Our Paper Size Guide

The first standard size of paper was first mentioned in 1786 by a physics professor. This paper size soon became known as the A size which is what we use today. The only places that do not use this sizing are North, Central and South America. 

A4 paper size tends to be standard at 210 x 297 mm, or 8.3 x 11.7 inches and is widely used for most printing - even internationally. Our sizing guide below is based on the international A sizes and covers A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8.

You can use this as a guide for all your printing needs.

International A Sizes

Size    Millimetres    Inches

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

As well as sizes, papers often come with a variety of certifications which can be a little confusing to understand. The following below tend to be the ones that come up frequently.

GSM 

When you are shopping around for paper, you might come across a number followed by the GSM. This stands for grams per meter and is how paper is graded by weight.

The higher the number, the heavier and thicker the paper will be. It depends on what you are printing, but everyday printing tends to fall between 80-100 GSM. If you are printing something that needs to be sturdier, the recommendation is usually 100-120 GSM. 

Whiteness 

Paper whiteness is measured too, in CIE. This is a measurement of the amount of light reflecting off 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 paper has been certified as coming from responsibly managed forests - ensuring biodiversity, soil and water resources are protected in the process of making the paper. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council which is an independent, non governmental, non profit organisation to promote the management of the world’s forests.  

Size and certifications are all things to bear in mind when you are choosing the perfect paper for home or office use. We have a huge range of paper from top brands and more environmentally friendly options depending on your budget.

You can use the handy menus under our search bar to sort through different printing paper. However, if you cannot find the paper you are looking for please get in touch and a member of our team will be able to help you.