Business Cards Series
US / Canada
Belonging to the North American series of paper sizes, the US/Canada format is a unique standard that diverges from the ISO 216 series commonly used worldwide. This format, recognized by ANSI (American National Standards Institute), is characterized by its distinct dimensions and widespread use across various industries.
The US/Canada paper size standard includes several formats such as Letter, Legal, Ledger or Tabloid. The most prevalent among these is the Letter format measuring 8.5 x 11 inches. This size has become an integral part of everyday life in North America, serving as the go-to choice for personal and business correspondence, academic documents, and government paperwork.
US / Canada paper dimensions
Specs
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| 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 |
Interestingly enough, this particular paper size owes its origins to a historical decree by President Ronald Reagan in 1980. He officially established the Letter format as the standard for U.S federal forms - a move that solidified its position in American society.
Despite being primarily used in North America, this paper size has also found acceptance in certain Latin American countries and Philippines due to their historical ties with the United States.
In contrast to ISO's A-series sizes which are based on a logical aspect ratio of √2:1 (making scaling between sizes effortless), US/Canada formats do not follow any consistent ratio. This can sometimes lead to minor complications when scaling documents between different sizes within this series.
While it may seem like just another mundane detail of office life, understanding US/Canada paper sizes can be crucial when dealing with international documentation or designing print materials for global audiences.
Other Formats in the Business Cards Series
Interesting facts about US / Canada
1. The US and Canada use different paper sizes
In the United States, the most commonly used paper size is Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), while in Canada, it is called Legal (8.5 x 14 inches). This slight difference in size can sometimes cause confusion when printing or copying documents between the two countries.
2. The origin of standard paper sizes
The international standard for paper sizes, known as ISO 216, was first introduced by a German scientist named Georg Christoph Lichtenberg in the late 18th century. It aimed to create a consistent system for paper dimensions across different countries.
3. The A-series paper sizes
The A-series is one of the most widely used series of paper sizes globally and is based on ISO 216 standards. The most common size within this series is A4 (8.27 x 11.69 inches), which is similar to Letter size but slightly narrower and taller.
4. Canadian Pulp and Paper Association
In Canada, the pulp and paper industry plays a significant role in the economy, employing thousands of people across various provinces. The Canadian Pulp and Paper Association represents this industry's interests and promotes sustainable practices.
5. Specialty papers from North America
The United States and Canada are known for producing specialty papers that cater to specific needs or industries such as security papers for passports or banknotes, archival papers for preserving historical documents, or high-quality art papers used by artists worldwide.
6. Ancient origins of papermaking in North America
Papermaking techniques were practiced by indigenous peoples in North America long before European settlers arrived on the continent. Native American tribes like the Aztecs and Mayans developed their own methods of creating paper from plant fibers, such as the inner bark of trees.
7. The impact of digitalization on paper consumption
The rise of digital technology has significantly impacted paper consumption in both the US and Canada. With the increasing use of electronic documents, online communication, and e-books, there has been a noticeable decline in traditional paper usage over the past few decades.
8. Recycled content in North American paper
The US and Canada have made significant efforts to promote recycling and incorporate recycled content into paper production. Many papers available today contain a percentage of post-consumer waste, reducing the environmental impact associated with virgin pulp production.
9. Paper mills across North America
Both the US and Canada are home to numerous paper mills that produce a wide range of papers for various purposes. These mills often contribute to local economies by providing employment opportunities and supporting related industries like forestry or printing.
10. Sustainable forest management practices
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on sustainable forest management practices in both countries' pulp and paper industries. Certification programs like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensure responsible sourcing of raw materials while promoting conservation efforts.
