Billboard Series
1 Sheet
Belonging to the ISO A series, a single sheet of paper holds an intriguing blend of simplicity and complexity. The standard size, known as A4, measures 210 x 297 millimeters or 8.27 x 11.69 inches. This format is part of the ingenious ISO 216 standard, which is based on the Lichtenberg Ratio—an aspect ratio that retains its proportions when folded in half.
The beauty of this system lies in its scalability. Each step down from A0 (which has a surface area of one square meter) halves the dimensions, resulting in sizes that are easy to understand and use. For instance, two A5 sheets make up an A4 sheet and two A4 sheets form an A3 sheet.
1 Sheet paper dimensions
Specs
| Format | in | mm | cm | pt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A0 | 46.81 x 66.22 | 1189 x 1682 | 119 x 168 | 3370 x 4768 |
| A12 | 0.51 x 0.71 | 13 x 18 | 1 x 2 | 37 x 51 |
| 4A0 | 66.22 x 93.62 | 1682 x 2378 | 168 x 238 | 4768 x 6741 |
| A11 | 0.71 x 1.02 | 18 x 26 | 2 x 3 | 51 x 74 |
| A10 | 1.02 x 1.46 | 26 x 37 | 3 x 4 | 74 x 105 |
| A3+ | 12.95 x 19.02 | 329 x 483 | 33 x 48 | 933 x 1369 |
| A1+ | 23.98 x 35.98 | 609 x 914 | 61 x 91 | 1726 x 2591 |
| A0+ | 35.98 x 50.87 | 914 x 1292 | 91 x 129 | 2591 x 3662 |
| A6 | 4.13 x 5.83 | 105 x 148 | 11 x 15 | 298 x 420 |
| A5 | 5.83 x 8.27 | 148 x 210 | 15 x 21 | 420 x 595 |
| A4 | 8.27 x 11.69 | 210 x 297 | 21 x 30 | 595 x 842 |
| A3 | 11.69 x 16.54 | 297 x 420 | 30 x 42 | 842 x 1191 |
| A9 | 1.46 x 2.05 | 37 x 52 | 4 x 5 | 105 x 147 |
| A2 | 16.54 x 23.39 | 420 x 594 | 42 x 59 | 1191 x 1684 |
| A8 | 2.05 x 2.91 | 52 x 74 | 5 x 7 | 147 x 210 |
| A1 | 23.39 x 33.11 | 594 x 841 | 59 x 84 | 1684 x 2384 |
| A7 | 2.91 x 4.13 | 74 x 105 | 7 x 11 | 210 x 298 |
| A0 | 33.11 x 46.81 | 841 x 1189 | 84 x 119 | 2384 x 3370 |
On the other side of the Atlantic, you'll find ANSI series paper sizes used predominantly in North America. The 'Letter' size (8.5 x 11 inches) is a close relative to our familiar friend—the A4.
Despite being such a commonplace item, there's more than meets the eye with a single sheet of paper. Its dimensions are not arbitrary but carefully calculated for maximum efficiency and usability—a testament to thoughtful design and standardization.
Whether it's for printing an important document or sketching out ideas, understanding paper sizes can help you choose the right format for your needs—making your work more effective and impactful.
Other Formats in the Billboard Series
Interesting facts about 1 Sheet
1: The A Series Paper Sizes
The most commonly used paper size series worldwide is the A series. It was first introduced in Germany in the 1920s and is based on a simple mathematical formula. Each size is exactly half the area of the next larger size, starting from A0, which has an area of one square meter.
2: The B Series Paper Sizes
The B series paper sizes are less common but still widely used, especially for posters and envelopes. Similar to the A series, each size is exactly half the area of the next larger size. The B series was developed to provide a range of sizes with different proportions compared to the A series.
3: The C Series Paper Sizes
The C series paper sizes are primarily used for envelopes and folders. Unlike the A and B series, which have a consistent aspect ratio (width-to-height ratio), each C size has a different aspect ratio. This allows for easy fitting of documents into corresponding envelopes without excessive folding or trimming.
4: US Letter Size vs Rest of World
In most countries outside North America, the standard letter-size paper is known as A4 (part of the A series). However, in Canada and the United States, they use a slightly different standard called US Letter Size (8.5 x 11 inches). This can sometimes cause compatibility issues when printing or copying documents between regions.
5: Ancient Origins
Papermaking dates back over two thousand years ago in ancient China during the Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 220 CE). Initially made from mulberry bark and other plant fibers, it revolutionized communication by providing an affordable alternative to silk or bamboo writing materials.
6: The Gutenberg Bible
The Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg in the 1450s, was the first major book printed using movable type in Europe. It was printed on paper rather than parchment or vellum, making it more accessible to a wider audience and contributing to the spread of literacy.
7: Paper Sizes Named After Birds
In some countries, specific paper sizes are named after birds. For example, in Japan, there is a size called "Tanzaku," which is equivalent to half of a traditional Japanese poetry sheet. Tanzaku means "long and narrow like a swallow" in Japanese.
8: Watermark Identification
Watermarks are designs or patterns embedded into paper during manufacturing that become visible when held up to light. They were initially used as a way to identify the manufacturer or indicate authenticity. Today, watermarks can also be used for artistic purposes or as an added security feature on important documents.
9: Specialty Papers
Paper comes in various specialty forms such as tracing paper (transparent and smooth), carbonless copy paper (creates duplicate copies without carbon sheets), and synthetic papers (tear-resistant and waterproof). These specialty papers serve specific purposes beyond regular printing needs.
10: Paper Recycling
Paper is one of the most recycled materials globally. Recycling one ton of paper saves around 17 trees, reduces energy consumption by about 40%, and conserves water usage by approximately 50%. Recycling efforts help reduce deforestation and minimize environmental impact.
