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Paper Size Guide

The world copier paper can be tricky to navigate sometimes, with different paper weights, paper sizes, textures and finishes. To make it easier for you, we have put together a handy sizing tool to help you understand the difference between the most common paper sizes. We have also included the measurements of these common paper sizes in both millimeters and inches.

Our sizing guide is based on the international A sizes and covers A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8.

International A sizes

SizeMillimetersInches
A0 841 x 1189mm 33.1 x 46.8 inchs
A1 594 x 841mm 23.4 x 33.1 inchs
A2 420 x 594mm 16.5 x 23.4 inchs
A3 297 x 420mm 11.7 x 16.5 inchs
A4 210 x 297mm 8.3 x 11.7 inchs
A5 148 x 210mm 5.8 x 8.3 inchs
A6 105 x 148mm 4.1 x 5.8 inchs
A7 74 x 105mm 2.9 x 4.1 inchs
A8 52 x 74mm 2.0 x 2.9 inchs

GSM

Whenever you’re shopping for paper, you may notice in the description a number followed by GSM. This stands for Grams Per Meter and is how paper is graded by weight- the higher the number the heavier the sheet and thicker the paper.

Whiteness

Paper whiteness is measured in CIE. This is a measurement of the amount of light reflecting off of the sheet of paper and therefore how ‘white’ the paper appears- the higher the number, the whiter the sheet of paper will appear.

FSC

FSC certified paper is paper that has been harvested in a responsible manner. FSC is an acronym for the Forest Stewardship Council, which is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that was established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests

History of paper sizes

The standard size of paper was first mentioned in 1786 by a Physics professor. This paper size standard ISO 216 (commonly referred to as the A sizing) has since become used across the world. The only places who do not regularly use this paper sizing are North, Central and South America. The Americas use North American sizing and includes paper sizes referred to as Legal and Letter.