RAW Series
RA1
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, RA1 is a unique paper size that holds its own significance. This format, measuring 610 x 860 mm, is part of the RA series - a less common but equally important series in the ISO standards.
The RA1 size finds its roots in the German DIN 476 standard from 1922. It was this standard that later became the foundation for ISO 216, which we widely recognize today. The intriguing aspect of this system is its aspect ratio - an elegant square root of two (√2), which remains constant across all sizes.
RA1 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 |
What sets RA1 apart? Its dimensions are slightly larger than A1 (594 x 841 mm) from the more popular A series. This extra space makes it ideal for bleed printing where elements extend beyond the final page size. Post-printing, it can be trimmed down to A1 without losing any critical content.
While not as commonly used as its ANSI counterparts in North America, RA1 and other ISO sizes hold sway in most other parts of the world due to their logical and systematic scaling. Each step up or down retains the same aspect ratio, ensuring consistency and ease when scaling designs or documents.
While it may not be a household name like A4 or Letter size, RA1 plays a crucial role in specific printing scenarios where bleed is required. Its unique dimensions and consistent aspect ratio make it an invaluable asset within ISO's suite of standardized paper sizes.
Other Formats in the RAW Series
Interesting facts about RA1
1: RA1 Paper Size
RA1 paper is part of the ISO 217/ISO 269 paper size series, which is commonly used for technical drawings and posters. It measures 860 mm x 610 mm (33.9 in x 24 in) and has an aspect ratio of approximately 1.41.
2: Origin of the RA Series
The RA series was introduced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the early 20th century to standardize paper sizes globally. The series was based on the German DIN format, which aimed to simplify paper usage across different countries.
3: Relationship with A Series
The RA series is closely related to the A series, which includes popular sizes like A0, A1, and A2. In fact, RA1 is exactly half the size of A0 paper, making it a convenient choice for scaling down large technical drawings or posters.
4: Common Applications
RA1 paper is commonly used by architects, engineers, and designers for creating detailed technical drawings or blueprints. Its larger size compared to standard office papers allows for more precise representation of complex designs.
5: Compatibility with Printers
While many printers can handle standard office paper sizes like letter or A4 easily, printing on RA1-sized sheets may require specialized equipment or large-format printers capable of accommodating larger dimensions.
6: Variations Across Countries
The ISO standards provide a framework for consistent paper sizing; however, some countries have their own variations within the same series. For example, Japan uses JIS B-series papers that have slightly different dimensions compared to the ISO RA series.
7: Historical Evolution
The concept of standard paper sizes dates back to ancient times. The ISO paper size system, including the RA series, evolved from the efforts of scholars and engineers throughout history who sought to establish uniformity in paper dimensions.
8: Paper Size Naming Convention
The letters used in the naming convention for paper sizes, such as RA1 or A0, do not have any specific meaning. They were simply assigned alphabetically by their creators to differentiate between various sizes within a series.
9: Global Adoption
The ISO paper size standards have been widely adopted across many countries worldwide. This global acceptance allows for easier exchange and compatibility of printed materials between different regions and industries.
10: Environmental Considerations
Paper production has significant environmental impacts. Choosing sustainable options like recycled or FSC-certified papers can help reduce deforestation and minimize the ecological footprint associated with printing on RA1-sized sheets.
