US Series
Government-Legal
Government-Legal, a unique paper size, holds a distinct position in the realm of standardized paper dimensions. As part of the North American paper size series, it measures 8.0 x 10.5 inches (203 x 267 mm). This specific dimension sets it apart from the ISO A and B series that are more prevalent globally.
Interestingly, Government-Legal is not recognized within the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) series. The ANSI series primarily includes sizes such as Letter, Legal, and Ledger/Tabloid. However, Government-Legal has carved out its niche within certain professional circles.
Government-Legal 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 primary use of Government-Legal sized paper is seen in governmental bodies and legal institutions - hence its name. Its unique size makes it ideal for documents that require a bit more space than standard letter-sized paper but less than legal-sized sheets.
Despite its limited recognition in international standards like ISO or ANSI, Government-Legal continues to be an essential part of North American documentation practices due to its practicality and historical usage.
While it may not be as widely recognized or used as other sizes in the ISO or ANSI series, Government-Legal holds significant value within specific sectors due to its unique dimensions and practical applications.
Other Formats in the US Series
Interesting facts about Government-Legal
1: Government-Legal paper is also known as Legal size paper
Legal size paper is a specific type of paper used primarily in the legal industry. It measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches, making it slightly longer than the standard letter size (8.5 inches by 11 inches).
2: The origin of Legal size paper can be traced back to British law
The use of Legal size paper dates back to the early days of British law, where legal documents were required to be written on foolscap-sized sheets measuring approximately 13.5 inches by 17 inches.
3: Foolscap was replaced by Legal size in the United States
In the United States, foolscap-sized sheets were eventually replaced by Legal size paper in order to standardize legal document sizes across different states and jurisdictions.
4: The dimensions of Legal size are based on mathematical ratios
The dimensions of Legal size paper (8.5 x 14) maintain a ratio of approximately 1:1.647, which is derived from the square root of two (√2). This ratio ensures that when folded in half, the resulting dimensions remain proportional.
5: Government-Legal paper is commonly used for legal documents and contracts
The larger dimensions of Legal size make it ideal for printing legal documents such as contracts, agreements, deeds, and other important paperwork that requires additional space compared to standard letter-size sheets.
6: Some countries have their own variations of Legal-size papers
While most countries adhere to the standardized dimensions for Legal-size papers (8.5 x14), some countries like Canada and Mexico have their own variations, such as Canadian Legal (8.5 x 13) and Mexican Legal (8.46 x 13).
7: Legal size paper is not commonly used outside the legal industry
Unlike letter-size paper, which is widely used for various purposes, Legal size paper is primarily utilized within the legal industry and is less commonly found in other sectors.
8: Government-Legal paper can be challenging to find in some regions
Due to its relatively lower demand compared to standard letter-size paper, finding Legal size paper can sometimes be a challenge in certain regions or office supply stores. However, it is readily available online.
9: The use of Legal size paper varies across different countries
While the United States predominantly uses Legal size for legal documents, other countries may have different preferred sizes for similar purposes. For example, the United Kingdom often uses A4-sized sheets (similar to letter-size) for legal documents.
10: Government-Legal paper can be easily converted from letter-size sheets
If a printer or copier does not support Legal size directly, it is possible to create Legal size documents by cutting down standard letter-size sheets using a guillotine cutter or adjusting print settings accordingly.
