: A6 to A10.

Within the realm of standard paper sizes, a variety of smaller dimensions are available.

A6

When it comes to printing or editing photographs, A6 paper size serves as the go-to standard reference. It is also commonly used for creating postcards.

A7

For advertising and communication sectors, the A7 paper size is quite popular, as it is ideal for designing small leaflets and flyer printing, and stickers.

A8 and A9

For business cards, A8 paper size is the go-to for this application, while A9 paper size is used for labels. Although their limited dimensions impose restrictions on the amount of information they can accommodate, these small paper sizes require meticulous graphic design work to make an impact.

A10

Lastly, A10 paper, the smallest among all, finds application in coupons, tickets, and stamps, catering to compact yet has specific and essential needs.

 

SRA

 

SRA paper, known as ‘Supplementary Raw Format A’ offers a slight oversize compared to A sized paper. This -sizedAunique characteristic makes it predominantly suitable for commercial printing purposes, as it provides additional space for bleeding, gripping, and trimming. Within the SRA range, the most encountered size is SRA3 paper, which is compatible with SRA3 printers, which helps to ensure a seamless printing operation.

 

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B-Series Size

'B' series holds significant importance in printing as it caters to both paper size and printing press requirements. B sheets are used to simultaneously print two A sheets. For instance, one B3 sheet can cover two A4 sheets, while one B2 sheet provides space for four A4 sheets.

 

Like A series paper, B series paper sizes are derived from the B0 format. The B0 format has a width of 1 metre and a length of √2 metres, resulting in a length/width ratio also equal to √2. This standardized ratio ensures consistency throughout the various sizes within the B series, allowing for efficient scaling and compatibility in printing workflows.

 

Below is a table showing a list of results about B paper size dimensions, to help you to understand what size of B paper will be best for your printing services.

Paper size

Width x Height (mm)

Width x Height (cm)

Width x Height (in)

B0

1000 x 1414 mm

100.1 x 141.4 cm

39.4 x 55.7 in

B1

707 x 1000 mm

70.7 x 100.0 cm

27.8 x 39.4 in

B2

500 x 707 mm

50.0 x 70.7 cm

19.7 x 27.9 in

B3

353 x 500 mm

35.3 x 50.0 cm

13.9 x 19.7 in

B4

250 x 353 mm

25.0 x 35.3 cm

9.8 x 13.9 in

B5

176 x 250 mm

17.6 x 25.0 cm

6.9 x 9.8 in

B6

125 x 176 mm

12.5 x 17.6 cm

4.9 x 6.8 in

B7

88 x 125 mm

8.8 x 12.5 cm

3.5 x 4.9 in

B8

62 x 88 mm

6.2 x 8.8 cm

2.4 x 3.5 in

B9

44 x 62 mm

4.4 x 6.2 cm

1.7 x 2.4 in

B10

31 x 44 mm

3.1 x 4.4 mm

1.2 x 1.7 in

 

The B series paper sizes exhibit a unique relationship with A series paper, as their areas maintain a factor of √2. This characteristic enables the expansion of margins to seamlessly incorporate a sheet from the A series with the corresponding number. By leveraging this format, designers and printers can efficiently combine elements from both series while preserving consistent proportions and alignment.

 

B Size paper guide

C size

C size paper is specifically designed for envelope usage, offering a dedicated range of sizes. Ranging from C1 to C10, these sizes closely align with their counterparts in the A series, albeit slightly larger in dimensions. This intentional size difference ensures that the corresponding A size sheet can comfortably fit inside the envelope, accommodating the contents seamlessly. By utilizing C-size paper, you can ensure a proper and secure fit for the intended A-size document within the envelope.

 

If you are unsure what C paper size is best for you, the table below displays all the measurement and dimension sizes of C paper that you need to know.

 

Paper Size

Width x Height (mm)

Width x Height (cm)

Width x Height (in)

C1

648 x 917 mm

64.8 x 91.7 cm

25.5 x 36.1 in

C2

458 x 648 mm

45.8 x 64.8 cm

18.0 x 25.5 in

C3

324 x 458 mm

32.4 x 45.8 cm

12.8 x 18.0 in

C4

229 x 324 mm

22.9 x 32.4 cm

9.0 x 12.8 in

C5

162 x 229 mm

16.2 x 22.9 cm

6.4 x 9.0 in

C6

114 x 162 mm

11.4 x 16.2 cm

4.5 x 6.4 in

C7

81 x 114 mm

8.1 x 11.4 cm

3.2 x 4.5 in

C8

57 x 81 mm

5.7 x 8.1 cm

2.2 x 3.2 in

C9

40 x 57 mm

4 x 5.7 cm

1.6 x 2.2 in

C10

28 x 40 mm

2.8 x 4 cm

1.1 x 1.6 in

 

Paper Weights Guide

Now that you have collated what paper size is right for you, you next need to consider paper weight will be the best to help store and organise your paper.

