How to Select U.S. and European (Metric) Standard Paper Sizes

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Standard Paper Sizes

If you end up printing your technical documents please be aware that there are no “standard” paper sizes across the globe.

For example, the ISO 216 standard defines the paper sizes for U.S. and European (metric) standards. These are also called A series paper sizes.

It is important to know that the U.S. standard size of 8 1/2 x 11 inches is not equivalent to the European A4 size of 210 x 297 mm, even though they are both called “A4”.

The ISO 216 standard defines two paper sizes for each series: one with dimensions corresponding to the US letter paper size, and the other corresponding to A4 paper size for Europe or ANSI letter size in Canada, or JIS B5 in Japan.

To remember that becomes very crucial when you’re a part of an international documentation team or doing business for global clients.

The Most Common Paper Sizes

The most common paper dimensions used in the United States are letter (8.5″ x 11″) and legal (8.5″ x 14″). The most common paper size used in Europe is A4 (210mm x 297mm).

When printing in the United States, it is best to use letter or legal size paper. When printing in Europe, it is best to use A4 size paper.

To ensure that your paper prints correctly, you must select the correct paper size. U.S. and European paper sizes vary in dimensions, so it is important to choose the right size for your project.

Paper dimensions fall into one of two broad categories: The U.S. and “European” or Metric sizes (which covers all non-US and non-UK countries).

U.S. Standard Paper Sizes

U.S. papers are based on a system developed by the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC).

The most common size is letter paper, which is 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches long. Other U.S. sizes include legal paper (8.5 inches wide by 14 inches long), tabloid paper (11 inches wide by 17 inches long), and executive paper (7.25 inches wide by 10.5 inches long).

U.S. sizes are usually expressed in inches and European sizes in millimeters.

Here are the paper sizes that I’ve used more than others during my technical communication career, plus a few others:

The Letter

The most popular U.S. paper is the “Letter,” the familiar 8.5″ x 11″ used in all offices across America. It’s also known as “A” size. Its European counterpart is A4, which is close: 8.3 x 11.7 inches or 210 x 297 mm.

Tabloid

Tabloid paper is 11 inches wide by 17 inches long.

Executive

The executive paper has rather odd dimensions, available at 7.25 inches wide by 10.5 inches long.

Legal

Next comes the “Legal” size: 8.5″ x 14″ in the U.S. which really does not have a rough equivalent in the Metric system.

Ledger

Third comes the strange and fascinating “B” size (“Ledger”) at 11″ x 17″. Its metric counterpart is A3 which measures 11.7 x 16.5 inches, or 297 x 420 mm.

“Shortie”

One other size I use frequently for small or short documents is 8.5″ x 5.5″, which is exactly half of A or Letter size. There is no commonly-used U.S. name for that size. That’s why I like calling it a “shortie” 🙂 But in Europe, it’s referred to as A5 and it comes as 5.8 x 8.3 inches or 48 x 210 mm.

European Standard Paper Sizes

European sizes are based on the International standard paper sizes (CIE), which were created in 1924.

The most common paper is A4 paper, which is 8.25 inches wide by 11.7 inches long.

Other European papers include A5 paper (half of an A4 sheet; 5.8 inches wide by 8.3 inches long), A3 paper (half of an A4 sheet; 11.7 inches wide by 16.5 inches long), and A2 paper (double the size of an A4 sheet; 17.25 inches wide by 22.9 inches long).

Things to Consider When Selecting Paper

When selecting a paper size, it is important to consider the dimensions of your project and the type of printer you are using. If you are using a standard U.S. paper size, make sure that your printer is set to “U.S. paper sizes.” If you are using a European paper size, make sure that your printer is set to “A4 paper.”

Choosing the right paper size is an important step in the paper printing process. Be sure to refer to paper size charts for international papers if you are having trouble choosing the right paper sheet for your project.

Chart for Standard Paper Sizes

A paper size chart is a helpful way to determine which paper size to use for your project. The chart lists the sizes available for U.S paper and European paper as well as paperweight charts. Refer to a paper size chart if you are having trouble choosing the right paper sheet for your project.

Determining how large your paper needs to be can sometimes be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Paper comes in many different shapes and sizes, so paper size charts can help you determine the paper shape and paper size that best fit your needs.