Postcard Series
5.5×8.5
Recognized as a versatile and widely-used paper size, 5.5x8.5 inches is an integral part of the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) series. This specific dimension, often referred to as 'Half Letter' or 'Statement' size, is a popular choice for various print materials.
Notably, the 5.5x8.5 inch format aligns with the ANSI A-size when bisected along its longest side. This compatibility ensures seamless integration with other standard sizes in design and printing processes.
5.5×8.5 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 |
The compact nature of this paper size makes it ideal for creating booklets, brochures, or manuals that require portability without compromising readability. Its dimensions are also perfect for crafting personalized stationery items such as notepads or journals.
Interestingly enough, despite its American origin and primary use in North America, the 5.5x8.5 inch format has found global acceptance due to its practicality and adaptability across diverse applications.
The 5.5x8.5 inch paper size stands out in the ANSI series due to its versatility and widespread use in both professional and personal contexts.
Other Formats in the Postcard Series
Interesting facts about 5.5×8.5
1: The Half Letter Size
The 5.5x8.5 paper size, also known as half letter or statement size, is commonly used for booklets, brochures, and small documents. It is exactly half the size of a standard letter-sized paper (8.5x11 inches).
2: Historical Origins
The half letter size has its roots in medieval Europe when papermakers would cut large sheets of paper into halves or quarters to create smaller sizes suitable for writing letters.
3: Popular in North America
In North America, the 5.5x8.5 paper size gained popularity due to its convenient dimensions for printing booklets and pamphlets that could be easily carried or mailed.
4: Commonly Used in Education
This particular paper size is often used in educational settings for handouts, study guides, and worksheets due to its compactness and ease of handling.
5: Compatible with Letter Size
A unique feature of the half letter size is that it can be easily created by cutting a standard letter-sized sheet in half vertically.
6: International Variants
The rest of the world does not have an exact equivalent to the 5.5x8.5 inch size; however, similar sizes like A6 (105 x 148 mm) and B6 (125 x 176 mm) are commonly used internationally.
7: Versatile Usage Options
The compact dimensions of this paper make it ideal for creating pocket-sized planners, journals, notepads, and even DIY greeting cards.
8: Commonly Used in Printing Industry
Printers often use the 5.5x8.5 paper size as a standard for test prints, proofs, and mock-ups before finalizing larger print runs.
9: Popular Among Authors
Many authors prefer writing drafts or outlining their novels on 5.5x8.5 paper due to its portable nature and ability to fit into smaller bags or pockets.
10: Ideal for Zines
Zines, self-published magazines often created by independent artists and writers, frequently utilize the half letter size for their compact format and ease of distribution.
