US Series
Elephant
Elephant paper, a term that may seem unusual to the uninitiated, is an intriguing part of the ISO 216 international paper size standard. This unique size measures 23.5 x 27.8 inches (597 x 706 mm), making it one of the larger formats in the series.
Despite its name, Elephant paper has no direct connection to the majestic animal it's named after. The term 'Elephant' is derived from traditional British paper sizes which were often named after animals such as Elephant, Foolscap and Pott.
Elephant 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 |
While not as commonly used as A4 or Letter sizes, Elephant paper holds its own unique appeal and applications. It's particularly favored in industries such as publishing and printing where large format sizes are required for specific tasks like creating book covers or art prints.
The ANSI series does not include an equivalent to Elephant size; however, it closely aligns with ANSI D or E. Despite this discrepancy between ISO and ANSI standards, professionals across various industries have adapted their practices to accommodate this distinctive format.
Elephant paper is more than just a quirky name—it represents a rich history of traditional British printing methods while serving modern-day needs in publishing and printing sectors.
Other Formats in the US Series
Interesting facts about Elephant
1: Elephant paper is not made from elephants
Despite its name, elephant paper does not come from elephants. It is actually a type of handmade paper that originated in Thailand and got its name due to its large size, resembling the size of an elephant.
2: Elephant paper is traditionally made from mulberry bark
The traditional method of making elephant paper involves using the inner bark of the mulberry tree. The bark is harvested, soaked, and then beaten into a pulp to create the base material for the paper.
3: Elephant paper has a unique texture
One distinctive feature of elephant paper is its rough and fibrous texture. This texture gives it a natural and organic feel, making it popular for various artistic purposes such as painting, calligraphy, and bookbinding.
4: Elephant paper can be dyed naturally
Elephant paper can be dyed using natural dyes derived from plants or fruits. This allows for a wide range of vibrant colors without the use of synthetic chemicals. The dyeing process adds another layer of uniqueness to each sheet.
5: Elephant paper is highly durable
Due to its thick fibers and sturdy composition, elephant paper is known for its durability. It can withstand heavy handling and resist tearing or wrinkling easily. This makes it suitable for long-lasting art pieces or even functional items like bags or lampshades.
6: Elephant dung can be used in making elephant paper
In some cases, elephant dung can be used as one of the ingredients in making elephant paper. The dung fibers are cleaned thoroughly before being mixed with other materials during the pulping process. This unique approach adds an eco-friendly aspect to the paper-making process.
7: Elephant paper is often used for conservation purposes
Elephant paper is sometimes used as a means of supporting elephant conservation efforts. Artisans and organizations create and sell elephant paper products, with a portion of the proceeds going towards protecting elephants and their habitats.
8: Elephant paper can be embedded with seeds
To promote sustainability, some variations of elephant paper are made with embedded seeds. After use, the paper can be planted in soil, allowing the seeds to germinate and grow into plants. This innovative feature combines artistry with environmental consciousness.
9: Elephant paper has inspired other handmade papers
The popularity of elephant paper has inspired artisans in other countries to create similar handmade papers using local materials and techniques. These papers often bear resemblances to elephant paper but have their own unique characteristics.
10: Elephant dung-based products extend beyond just paper
Besides making elephant dung-based papers, artisans have also developed various other products using this unconventional material. These include notebooks, stationery items, photo frames, and even jewelry. The versatility of elephant dung as a resource continues to surprise many.
