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UK Paper Sizes Guide
A Comprehensive Resource for Graphic Designers and Artwork Creators
Understanding paper sizes and the distinction between European vs American paper sizes is essential in avoiding common pitfalls to make sure that your artwork is consistent with printing standards in the UK.
There are two paper size systems commonly used in the UK and Europe. The main system that you need to be aware of is the A series – which conforms to ISO 216 paper standards, and the image below illustrates the different sizes of paper within the series.
A series paper dimensions:
Common applications for the A series paper sizes are as follows:
A4: The most common standard size used for documents, letters and general printing.
A3: Double the size of A4 paper dimensions, A3 is ideal for posters, architectural plans, presentations, notice boards and artistic prints.
A5: Half the size of A4 paper dimensions, A5 is perfect for booklets, flyers, invitations and notepads.
A6: Commonly used for postcards and greetings cards.
A0, A1 and A2: The most common standard sizes used in large format printing and ideal for posters, display boards and signage.
The paper size conversion chart below shows the various paper sizes within the A series in units such as millimetres, centimetres and inches.
| Paper Size | Width × Height (mm) | Width × Height (cm) | Width × Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 | 84.1 × 118.9 | 33.1 × 46.8 |
| A1 | 594 × 841 | 59.4 × 84.1 | 23.4 × 33.1 |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | 42 × 59.4 | 16.5 × 23.4 |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 29.7 × 42 | 11.7 × 16.5 |
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 21 × 29.7 | 8.3 × 11.7 |
| A5 | 148 × 210 | 14.8 × 21 | 5.8 × 8.3 |
| A6 | 105 × 148 | 10.5 × 14.8 | 4.1 × 5.8 |
| A7 | 74 × 105 | 7.4 × 10.5 | 2.9 × 4.1 |
B sheets are often used to print two A sheets at once - one B3 covers two A4, and one B2 has room for four A4.
American Standard
The American system’s paper sizes are defined in inches, and include:
Letter – 8.5” x 11”
Legal - 8.5” x 14”
Tabloid/Ledger – 11” x 17”
UK envelope sizes complement A series paper sizes, as shown below:
DL Envelope – 110mm x 220mm
Fits compliment slips unfolded and A4 documents folded twice.
C6 Envelope – 114mm x 162mm
Fits A6 documents unfolded, A5 documents folded once and A4 documents folded twice.
C5 Envelope – 162mm x 229mm
Fits A5 documents unfolded and A4 documents folded once.
C4 Envelope – 324mm x 229mm
Fits A4 documents unfolded and A3 documents folded twice.
Understanding Paper Weight (GSM)
When choosing the correct paper size for your project, it’s important to be aware of common paper weights, which are measured in GSM. A higher GSM indicates a higher paper thickness:
Standard office paper: Approximately 80 GSM
Brochures and premium documents: 130-170 GSM
Business cards and premium postcards: 300+ GSM