US Series
Legal
Belonging to the North American paper size series, Legal paper is a widely recognized standard. Governed by the ANSI/ASME Y14.1, it measures 8.5 inches in width and 14 inches in length. This unique dimension sets it apart from other sizes within the same series, such as Letter or Tabloid.
Legal paper's extended length makes it an ideal choice for documents that require more vertical space. This includes legal documents, contracts, and forms where additional information is necessary. Its prevalence in law offices has earned it its moniker "Legal".
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 |
Despite its name suggesting a specific use-case scenario, Legal paper isn't confined to legal work alone. It finds utility across various sectors including education, business and even personal use.
Interestingly enough, while Legal size is standardized in the United States and Canada, it's not universally recognized globally. In many countries outside of North America, ISO 216 A4 paper (measuring 210mm x 297mm) is more commonly used.
Legal paper size offers a unique blend of versatility and functionality that caters to specific documentation needs - making it an enduring standard within the North American market.
Other Formats in the US Series
Interesting facts about Legal
1: Legal paper is not actually used for legal documents
Contrary to its name, legal paper is not exclusively used for legal documents. It is a common misconception that this type of paper is specifically designed for legal purposes. In reality, it is widely used for various business and professional documents.
2: Legal paper size varies across different countries
The dimensions of legal paper can vary depending on the country. In the United States and Canada, the standard size for legal paper is 8.5 inches by 14 inches (216 mm by 356 mm). However, in other countries like Mexico and Colombia, the dimensions are slightly different.
3: Legal paper was originally created to accommodate handwritten documents
The longer length of legal-sized paper was initially introduced to provide more space for handwritten text. This allowed lawyers and professionals to include additional information or annotations on a single page without having to use multiple sheets.
4: The aspect ratio of legal paper follows an international standard
The aspect ratio (width-to-height ratio) of legal-sized paper follows an international standard known as ISO 216. This ensures that when you fold a sheet in half along its shorter side, the resulting dimensions will be consistent with other ISO sizes such as A3 or A5.
5: Legal-sized envelopes are also available
To complement the use of legal-sized paper, there are specific envelopes designed to fit this larger format. These envelopes have dimensions that match those of legal-sized sheets, allowing easy mailing or storage of important documents without folding them.
6: The origin of "legal" size dates back to British law courts
The term "legal" size originated from British law courts in the 18th century. The longer paper size was initially used for legal documents, such as court records and land deeds. Over time, the term became associated with this specific paper size.
7: Legal paper is commonly used for contracts and agreements
While legal paper is not exclusively used for legal documents, it remains a popular choice for contracts and agreements due to its larger dimensions. The extra space allows for more detailed terms and conditions to be included without compromising readability.
8: Legal-sized paper can be easily converted into other sizes
If needed, legal-sized paper can be easily converted into other standard sizes by cutting or folding it accordingly. For example, two letter-sized (8.5 inches by 11 inches) sheets can be created from a single legal-sized sheet by cutting it in half along the shorter side.
9: Legal paper is part of the ANSI/ASME Y14 series
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) have established a series of standard drawing sheet sizes known as the ANSI/ASME Y14 series. Legal-sized paper (8.5 inches by 14 inches) is one of the sizes included in this series.
10: Legal-sized pads are commonly used in law firms
In addition to loose sheets, legal-sized pads are widely used in law firms and other professional settings. These pads consist of multiple sheets bound together at the top or side with adhesive or wire binding, providing a convenient writing surface for lawyers and professionals.
