US Series
Government-Letter
Government-Letter, a unique paper size, holds a significant place in the ANSI series. As part of the ANSI X3.151-1987 standard, it measures 8 x 10.5 inches or 203 x 267 mm. This makes it slightly smaller than the widely recognized Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), yet larger than the A5 from ISO's A series.
Interestingly, Government-Letter is primarily used in North America and certain parts of Central America for governmental documentation and forms. Its distinct dimensions are designed to accommodate specific types of content that don't fit well on other standard sizes.
Government-Letter 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 choice of Government-Letter size can significantly impact how your document is perceived by its recipients. It subtly communicates an official tone and seriousness that other paper sizes may not convey as effectively.
Moreover, this particular paper size is often used for printing documents that require a more compact format without compromising readability or design elements - an ideal balance between efficiency and aesthetics.
Government-Letter stands as a testament to thoughtful design considerations in documentation standards - proving that even something as seemingly mundane as paper size can have profound implications on communication effectiveness.
Other Formats in the US Series
Interesting facts about Government-Letter
1: Government-Letter paper is also known as Legal paper
Government-Letter paper, commonly referred to as Legal paper, is a specific size of paper used for legal documents and official correspondence. It measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches (216 mm by 356 mm) in North America.
2: The origin of the Government-Letter size
The Government-Letter size was established in the United States during the early years of the nation's history. It was initially adopted for government use and later became widely used for legal documents.
3: The unique aspect ratio of Government-Letter paper
One interesting characteristic of Government-Letter paper is its aspect ratio. Unlike most other standard paper sizes, it has an aspect ratio of approximately 1:1.647, which means it is slightly longer and narrower than traditional letter-sized papers.
4: Compatibility with other sizes
Government-Letter paper can be easily scaled from larger or smaller standard sizes without significant loss or distortion in content. This compatibility allows for easy conversion between different document formats while maintaining readability.
5: International variations of Legal-sized papers
In countries outside North America, similar legal-sized papers exist but with slight variations in dimensions. For example, in Mexico and Colombia, the legal-size measures approximately 8.5 inches by 13 inches (215 mm by 330 mm).
6: Usage beyond legal documents
Although primarily associated with legal documents, Government-Letter or Legal-sized papers are also commonly used for contracts, agreements, certificates, and other official paperwork that requires a larger format than standard letter-size.
7: The historical significance of Government-Letter paper
The adoption of Government-Letter paper in the United States was influenced by the British Crown's use of foolscap-sized paper for official documents. The American government sought a standardized size that would be more efficient and cost-effective.
8: Legal-sized papers in other countries
While Government-Letter is the most common legal-sized paper in North America, other countries have their own variations. For instance, in the United Kingdom, legal documents are often printed on A4-sized paper (210 mm by 297 mm).
9: Printing challenges with Legal-sized papers
Due to its larger dimensions, printing on Government-Letter or Legal-sized papers can sometimes pose challenges. Printers need to ensure proper alignment and adjust settings to accommodate the non-standard size.
10: Digital alternatives for Legal-sized documents
In today's digital age, many legal documents are now created and stored electronically. However, digital versions often maintain the aspect ratio and dimensions of traditional Government-Letter or Legal-sized papers for consistency and compatibility with physical copies.
