Books Series
24mo
Belonging to the ISO A series, the 24mo paper size, also known as sextodecimo, is a unique and often overlooked format. This compact size is typically used for pocket books and small booklets, offering a practical solution for portable reading materials.
As part of the ISO A series, 24mo adheres to an aspect ratio of √2:1. This ensures that when two sheets of this size are placed side by side or one sheet is halved parallel to its shorter sides, it results in two smaller sheets with the same aspect ratio. This consistency in proportions across different sizes within the series facilitates easy scaling without distortion.
24mo 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 dimensions of a 24mo sheet are not standardized under ANSI or ISO regulations. However, traditionally it measures approximately 4 by 6 inches (10 x 15 cm). The name 'sextodecimo' indicates that it's one-sixteenth of a full-size sheet - an interesting fact that highlights its compact nature.
Despite its small stature, don't underestimate the power of this paper size. Its portability makes it ideal for creating pocket-sized guides or mini-books that can be easily carried around and accessed on-the-go. It's an excellent choice when you want your content to be readily available to your audience at all times.
While not as commonly used as larger formats like A4 or Letter size, the 24mo offers unique advantages in terms of portability and convenience. Its consistent aspect ratio allows for easy scaling while maintaining visual integrity - making it a versatile option worth considering in your next print project.
Other Formats in the Books Series
Interesting facts about 24mo
1: The Origin of 24mo Paper
24mo paper, also known as twenty-fourmo or twelvemo, is a type of paper size that originated in the early 19th century. It gets its name from the fact that a standard sheet of this paper can be folded into 24 leaves or pages.
2: Compact and Portable
One of the main advantages of 24mo paper is its compact size. It measures approximately 3.5 x 5 inches (8.9 x 12.7 cm), making it highly portable and convenient for carrying in pockets or small bags.
3: Commonly Used for Pocket-Sized Books
The small dimensions of 24mo paper make it ideal for producing pocket-sized books, such as miniature novels, poetry collections, and religious texts. These tiny books were popular during the Victorian era and were often carried by individuals for leisure reading.
4: Historical Significance
In the past, before the advent of digital technology, books were primarily printed on various sizes of paper to optimize printing efficiency and minimize waste. The introduction of different paper sizes allowed publishers to produce books in a range of formats to suit different purposes and preferences.
5: Part of a Series
The classification system used for different paper sizes is known as "series." The series includes various sizes such as folio, quarto, octavo, duodecimo (12mo), sextodecimo (16mo), and twenty-fourmo (24mo). Each size represents a specific folding pattern used to create book pages from larger sheets.
6: Folding Technique
To create 24mo paper, a standard sheet is folded twice along its longer side and then twice again along its shorter side. This folding pattern results in 24 leaves or pages, hence the name "twenty-fourmo."
7: Rarely Used Today
In modern times, with the rise of digital publishing and e-books, the use of 24mo paper has significantly declined. It is now considered a relatively rare format and is mostly used for specialized purposes such as limited edition books or artistic projects.
8: Collectible Items
Due to their small size and historical significance, antique books printed on 24mo paper have become collectible items among book enthusiasts and collectors. These miniature books often hold sentimental value and are sought after for their unique charm.
9: Paper Size Variations
The dimensions of 24mo paper can vary slightly depending on the specific printing press or publisher. While the average size is around 3.5 x 5 inches (8.9 x 12.7 cm), there may be slight variations in width and height.
10: Preservation Challenges
Due to their small size and delicate nature, preserving antique books printed on 24mo paper can be challenging. The fragility of these tiny volumes requires special care to prevent damage from handling or environmental factors such as humidity or sunlight.
