Photographic Series
20L
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, the 20L paper size is a unique and versatile format. This international standard, established by the International Organization for Standardization, ensures consistency in paper sizes worldwide. The 20L size is part of this global system, providing a reliable and standardized option for various printing needs.
The dimensions of the 20L paper size are intriguingly specific: measuring at precisely 144 x 215mm. This particular size offers an optimal balance between space for content and portability, making it an ideal choice for numerous applications such as brochures, flyers, or small posters.
20L 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 |
One fascinating aspect of the ISO series is its aspect ratio. The unique square root of two ratio allows for seamless scaling between sizes without distortion or loss of content. This means that a document designed on a larger ISO sheet can be reduced to fit onto a smaller one like the 20L without any compromise in design integrity.
Moreover, it's worth noting that while ANSI (American National Standards Institute) series is prevalent in North America with its letter-based sizing system (A,B,C etc.), it doesn't include an equivalent to the ISO's 20L size. This highlights how globally recognized and widely used this particular paper format truly is.
Whether you're creating marketing materials or designing documents for professional use, understanding and utilizing the distinct advantages offered by the ISO's 20L paper size can significantly enhance your output quality and effectiveness.
Other Formats in the Photographic Series
Interesting facts about 20L
1: The Origin of 20L Paper
20L paper is part of the ISO A series, which was first introduced in Germany in the 1920s. It was developed as a standardized paper size to facilitate international communication and document exchange.
2: Dimensions of 20L Paper
The dimensions of 20L paper are based on the ISO A series standard, where each subsequent size is obtained by halving the longer side of the previous size. Therefore, a sheet of 20L paper measures approximately 1118 mm x 1580 mm (44" x 62").
3: Common Uses for 20L Paper
Due to its large size, 20L paper is commonly used for printing architectural plans, engineering drawings, and other technical documents that require detailed illustrations or diagrams.
4: Compatibility with Other Sizes
The ISO A series follows a consistent aspect ratio (1:√2), which means that any sheet from this series can be scaled or reduced without changing its proportions. This allows easy compatibility between different sizes within the series.
5: Variations in Weight and Thickness
Paper weight and thickness can vary depending on manufacturers and specific requirements. However, standard weight for most commercial-grade printing papers falls within the range of approximately 75-90 grams per square meter (gsm) for this particular size.
6: Folding Challenges
Folding large sheets like those used in the case of a typical piece of A0-sized paper can be quite challenging due to their dimensions. Specialized folding machines or manual techniques are often employed to achieve precise folds without damaging the paper.
7: Global Adoption
The ISO A series, including 20L paper, has been widely adopted worldwide. It is used in many countries as the standard for printing and copying documents, ensuring compatibility and ease of use across different regions.
8: Historical Influence
The adoption of standardized paper sizes like the ISO A series played a significant role in the development of office equipment such as photocopiers and printers. These devices were designed to handle specific paper sizes efficiently.
9: Environmental Considerations
Paper production has a significant impact on the environment. Choosing recycled or sustainably sourced papers for printing on 20L sheets can help reduce deforestation and minimize ecological footprints.
10: Beyond Printing
While primarily used for printing purposes, large sheets like those in the ISO A series can also be utilized for various creative projects such as art installations, posters, banners, or even as canvas material for painting due to their size and durability.
