Printer paper size affects every step of a print job, from file setup to trimming the finished sheet. If the paper size in your document doesn't match what's loaded in the printer, you'll get clipped margins or wasted stock.
The world runs on two different paper size systems, and the standard paper size in one country isn't always the standard in another. This guide covers every common printer paper size in both inches and millimeters, compares the ISO and North American formats, and helps you choose the right paper size for your next print run.
The Two Printer Paper Size Systems
Paper sizes around the world follow one of two systems. The ISO 216 standard governs international paper sizes and was established in 1975. It's built on a mathematical ratio: each sheet in the A series is exactly half the size of the one above it, cut parallel to the shorter side. That constant aspect ratio of 1:1.414 means you can scale a document from A4 to A3 without losing proportions, a practical advantage for magnification on copiers and printers.
The North American system takes a different approach. Instead of a mathematical ratio, it uses traditional dimensions that developed over centuries of trade use. ANSI formalized these paper sizes in 1995, but the actual dimensions (8.5 x 11, 8.5 x 14, 11 x 17) were established practice long before that. North American sizes are measured in inches, while ISO sizes use metric millimeters. Both systems define the sheets that printers, copiers, and presses handle, so knowing both is helpful if you print for international clients or source paper worldwide.
ISO A Series Paper Sizes
The A series is the most commonly used paper size standard worldwide. A4, at 210 mm x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 inches), is the standard paper size for office documents, letters, and forms across Europe, Asia, and most of the world outside North America. A3 measures 297 mm x 420 mm and is commonly used for spreadsheets and large format printing in ISO 216 countries.
The scalability of the system is what makes it simple. Each size is generated by cutting the previous sheet in half, so A1 is half of A0, A2 is half of A1, and so on. That proportional relationship simplifies imposition and magnification across the full range of formats. A5 (148 mm x 210 mm) is commonly used for notebooks and flyers, while A6 (105 mm x 148 mm) works for postcards and small notice cards.
Size |
Width x Height (mm) |
Width x Height (inches) |
A0 |
841 mm x 1189 mm |
33.1 x 46.8 inches |
A1 |
594 mm x 841 mm |
23.4 x 33.1 inches |
A2 |
420 mm x 594 mm |
16.5 x 23.4 inches |
A3 |
297 mm x 420 mm |
11.7 x 16.5 inches |
A4 |
210 mm x 297 mm |
8.3 x 11.7 inches |
A5 |
148 mm x 210 mm |
5.8 x 8.3 inches |
A6 |
105 mm x 148 mm |
4.1 x 5.8 inches |
A7 |
74 mm x 105 mm |
2.9 x 4.1 inches |
The ISO standard also includes B series and C series paper sizes. B sizes fall between consecutive A sizes and are used for posters, books, and envelopes. C series envelopes fit A series paper perfectly: a C4 envelope (229 mm x 324 mm) holds a flat A4 sheet, and a C5 envelope (162 mm x 229 mm) holds an A5 sheet or a folded A4.
North American and ANSI Paper Sizes
In the United States and Canada, printer paper follows the North American system rather than ISO 216. The standard letter size is 8.5 x 11 inches (216 mm x 279 mm), and it's what you'll find in nearly every office printer and copier in the country. Legal size measures 8.5 x 14 inches (216 mm x 356 mm) and is the standard format for legal documents, contracts, and government forms.
Tabloid measures 11 x 17 inches (279 mm x 432 mm) and is used for newsletters, brochures, and carbonless forms that need extra sheet area. Ledger is identical to tabloid (17 x 11 inches) but oriented horizontally. If you're printing 11 x 17 carbonless paper for multi-part business forms, tabloid is the format you'll select in your printer settings.
Size Name |
Dimensions (inches) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Common Uses |
Letter |
8.5 x 11 |
216 mm x 279 mm |
Office documents, business letters |
Legal |
8.5 x 14 |
216 mm x 356 mm |
Legal documents, contracts, forms |
Tabloid |
11 x 17 |
279 mm x 432 mm |
Newsletters, brochures, data sheets |
Ledger |
17 x 11 |
432 mm x 279 mm |
Spreadsheets, accounting, wide format |
ANSI standardized these paper sizes in 1995 and added larger formats for engineering and architectural work. The full ANSI system runs from ANSI A (letter, 8.5 x 11) through ANSI E (34 x 44 inches, 864 mm x 1118 mm). Each step doubles one dimension: ANSI B is 11 x 17, ANSI C is 17 x 22 inches (432 mm x 559 mm), and ANSI D is 22 x 34 inches (559 mm x 864 mm). Print shops that handle wide format work, 12 x 18 waterproof paper, or parent sheet sizes for offset press production will see these larger ANSI dimensions regularly.
