Photographic Series
30L
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, the 30L paper size is a unique and often overlooked member of this globally recognized series. This specific size, while not as commonly used as its A4 or A3 counterparts, holds its own distinctive appeal and practicality.
The dimensions of a 30L paper are precisely defined at 300 x 400 mm. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require a larger surface area than standard sizes can provide, yet still demand the convenience of portability. The extra space allows for more detailed illustrations or comprehensive data presentations without compromising readability.
30L 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 ISO 216 standard to which the 30L belongs is based on an aspect ratio of √2:1. This means that regardless of how much you enlarge or reduce a page within this series, it will always maintain its shape. It's an ingenious design principle that ensures consistency across all sizes in the series.
Moreover, being part of this international standard means that documents printed on 30L paper can be easily reproduced in different countries without any need for resizing or reformatting. This global compatibility makes it an excellent choice for businesses operating internationally.
While not as widely recognized as other sizes in the ISO series, the versatility and unique characteristics of the 30L paper size make it a valuable asset in both domestic and international contexts.
Other Formats in the Photographic Series
Interesting facts about 30L
1: The Origin of 30L Paper
30L paper is part of the ISO A series, which was first introduced in Germany in the 1920s. It was developed to standardize paper sizes and facilitate international communication.
2: Dimensions of 30L Paper
The dimensions of a sheet of 30L paper are 320mm x 450mm (12.6in x 17.7in). It has an aspect ratio of approximately 1:1.406.
3: Common Uses
30L paper is commonly used for posters, large format prints, architectural drawings, and other visual displays that require a larger canvas than traditional letter or legal-sized papers.
4: Compatibility with Other Sizes
The ISO A series follows a consistent ratio between sizes. Two sheets of the next smaller size (e.g., two sheets of A3) will fit perfectly onto one sheet of the next larger size (e.g., A2), including when it comes to scaling content.
5: Global Adoption
The ISO A series, including the dimensions for 30L paper, has been widely adopted worldwide as the standard for paper sizes in many industries such as printing, design, and architecture.
6: Environmental Considerations
Paper production can have significant environmental impacts due to deforestation and chemical usage. However, using standardized sizes like the ISO A series helps reduce waste by optimizing cutting patterns during manufacturing processes.
7: Variations Across Countries
In some countries like the United States and Canada, different paper sizing systems are still prevalent, such as the Letter and Legal sizes. This can sometimes lead to compatibility issues when printing or sharing documents internationally.
8: Paper Weight and Thickness
30L paper is available in various weights, typically measured in grams per square meter (gsm). The weight affects the thickness and durability of the paper, with heavier weights being more suitable for high-quality prints or projects requiring sturdier materials.
9: Paper Grain Direction
Paper has a grain direction determined by the alignment of its fibers during manufacturing. Understanding the grain direction is crucial for certain applications like folding or binding to ensure optimal results and prevent cracking.
10: Historical Influence on Digital Media
The dimensions of 30L paper, along with other ISO A series sizes, have influenced digital media devices such as computer monitors and tablets. The aspect ratio of these devices often matches that of standard paper sizes to provide a familiar viewing experience.
