US Series
Ledger
Belonging to the North American paper size series, Ledger is a widely recognized and utilized paper format. It's part of the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) series, specifically known as ANSI B. With dimensions of 279 x 432 mm or 11 x 17 inches, Ledger size is precisely double the size of Letter or ANSI A.
Interestingly, Ledger and Tabloid are essentially identical in terms of dimensions. The distinction lies in their orientation - Ledger is used for landscape orientation while Tabloid refers to portrait orientation. This subtle difference plays a significant role in their respective applications.
Ledger 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 Ledger format serves multiple purposes across various industries. In the printing sector, it's often used for large-scale designs such as posters and diagrams due to its expansive surface area. In business environments, it's commonly employed for spreadsheets that require more horizontal space.
Despite its American origins, the use of Ledger isn't confined to North America alone. Its practicality has led to global adoption in numerous countries where larger print formats are necessary.
The versatility and adaptability of the Ledger paper size make it an invaluable tool across diverse sectors worldwide.
Other Formats in the US Series
Interesting facts about Ledger
1: Origin of the Name
Ledger paper gets its name from its historical use in keeping financial records and ledgers. It was commonly used for bookkeeping purposes due to its large size and durability.
2: Standard Size
The standard size of ledger paper is 11 inches by 17 inches (279 mm by 432 mm). This larger size allows for more information to be recorded on a single page, making it ideal for accounting and record-keeping purposes.
3: Weight and Thickness
Ledger paper is typically heavier than regular office paper, with a weight ranging from 24 to 32 pounds (90 to 120 gsm). Its thickness provides durability, making it suitable for long-term storage.
4: Common Uses
Besides ledger books, ledger paper is often used for creating large-scale drawings, blueprints, engineering diagrams, and architectural plans. Its size allows for detailed designs to be accurately represented.
5: Historical Importance
Ledger paper played a significant role in the development of modern accounting practices. It facilitated the transition from manual bookkeeping systems to computerized accounting software by providing a standardized format for recording financial transactions.
6: Compatibility with Printers
Ledger paper can be used in most printers that support larger sizes. However, due to its dimensions, it may require special settings or adjustments to ensure proper alignment during printing.
7: Variations in Color
While traditional ledger paper is usually white or off-white in color, variations can be found in shades of cream or light gray. These subtle color differences can help reduce eye strain when working with large amounts of data.
8: Environmental Impact
Ledger paper, like other types of paper, has an environmental impact. However, many manufacturers now produce ledger paper using recycled materials and sustainable practices to minimize its ecological footprint.
9: International Equivalents
In some countries, ledger paper is known by different names. For example, in the United Kingdom and Australia, it is referred to as "foolscap," while in Germany it is called "DIN A3+." Despite these variations in terminology, the dimensions remain relatively consistent.
10: Digital Alternatives
With the rise of digital technology and cloud-based storage systems, the use of physical ledger paper has decreased. Many businesses now opt for electronic accounting software and document management systems to streamline their record-keeping processes.
