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Paper Sizes: A Complete Guide to Standard Dimensions and Uses

Understanding paper sizes is essential for printing, designing, and professional documentation. Whether you’re working with A4 paper size, letter size, or large formats like A0 size or B0 size, choosing the correct paper dimensions ensures efficiency and compatibility.

This guide will cover different standard paper sizes, including A series, B series, C series (for envelopes), and US paper sizes, with their dimensions in millimeters (mm) and inches (inches) for accurate reference.


Common Paper Size Chart (A-Series, B-Series & US Paper Sizes)

A-Series Paper Sizes (ISO 216 Standard)

Paper Size Dimensions (mm) Dimensions (inches) Common Uses
A0 Size 841 × 1189 mm 33.1 × 46.8 in Posters, technical drawings
A1 Size 594 × 841 mm 23.4 × 33.1 in Architectural plans, large prints
A2 Size 420 × 594 mm 16.5 × 23.4 in Diagrams, artwork
A3 Size 297 × 420 mm 11.7 × 16.5 in Presentations, brochures
A4 Size 210 × 297 mm 8.3 × 11.7 in Documents, office printing
A5 Size 148 × 210 mm 5.8 × 8.3 in Notebooks, flyers
A6 Size 105 × 148 mm 4.1 × 5.8 in Postcards, invitations

B-Series Paper Sizes (ISO 216 Standard)

The B-series paper sizes are used when larger formats than A-series are required. They are commonly used in posters, books, and passports.

Paper Size Dimensions (mm) Dimensions (inches) Common Uses
B0 Size 1000 × 1414 mm 39.4 × 55.7 in Large posters, billboards
B1 Size 707 × 1000 mm 27.8 × 39.4 in Large-format printing
B2 Size 500 × 707 mm 19.7 × 27.8 in Posters, advertisements
B3 Size 353 × 500 mm 13.9 × 19.7 in Booklets, small posters
B4 Size 250 × 353 mm 9.8 × 13.9 in Magazines, newspapers
B5 Size 176 × 250 mm 6.9 × 9.8 in Books, catalogs
B6 Size 125 × 176 mm 4.9 × 6.9 in Pocket notebooks, pamphlets
B7 Size 88 × 125 mm 3.5 × 4.9 in Tickets, small booklets
B8 Size 62 × 88 mm 2.4 × 3.5 in Business cards, small ID cards

C-Series Paper Sizes (For Envelopes)

The C-series paper sizes are specifically designed for envelopes that fit A-series paper sizes when folded.

Paper Size Dimensions (mm) Dimensions (inches) Fits A-Series Paper
C0 Size 917 × 1297 mm 36.1 × 51.1 in A0
C1 Size 648 × 917 mm 25.5 × 36.1 in A1
C2 Size 458 × 648 mm 18 × 25.5 in A2
C3 Size 324 × 458 mm 12.8 × 18 in A3
C4 Size 229 × 324 mm 9 × 12.8 in A4
C5 Size 162 × 229 mm 6.4 × 9 in A5
C6 Size 114 × 162 mm 4.5 × 6.4 in A6

US Paper Sizes (Letter, Legal, Tabloid)

Unlike ISO 216, the US paper sizes follow traditional formats. These sizes are mainly used in North America.

Paper Size Dimensions (mm) Dimensions (inches) Common Uses
Letter Size 216 × 279 mm 8.5 × 11 in Standard US documents
Legal Size 216 × 356 mm 8.5 × 14 in Contracts, legal documents
Tabloid Size 279 × 432 mm 11 × 17 in Newspapers, large prints

Choosing the Right Paper Size for Your Needs

When selecting a paper size, consider:

  1. Purpose – Office work requires A4 or Letter size, while posters use A2, B2, or larger formats.
  2. Printer Compatibility – Most printers support A4 paper size or Letter size, while specialized printers handle A0, A1, or B-series sizes.
  3. Regional StandardISO 216 (A, B, C series) dominates internationally, while US paper sizes are standard in North America.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re printing a business document on A4 paper size, designing a poster using A1 size, or preparing legal paperwork in Legal size, understanding paper dimensions is essential. With this guide, you can confidently choose the right paper size for any printing or design project.