German Series
DIN C3
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, DIN C3 is a unique paper size that holds its own significance in the world of print and design. This international standard, adopted by most countries around the globe, ensures consistency and compatibility across different regions and industries.
DIN C3 measures 324 x 458 millimeters or approximately 12.76 x 18.03 inches. It's part of the C series in the ISO system, which is primarily used for envelopes matching the A series paper sizes. The dimensions of DIN C3 make it an ideal fit for A3 documents without folding or an A4 document folded once.
DIN C3 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, like all ISO paper sizes, DIN C3 adheres to a specific aspect ratio - a square root of two (√2:1). This unique aspect ratio allows for seamless scaling between different sizes within the same series without distortion or loss of content.
While not as commonly used as its A-series counterparts in everyday printing tasks, DIN C3 plays a crucial role in specialized applications such as envelope production and large-scale printing projects where precision matters.
In comparison with ANSI standards prevalent in North America, there isn't an exact equivalent to DIN C3. However, it closely matches 'Tabloid' size (279 x 432 mm) from ANSI B series but with slight differences due to differing aspect ratios between ISO and ANSI standards.
Understanding these nuances about DIN C3 can help you make informed decisions when planning your next print project or choosing appropriate envelopes for your business correspondence.
Other Formats in the German Series
Interesting facts about DIN C3
1: The Origin of DIN C3 Paper
DIN C3 paper is part of the DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) paper size series, which originated in Germany. The DIN standard was first introduced in 1922 and has since been adopted by many countries around the world.
2: Dimensions of DIN C3 Paper
DIN C3 paper measures 324 mm x 458 mm (12.8 in x 18.0 in). It has an aspect ratio of approximately 1:1.414, which means that when folded in half, it retains the same proportions.
3: Usage and Applications
DIN C3 paper is commonly used for posters, large format prints, architectural drawings, and other visual displays that require a larger canvas than standard letter or A4 sizes.
4: Relationship to Other DIN Sizes
The DIN series follows a consistent ratio between its different sizes. For example, two sheets of DIN C3 paper placed side by side will have the same dimensions as one sheet of DIN C2 paper.
5: Compatibility with Envelopes
DIN C3 paper fits perfectly into a corresponding envelope size known as "C3 envelope." This allows for easy mailing or storage without any need for folding or trimming.
6: Historical Evolution of Paper Sizes
Paper sizes have evolved over time due to various factors such as printing press capabilities and efficiency. The introduction of standardized sizes like the DIN series aimed to simplify international communication and reduce waste caused by incompatible formats.
7: Global Adoption of Paper Sizes
The DIN paper sizes gained widespread adoption in Europe, while other regions, such as North America and Japan, have their own standard paper size systems. However, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has developed the A series of paper sizes, which is based on the DIN series and is now widely used worldwide.
8: Paper Sizes Beyond DIN C3
The DIN series extends beyond C3 size both in larger and smaller formats. The largest size in the series is DIN A0 (841 mm x 1189 mm), while the smallest is DIN A10 (26 mm x 37 mm).
9: Paper Weight Considerations
Paper weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a specific type of paper. The weight of a sheet of paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Different weights are suitable for various applications, such as lightweight papers for printing documents or heavyweight papers for high-quality prints.
10: Environmental Impact
Paper production has significant environmental implications due to deforestation and energy consumption. However, efforts have been made to promote sustainable practices such as using recycled materials and responsible sourcing of raw materials.
