Books Series
16mo
16mo, a term derived from the Italian 'sedicesimo', signifies a specific paper size that is one-sixteenth of a full sheet. This format, often used in book production, results in a compact and portable volume. It's not part of any ISO or ANSI series but holds its unique place in the realm of paper sizes.
Historically, 16mo was widely utilized during the Renaissance period for printing small books that were easy to carry and read on-the-go. The size typically measures approximately 4 by 6 inches (10 x 15 cm), although variations can occur based on the original sheet size.
16mo 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 |
The process to achieve this format involves folding a full sheet of paper into sixteen equal parts. Each fold increases the number of pages in the book, resulting in an economical use of paper. This efficiency made it popular among publishers seeking to maximize their resources.
Despite its historical roots, 16mo continues to be relevant today. It's commonly used for pocket-sized books such as guides or dictionaries that require portability without compromising readability.
While it may not be part of any standardized series like ISO or ANSI, 16mo has carved out its niche within the world of paper sizes due to its unique blend of portability and practicality.
Other Formats in the Books Series
Interesting facts about 16mo
1: The Origin of 16mo Paper
16mo paper, also known as sixteenmo or sextodecimo, originated in the early 19th century. It gets its name from the Latin words "sex" meaning six and "decimus" meaning tenth, indicating that a sheet of paper was folded into sixteen leaves.
2: Compact and Portable
One of the unique features of 16mo paper is its compact size. It measures approximately 6 to 7 inches in height and is often used for pocket-sized books. Its small dimensions make it highly portable and convenient for reading on-the-go.
3: Commonly Used for Novels
Due to its small size, 16mo paper is commonly used for publishing novels and other literary works. The compact format allows publishers to print lengthy texts while keeping the book lightweight and easy to handle.
4: Variations in Folding Techniques
The folding technique used to create a sheet of 16mo paper can vary depending on the publisher or printer. Some may fold a larger sheet into quarters, while others may use different folding patterns such as accordion-style folds.
5: Historical Significance
In the past, when bookbinding was done by hand, printers would often use larger sheets of paper that were then cut and folded into smaller sizes like 16mo. This process allowed them to maximize efficiency by utilizing standard-sized sheets for multiple book formats.
6: Precursor to Modern Paper Sizes
The development of various book formats like sextodecimo played a significant role in shaping modern standardized paper sizes. These smaller formats served as precursors to the standardized paper sizes we use today, such as A4, letter, and legal.
7: Popular in the 19th Century
During the 19th century, 16mo paper was widely used for publishing books. It was a popular choice among publishers due to its cost-effectiveness and practicality. Many classic novels from that era were printed in this format.
8: Rarely Used Today
In modern times, with advancements in printing technology and changes in reading habits, the use of 16mo paper has significantly declined. It is now considered a less common format for book publishing compared to larger sizes like octavo or quarto.
9: Collectible Editions
Due to its historical significance and rarity today, books printed on 16mo paper have become collectible editions sought after by book enthusiasts and collectors. These editions often hold value for their unique format and association with a specific time period.
10: Adaptability of Paper Sizes
The evolution of various paper sizes throughout history showcases the adaptability of the printing industry. From large folio sizes used for ancient manuscripts to compact formats like sextodecimo, printers have continuously adjusted paper dimensions to suit different needs and preferences.
