Understanding the A4 Printing Size and When You Can Use It

 You've likely seen the A4 paper size option in your computer's print settings. You may also have been confused by A4 paper's size. It seems the same as standard printer paper.

What then is A4 paper? Why is the standard paper size A4 different? What is the best paper size for your project, A4?

Continue reading to learn more about paper size and printing options.

A4 Paper Size

First, the default paperline paper size does not match the A4 size. However, they are very similar.

The default print jobs are designed to fit on a piece of paper measuring 8.5 inches by 11 inches. Depending on the type of document and the program you use to print it it might be labeled "Letter". A4 paper is closer to 8.25 inches by 11.75 inches.

Cultural differences are the reason for this slight variation. It reflects differences between countries using the metric system and those that use the imperial. Our machines can measure print jobs in inches, whether you are in the United States or another country that uses the imperial system.

However, in most parts of Europe, Asia and Australia, machines and people tend to measure printing jobs in centimeters. The A4 paper size measures 21cm by 29cm using metric measurements.

For a few reasons, the printing industry uses the metric system for paper sizes.

One, it is more easily accessible internationally. This is why the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), designed the A-system for measuring paper. Letter paper can be used in the United States even though it is smaller than A4 paper.

Two metric sizes of paper are intuitive and proportionate. The paper size doubles as you move from A4 to A1 on your scale.

For example, A3 papers are 29cm by42cm. The A4 paper's longest side, also 29cm long, is the shorter side of A3 paper. The A2 paper measures 42cm by 59.5cm.

The paper is cut in half by moving down from A4 to a A7 size chart. The A4 paper's 21cm short side becomes A5 paper's long side.

A3 Printing vs. A4 Printing

A4 does not just refer to a particular paper size. It can also be used to refer to a printer type.

A4 printers can be considered standard printers, just as A4 paper is standard size. However, A4 printers are not limited to having email connectivity and scanners. They can only handle jobs that require A4/Letter-sized papers or less.

You will need a different printer if you want to print larger documents. A3 printers are another option that is popular with most businesses, organizations, and homes. A3 printers, like the name implies, can print any size up to A3 pages (or 29cm x 42cm as mentioned in the previous section).

What is the best time to print A4?

For a reason, A4 is the default size of paper. This is the most commonly used paper size for school reports, business documents, flyers, menus and door signs. It is also the most commonly used size for letters, as the North American equivalent to it suggests.

A4 size is the best option if you intend to scan your document to another person/machine. It is the most commonly used option and you can be sure that the recipient can handle it.

This is also true for postal mail. Large envelopes can comfortably fit A4 paper and are not susceptible to folding or creasing. Regular envelopes can also fit A4 paper with a page folded in three.

Other paper sizes and printers

It is not the best paper size for all situations, but A4 paper is still the most popular.

This international standard covers most paper sizes that you will need for your business day. Perfect for business cards, A7 measures approximately 3-inches by 4inches. The perfect size for notes and postcards is A6 at 4.1 inches by 5.8 inches. You can also use A6 for larger items, such as a menu or pamphlet.

You might also need to print on Legal paper which measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches. Although the Legal paper's short side is the same width as Letter paper, it's slightly longer. It is impossible to print on an A4 standard printer because of this.

You may require something larger if you are working with large flowcharts or other diagrams. You can print up to A1 depending on the detail you need.

Print on smaller papers for smaller jobs. You don't have to print on smaller paper. However, you will need to change the settings of your printer. If you are a computer user, this is a quick guide to changing your print settings manually .

An A3 printer is recommended for Legal printing. You may need to employ a third party for anything beyond that. You can order custom-made orders to fit your price limitations.