German Series
DIN A4
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, DIN A4 is a globally recognized paper size. This standard, established by the International Organization for Standardization, ensures consistency in paper sizes worldwide. The DIN A4 measures 210 x 297 millimeters or approximately 8.27 x 11.69 inches, making it an ideal size for many professional and personal applications.
The 'A' series in ISO 216 is based on an aspect ratio of √2 (approximately equal to 1:1.414), which allows for seamless scaling between sizes. When you fold a sheet of DIN A4 paper in half along its longest side, you get two sheets of DIN A5 size with no change in aspect ratio.
DIN A4 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, the dimensions of the DIN A4 were not arbitrarily chosen but are derived from a simple mathematical principle: if you take a square meter of paper and cut it into equal halves, you will end up with two sheets of DIN A4 size.
In contrast to the ANSI series used predominantly in North America, which includes letter-sized and legal-sized papers among others, the ISO series including DIN A4 is more widely adopted internationally due to its logical and scalable system.
DIN A4's versatility makes it popular across various sectors - from office documents such as letters and forms to publications like brochures and catalogs. Its universal acceptance also means that printers and photocopiers worldwide are designed to accommodate this specific size.
Whether you're drafting a business proposal or printing a flyer, choosing DIN A4 ensures compatibility with international standards while offering optimal space utilization due to its well-thought-out dimensions.
Other Formats in the German Series
Interesting facts about DIN A4
1: The Origins of DIN A4
DIN A4 paper size, measuring 210 x 297 millimeters, was first introduced in Germany in the early 20th century. It is part of the DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) series of paper sizes, which were standardized to ensure consistency and compatibility across different printing and copying devices.
2: The Golden Ratio Connection
The dimensions of DIN A4 paper are based on the golden ratio, a mathematical concept that is often associated with aesthetic harmony. When you divide the longer side (297mm) by the shorter side (210mm), you get approximately 1.4142, which is close to the golden ratio value of 1.618.
3: International Adoption
DIN A4 quickly gained popularity worldwide due to its practicality and compatibility with various office equipment. Today, it is used as the standard paper size in more than 150 countries, including most European nations.
4: The ISO Standardization
In an effort to establish a global standard for paper sizes, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted DIN A series as ISO A series in 1975. This means that DIN A4 became known as ISO A4 but retained its original dimensions.
5: Paper Folding Magic
DIN A-series papers have an interesting folding property known as "halving." When you fold a sheet of DIN A-series paper in half parallel to its shorter side, you get two smaller sheets with identical proportions but reduced dimensions while maintaining their aspect ratio.
6: Common Office Use
Around the world, DIN A4 paper is commonly used for various office purposes, including printing documents, letters, reports, and presentations. Its dimensions provide a good balance between readability and space efficiency.
7: The US Letter Difference
The US Letter paper size (8.5 x 11 inches) is slightly wider and shorter than DIN A4. This difference can cause formatting issues when printing or copying documents designed for one size onto the other.
8: Environmental Impact
DIN A4 paper has been a subject of environmental concerns due to its widespread use and potential waste generation. Efforts have been made to promote digitalization and reduce paper consumption to mitigate its ecological footprint.
9: Paper Weight Variations
DIN A4 paper comes in various weights, typically measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Common weights include 80 gsm for standard office use, while heavier weights like 120 gsm or more are used for high-quality prints or specialty applications.
10: Beyond Printing
DIN A-series papers are not limited to printing alone. They are also widely used in art and design industries for sketching, drawing, painting, origami, bookbinding, and other creative endeavors due to their standardized dimensions and availability.