Billboard Series
4 Sheet
Belonging to the ISO A series, the 4 Sheet paper size is a unique and versatile format. This particular size, often overlooked in favor of its more popular counterparts such as A4 or A3, holds its own distinctive appeal and functionality.
The 4 Sheet paper size adheres to the ISO 216 standard, an international standard that defines paper sizes based on an aspect ratio of √2. This ensures that when a sheet is cut in half parallel to its shorter sides, the resulting halves will again have the same aspect ratio. The dimensions of a 4 Sheet are precisely double those of an A1 sheet.
4 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 |
One intriguing fact about this paper size is its extensive use in outdoor advertising. Due to its large dimensions (1524mm x 1016mm), it's ideal for creating impactful billboards and posters that capture attention from afar. Its substantial surface area allows for bold graphics and text, making it a favorite choice among marketers aiming for maximum visibility.
In addition to advertising applications, the 4 Sheet also finds utility in architectural drawings or large-scale design plans where detail and precision are paramount. It provides ample space for intricate designs without compromising on clarity or legibility.
Despite not being part of the ANSI series commonly used in North America, the adaptability and versatility of this ISO standard paper size make it universally applicable across various industries worldwide.
While it may not be as widely recognized as other formats within its series, the 4 Sheet offers unique advantages that make it stand out from other paper sizes. Its impressive dimensions combined with adherence to international standards ensure it remains a valuable tool in both marketing and design fields.
Other Formats in the Billboard Series
Interesting facts about 4 Sheet
1. The Origin of 4 Sheet Paper
4 Sheet paper, also known as A2 size, is part of the international standard paper sizes series called the A-series. It was first introduced in Germany in 1922 by Dr. Walter Porstmann and quickly gained popularity worldwide.
2. Dimensions of 4 Sheet Paper
A standard 4 Sheet paper measures approximately 420mm x 594mm or 16.5 inches x 23.4 inches. It has an aspect ratio of approximately 1:√2, which means that when folded in half, it retains the same proportions.
3. Common Uses for 4 Sheet Paper
Due to its larger size compared to regular letter or legal-sized papers, A2 paper is commonly used for posters, architectural drawings, artwork prints, and presentations that require more space for visual impact.
4. Folding Techniques
A2 paper can be folded into smaller sizes while maintaining its aspect ratio according to the A-series standards. For example, folding it in half creates two A3 sheets; folding an A3 sheet in half creates two A4 sheets.
5. International Adoption
The A-series paper sizes have been widely adopted internationally and are used by most countries except for North America (which uses different standards). This standardization allows for easy compatibility between printers and copiers worldwide.
6. Environmental Benefits
The use of standardized paper sizes like the A-series helps reduce waste during printing processes since it minimizes trimmings and offcuts from production due to consistent dimensions across different print jobs.
7. Historical Connection with Watermarks
In earlier times, when paper was handmade, the 4 Sheet size was often used to create watermarked paper. Watermarks were designs or patterns embedded in the paper during production and were visible when held up to light.
8. A2 Paper in Art Movements
A2 size gained popularity among artists during the mid-20th century, particularly within art movements like Dadaism and Fluxus. Its larger format allowed for more expressive and impactful artworks.
9. Variations Across Countries
While most countries adhere to the A-series standards for paper sizes, some variations exist. For example, in Japan, a similar size called B2 (515mm x 728mm) is commonly used for posters and prints.
10. Digital Equivalent
In digital design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, the equivalent pixel dimensions for an A2-sized document at 300 pixels per inch (ppi) resolution would be 4961 pixels x 7016 pixels.
