Chinese Series
D3
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, D3 paper size is a unique and often overlooked member of the international paper size series. This standard, recognized globally except in North America where the ANSI series reigns supreme, provides a systematic and logical approach to paper sizes.
The D3 paper measures 272 x 385 millimeters or approximately 10.7 x 15.2 inches. Its dimensions are derived from the A0 size - the largest in the ISO series - which has an area of one square meter. The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity: each subsequent size is half of its predecessor when cut parallel to its shorter sides.
D3 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 |
What makes D3 particularly interesting is its role as a transitional format between larger architectural plans and smaller office documents. It's large enough to accommodate detailed drawings yet compact enough for easy handling and storage.
Moreover, it's worth noting that D3, like all ISO sizes, maintains an aspect ratio of √2:1 (approximately 1:1.414). This unique feature ensures that two pages next to each other or one page next to an enlargement will have the same proportion, providing visual harmony when scaling up or down.
While D3 may not be as commonly used as A4 or Letter sizes, it holds a significant place within the ISO family due to its versatility and adherence to mathematical elegance inherent in this system.
Other Formats in the Chinese Series
Interesting facts about D3
1: D3 paper is part of the ISO 216 standard
D3 paper is a specific size within the ISO 216 standard, which defines the sizes and series of paper used globally. It falls under the A series, which is commonly used for printing and stationery purposes.
2: D3 paper measures approximately 324mm x 458mm
The dimensions of D3 paper are approximately 324mm x 458mm (12.8in x 18in). It has a larger surface area compared to smaller sizes in the A series, making it suitable for various applications such as posters or architectural drawings.
3: D3 paper is not as commonly used as other ISO sizes
While A4 and A3 papers are widely popular and commonly used in offices and homes, D3 paper is less frequently encountered. Its larger size makes it more specialized for specific purposes like technical drawings or design layouts.
4: The aspect ratio of D3 paper is approximately √2
The aspect ratio of D3 paper, like all ISO sizes, is approximately √2 (1:√2). This means that when you fold a sheet in half along its longer side, you get two sheets with the same proportions but halved dimensions.
5: The ISO system originated from German DIN standards
The ISO system for paper sizes was based on the German DIN standards introduced in the early twentieth century. These standards aimed to create a consistent sizing system to facilitate international communication and document exchange.
6: The A series of papers has an interesting mathematical relationship
In the A series of papers (including D3), each size is obtained by halving the previous size. For example, two sheets of D4 paper placed side by side would have the same dimensions as a single sheet of D3 paper.
7: The ISO 216 standard is widely adopted globally
The ISO 216 standard for paper sizes, including D3, has been adopted by most countries worldwide. This ensures compatibility and ease of use when printing or reproducing documents across different regions.
8: D3 paper can be used for architectural drawings
Due to its larger size, D3 paper is often used in architecture and engineering for creating detailed drawings and plans. Its dimensions provide enough space to accurately represent complex designs while maintaining a manageable size.
9: The ISO system includes both A and B series papers
In addition to the A series (which includes D3), the ISO system also defines the B series of papers. The B series has slightly different proportions but follows a similar halving principle as the A series.
10: The ISO system allows easy scaling between sizes
One of the advantages of using the ISO system is that it allows easy scaling between sizes. For example, enlarging or reducing a document from A3 to A4 or from D2 to D1 can be done without complex calculations while maintaining consistent proportions.