How A4 and US Letter Size Compare
A4 and letter size are the two most commonly printed paper sizes in the world, and they're close enough to cause confusion but different enough to cause problems. A4 measures 210 mm x 297 mm (8.27 x 11.69 inches). US letter measures 8.5 x 11 inches (216 mm x 279 mm). Letter is slightly wider (about 6 mm) and A4 is a bit longer (about 18 mm). A4 is slightly narrower and roughly 6% taller than standard letter size.
That difference matters in document formatting. A file designed for A4 and printed on letter paper will clip at the bottom. A letter format document printed on A4 leaves extra space at the bottom. If you print for clients in both North American and international markets, set your document to match the paper loaded in the tray. Most printers handle both formats, but the driver needs to know which sheet is loaded.
Choosing the Right Paper Size for Your Print Job
Printer paper selection depends on the document type and the printer's capabilities. For everyday office printing in the USA, letter size (8.5 x 11) covers reports, invoices, and most business correspondence. Accent opaque laser paper in standard letter size is a solid choice for high-bright output on copiers and laser printers.
Legal size (8.5 x 14) is the right paper size for contracts, legal documents, and official forms. PSD stocks 8.5 x 14 carbonless paper for shops that print multi-part legal forms and need a sheet that runs clean through offset, digital, and copier equipment.
Tabloid (11 x 17) handles newsletters, folded brochures, and large data output. For heavier stock, 80 lb cardstock and 100 lb cardstock are available in standard sheet sizes. If paper weight is the variable you're sorting out, our paper weight chart covers GSM conversions and basis weights.
For print shops sourcing paper in bulk, parent sheet sizes (like 23 x 35 or 25 x 38) are the starting point for commercial press work. These oversize sheets allow for trim and bleed so there's no white edge on the finished piece. Browse PSD's full printing paper supplies for press-ready stock in a range of sizes, weights, and finishes, including Omnilux gloss text paper and 100 lb paper stock for brochures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Normal Printer Paper A4?
It depends on your country. In most of the world, A4 (210 mm x 297 mm) is the standard printer paper size for everyday office use. In the United States and Canada, standard printer paper is letter size, 8.5 x 11 inches (216 mm x 279 mm). Both are considered "normal" in their respective regions. If you're buying paper in the USA, the default sheet in a ream is letter, not A4.
Is Regular Printer Paper 8.5 x 11?
In the United States and Canada, yes. Regular printer paper is 8.5 x 11 inches, also called letter size or standard letter size. This is the standard paper size loaded in office printers, desktop lasers, and copiers across North America. It's identical to ANSI A in the formalized ANSI system. Outside North America, the regular standard is A4.
What Are the Sizes of A1, A2, A3, and A4 Paper?
A1 measures 594 mm x 841 mm (23.4 x 33.1 inches). A2 measures 420 mm x 594 mm (16.5 x 23.4 inches). A3 measures 297 mm x 420 mm (11.7 x 16.5 inches), and A4 measures 210 mm x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 inches). Each size is exactly half the size of the one above it. A1 is used for technical drawings, A2 for architectural plans, A3 for brochures and large print work, and A4 for standard office documents.
What Printer Setting Is 8.5 x 11?
In your printer driver or print dialog, 8.5 x 11 is listed as "Letter" or "US Letter." On some printers it may also appear as "ANSI A." Select this setting when you've loaded standard letter size paper in the tray. If your document was designed for A4, switching to Letter without adjusting the layout may clip content at the bottom because A4 is a bit longer in height.
Stock Your Print Shop With Paper That Ships Fast
Printing Supplies Direct stocks printing paper and media in every standard size, from letter and legal to tabloid, 2 part carbonless sheets, and more. We carry the substrates your shop needs in the paper sizes your equipment expects. Orders ship same or next day, with free shipping to the contiguous 48 states. Call 860-516-6393 or email info@printingsuppliesdirect.com.
By the Printing Supplies Direct Team.