Business Cards Series
European
European paper sizes, governed by the ISO 216 standard, are a harmonious and logical system that is widely adopted across the globe. This system is based on a simple mathematical principle: each successive size in the series is half of the previous size when folded parallel to its shorter sides. This unique feature ensures consistency and ease of use.
The most commonly used format in this series is A4, measuring 210 x 297 millimeters. It's an integral part of everyday life, serving as the go-to choice for letters, forms, and documents. Its popularity stems from its optimal size - not too big to handle or too small to contain sufficient information.
European paper dimensions
Specs
View All Business Cards Series
| 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 |
Another notable member of this series is A0. With an area of one square meter, it serves as the foundation for all other sizes in the A-series. The dimensions are designed such that when cut or folded down the middle along its longest side, it yields two sheets without altering its aspect ratio.
Beyond these common formats lie B-series and C-series sizes. The B-series offers intermediary sizes between those available in A-series while C-series caters specifically to envelope dimensions designed to accommodate A-series paper sizes.
Interestingly enough, European paper sizes have also influenced design principles due to their aspect ratios remaining constant even when scaled up or down. This has led designers worldwide to adopt these standards for creating harmonious designs with ease of scalability.
European paper sizes offer a versatile range that caters to various needs while maintaining consistency and harmony in design principles - making them an indispensable tool in both professional and personal settings.
Other Formats in the Business Cards Series
Interesting facts about European
1. The A series paper sizes originated from Germany
The A series paper sizes, such as A4 and A5, were first introduced by the German scientist Georg Christoph Lichtenberg in the 18th century. These standardized sizes were later adopted by other European countries and eventually became widely used worldwide.
2. The B series paper sizes are based on geometric progression
The B series paper sizes, like B5 and B3, are derived from the A series sizes using a geometric progression formula. Each size in the B series has dimensions that are exactly halfway between two consecutive sizes in the A series.
3. The C series paper sizes are designed for envelopes
The C series paper sizes, such as C6 and C5, were specifically created for envelopes. These envelope formats have dimensions that allow them to perfectly enclose an unfolded sheet of the corresponding A-series size.
4. The D series paper sizes are rarely used
The D series paper sizes, including D1 and D2, were initially intended for architectural drawings but have seen limited use compared to the more common A and B series formats.
5. Watermarks were used to identify European papers
In Europe during the 13th century, watermarks began to be used on papers as a way to identify their origin or manufacturer. These unique designs or patterns would be created by impressing a wire design onto the wet pulp during production.
6. Papermaking was introduced to Europe by Arab traders
Papermaking techniques were brought to Europe by Arab traders during the 12th century when they established contact with Spain and Italy. This introduction revolutionized written communication in Europe at that time.
7. The first paper mill in Europe was established in Spain
The first paper mill in Europe was built in Xàtiva, Spain, around 1150. This marked the beginning of European paper production and paved the way for the spread of papermaking across the continent.
8. European handmade papers were highly valued during the Renaissance
During the Renaissance period, European handmade papers gained significant recognition and were highly sought after due to their superior quality. These papers were often used for important documents, manuscripts, and artistic works.
9. The Gutenberg Bible was printed on European paper
The famous Gutenberg Bible, printed by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century, was produced on high-quality European paper. This marked a significant milestone in both printing history and European paper production.
10. The term "paper" has its roots in ancient Egypt
The word "paper" originates from the ancient Egyptian word "papyrus," which referred to a type of writing material made from reeds found along the Nile River. Although papyrus is not considered true paper, it played a crucial role in early writing systems and influenced later developments in papermaking.
