US Envelope Series
14
Belonging to the ISO A series, the A4 paper size is a globally recognized standard. With dimensions of 210 x 297 millimeters or 8.27 x 11.69 inches, it's a versatile choice for various applications.
The A4 paper size is part of an ingenious system established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This system ensures that each size in the series is half the size of the one before it when folded parallel to its shorter sides.
14 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, this format isn't just arbitrary; it's rooted in practicality and mathematics. The aspect ratio remains constant even when scaled up or down, making it easy to increase or decrease without distorting images or text.
In contrast to ANSI standards used primarily in North America, ISO standards like A4 are widely accepted across Europe and many other parts of the world. This global acceptance makes A4 an ideal choice for international correspondence and documentation.
From office documents to design layouts and academic papers, A4 serves as a reliable canvas for both professional and personal use. Its balanced proportions provide ample space without being overly large or unwieldy.
Whether you're drafting a business proposal or designing a brochure, choosing A4 can ensure consistency, ease of scaling, and wide acceptance - making your work more efficient and effective.
Other Formats in the US Envelope Series
Interesting facts about 14
1: The Origins of A Series Paper Sizes
The A series paper sizes, including A4 (8.27 x 11.69 inches), were first standardized in Germany in the 1920s. They were based on the dimensions of a sheet of paper that had an aspect ratio of 1:√2, which means that each size is half the area of the next larger one.
2: B Series Paper Sizes
The B series paper sizes, such as B5 (6.93 x 9.84 inches), were introduced to provide a wider range of options between the A series sizes. The aspect ratio for B series papers is also 1:√2, but they have slightly different dimensions compared to their corresponding A series counterparts.
3: C Series Envelope Sizes
The C series envelope sizes are designed to perfectly fit their corresponding A series papers. For example, a C5 envelope (6.38 x 9.02 inches) can hold an unfolded A5 sheet (5.83 x 8.27 inches). This standardization makes it easier to choose envelopes for specific paper sizes.
4: US Letter vs Rest of the World
In most countries outside North America, the standard letter size is based on the international standard A4 size (8.27 x 11.69 inches). However, in the United States and Canada, they use a slightly different letter size known as US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches).
5: Legal Size Paper
In addition to US Letter and A-series sizes, there is also a legal size paper used primarily in North America and some other countries like Mexico and the Philippines. Legal size paper measures 8.5 x 14 inches, providing a longer length compared to standard letter size.
6: The Weight of Paper
Paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lb). The higher the gsm or lb value, the thicker and heavier the paper. Standard printer paper is usually around 80 gsm or 20 lb, while cardstock can range from 150-300 gsm or more.
7: Watermark Identification
Watermarks are designs or patterns embedded in paper during manufacturing that are visible when held up to light. They can be used for security purposes, branding, or simply as decorative elements. Each watermark design represents a specific manufacturer or brand.
8: Specialty Papers
Besides standard printing papers, there are various specialty papers available for specific purposes. These include textured papers for artistic prints, photo papers for high-quality image reproduction, transfer papers for heat transfers onto fabrics, and many more.
9: Recycled Paper
Recycled paper is made from post-consumer waste such as old newspapers and magazines. It helps reduce deforestation and saves energy compared to producing new paper from virgin materials. Using recycled paper also reduces water consumption during production.
10: Rice Paper Misconception
Rice paper is not actually made from rice but rather from plant fibers like mulberry bark or bamboo pulp. It originated in ancient China and was traditionally used for calligraphy, artwork, and even food wrapping due to its translucent nature.
