German Series
DIN A1
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, DIN A1 is a paper size that holds significant importance in the world of print and design. This international standard, adopted by most countries worldwide, ensures consistency and compatibility across different regions and industries.
DIN A1 measures 594 x 841 millimeters or 23.4 x 33.1 inches, making it an ideal choice for medium-sized posters, architectural drawings, or diagrams that require ample space for detail without being overly large or unwieldy. It's precisely half the size of DIN A0 - a clever design feature inherent in the ISO series that allows for easy scaling up or down while maintaining aspect ratios.
DIN A1 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 |
Interestingly enough, this paper size is also part of the ANSI series as 'ANSI D'. However, there's a slight difference in dimensions - ANSI D measures slightly wider at 559 x 864 millimeters or 22 x 34 inches.
The versatility of DIN A1 makes it a popular choice among professionals in various fields such as advertising agencies for creating impactful posters; architects who need clear and detailed blueprints; educators who use it for visual aids during lectures; and artists who appreciate its generous surface area for their creations.
DIN A1 is more than just a paper size - it's an essential tool that facilitates effective communication across multiple disciplines. Its standardized dimensions ensure consistency while its ample space allows creativity to flourish.
Other Formats in the German Series
Interesting facts about DIN A1
1: The Origin of DIN A1 Paper
DIN A1 paper is part of the DIN paper size series, which was introduced by the German Institute for Standardization (Deutsches Institut für Normung) in 1922. It was created to standardize paper sizes and facilitate international communication.
2: The Golden Ratio Connection
The dimensions of DIN A1 paper follow the golden ratio, a mathematical concept that is aesthetically pleasing to the human eye. This ratio is approximately 1:√2, meaning that if you divide the longer side by the shorter side, you get a value close to √2 (approximately 1.414).
3: Versatility in Applications
DIN A1 paper is commonly used for architectural drawings, posters, and large-scale artwork due to its generous size. Its dimensions are 594 mm × 841 mm or approximately 23.39 inches × 33.11 inches.
4: Scaling Down with Ease
A unique feature of DIN A-series papers is their ability to be scaled down while maintaining their aspect ratio. For example, folding a DIN A0 sheet in half results in two equal-sized DIN A1 sheets.
5: International Adoption
The DIN paper size series gained widespread international recognition and adoption over time. Many countries outside Germany have adopted these standards as their own national standards for paper sizes.
6: Consistency Across Sizes
All papers within the DIN series maintain a consistent aspect ratio of √2 (approximately 1.414). This allows easy scaling between different sizes without distorting content or requiring excessive cropping.
7: A1's Place in the Series
DIN A1 paper is part of a larger series that includes sizes from DIN A0 (largest) to DIN A10 (smallest). Each subsequent size is obtained by halving the longer side of the previous size.
8: Historical Influence on ISO Standards
The DIN paper size series served as a basis for the international ISO 216 standard, which was introduced in 1975. The ISO standard expanded on the DIN sizes and is now widely used globally.
9: Variations in Name
While commonly referred to as "DIN A1" in Germany and many European countries, this paper size may be known by different names elsewhere. For example, it is often called "A1" or "A1-size" in English-speaking countries.
10: Beyond Paper
The concept of DIN paper sizes extends beyond traditional paper. It also applies to other materials like envelopes, folders, and drawing boards, ensuring compatibility across various stationery items.