 

What is paper weight usually measured in?

Paper weights are generally measured in GSM (Grams per Square Metre). These are measured depending on their paper thickness, density, and overall quality. For example, the measurement are variable on how much 1m x 1m square piece of paper will weigh in grams.

 

Printer Paper Weights

If you are unsure which printer paper weights would be suitable for your advertising products, this table below will give you more of an idea of what sized paperweights will suit your paper products.

 

Paper Weight

Paper Products

300GSM+

Good quality business card, or heavy card media

180GSM – 250GSM

Middle market magazine cover

130GSM – 170GSM

Promotional posters

100GSM – 130GSM

Medium weight paper

80GSM – 100GSM

Standard issue day-to-day office matte white paper; thin paper

35GSM – 55GSM

Most everyday newspapers

 

Paper Coating Types Guide

Next, we need to consider the appropriate coating types for paper. Here is a guide for the different paper coating types, and which one would better suit paper for your company.

 

Varnish: Available on gloss, satin, or dull finishes, varnish can be tinted in various colors. While being cost-effective, it provides less protection compared to other coating types. It is particularly well-suited for enhancing the appearance of photos.

 

UV: Known for its superior protection, UV coating not only safeguards printed sheets but also enhances the colors. It can be customized in terms of thickness to meet specific requirements.

 

Aqueous: Because its properties are water-based, aqueous coating dries quickly. One of its notable advantages is its eco-friendliness, making it a more environmentally conscious choice compared to other alternatives.

 

Printing paper using printer

Paper Opacity Guide

Paper Opacity is a crucial characteristic for paper printing, since it determines its level of transparency or translucency. In the realm of printing, paper opacity plays a significant role in achieving optimal print quality and readability. Paper opacity is usually measured by how transparent or opaque paper is (how light it is). These paper sheets will be measured on a scale between 0 and 100. If it is measured at 0, it is a transparent sheet, but if it is measured at 100, it is fully opaque.

 

What are the best paper sizes for printing?

Several factors should be considered when it comes to printing paper. You need to remind yourself about the purpose is for certain sized paper, as highlighted in our paper size guides: do you want to use paper for posters, menus, books, or other services? Once you have made this initial decision, it will help to align with the purpose of the project you are undertaking.

 

You will then need to determine the layout and engagement of desktop publishing (DTP) which is also crucial in your work. DTP will aid in helping to design and arrange elements including text, images, and graphics, to help make your paperwork more visually appealing. For example, if you were to print paper using an A0 format, this can be used for large-scale printing, including posters, architectual plans, or detailed technical drawings. By considering these factors, you can tailor your printing job accordingly, and choose the desired outcome for your paper size following this paper size guide.

 

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FAQs

What are the different sizes of paper?

  • A series paper is used for general printing purposes. These paper sizes range from 841 x 1189 mm to 26 x 37 mm.
  • B series is used to print multiple A sheets at once. These paper sizes range from 1000 x 1414 mm to 31 x 44 mm.
  • C series papers generally used for envelopes. These paper sizes range from 648 x 917 mm to 28 x 40 mm.

 

Which is bigger: A2 or A3?

A2 holds twice the dimensions of A3, while A1 surpasses A2 in size by a factor of two. This sequential doubling of paper sizes provides a systematic and easily understandable progression for determining the relative dimensions within the series.

What size is A5?

A5 paper is 148 x 210 mm or 5.8 x 8.3 inches. A5 corresponds to half the size of A4, one quarter of A3 and twice the size of A6. It is the size of a standard greetings card.

 

What is the smallest A paper size available?

The ISO A series paper sizes commence with the most compact option, A8, measuring 52mm (w) x 74mm (h). These dimensions align with the standard size of bank cards and driving licenses, making it crucial to consider the scaling and available space when opting for A8 paper.

 

What is the difference between a flyer and a leaflet?

When distinguishing between a flyer and a leaflet, the key contrast lies in the paper stock utilized for their creation. Leaflets are typically printed on paper, while flyers are printed on cardstock. This disparity in paper choice results in variations in thickness and weight between the two, ultimately contributing to their distinct characteristics.

 

Sources

Healthline. (n.d.). Why Paper Cuts Really, Really Hurt. Healthline. [Accessed 18th May, 2023] Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/why-paper-cuts-really-really-hurt

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