Essential guide to paper sizes in the UK
Last Updated on 19/02/2026
Choosing the right paper size can be tricky with so many options available. Whether you’re printing reports, flyers, or filing documents, it’s important to understand the different formats and how they’re used. In the UK, paper sizes are based on the international ISO 216 standard — ranging from the largest (A0) to the smallest (A8).
In this guide, we’ll break down each paper size, explain its exact dimensions, and help you choose the right one for your needs.
UK Paper Sizes at a Glance
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | 84.1 × 118.9 cm | 33.1 × 46.8 in | Large posters, technical drawings |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 59.4 × 84.1 cm | 23.4 × 33.1 in | Posters, flipcharts |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 42.0 × 59.4 cm | 16.5 × 23.4 in | Medium posters, architectural drawings |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 29.7 × 42.0 cm | 11.7 × 16.5 in | Drawings, diagrams, double-page spreads |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 21.0 × 29.7 cm | 8.3 × 11.7 in | Letters, documents, forms (most common) |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 14.8 × 21.0 cm | 5.8 × 8.3 in | Booklets, leaflets, notebooks |
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | 10.5 × 14.8 cm | 4.1 × 5.8 in | Postcards, greeting cards, flyers |
| A7 | 74 × 105 mm | 7.4 × 10.5 cm | 2.9 × 4.1 in | Post-it notes, small cards |
| A8 | 52 × 74 mm | 5.2 × 7.4 cm | 2.0 × 2.9 in | Business cards, bank cards |
A0 Paper Size in CM
A0 sized paper is typically used for technical drawings or posters. Due to its size, if you’re looking to print in A0, you should make sure you have the correct resolution and a high-quality camera. A digital camera with good image quality and a resolution of 24 megapixels or more will be capable of printing high–quality A0 size pictures. Below is A0 paper’s size in CM and inches.
A0 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | 84.1 × 118.9 cm | 33.1 × 46.8 in |
Commonly used for: technical drawings, large posters, architectural plans.
A1 Paper Size in CM
The second–largest paper size is predominantly used for technical drawings, flipcharts, and posters. It’s half the size of A0 and is more commonly used. You’ll need a 20-megapixel camera to print high–quality A1 size pictures. Below is A1’s paper size in CM and inches.
A1 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 59.4 × 84.1 cm | 23.4 × 33.1 in |
Commonly used for: technical drawings, flipcharts, posters.
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A2 Paper Size in CM
A2 size is recommended if you’re creating medium size posters, architectural drawings and diagrams. You can create high-quality A2 images using a 16-megapixel digital camera. Folding A2 paper in half will give you A3 size paper. Below is A2’s paper size in CM and inches.
A2 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 42.0 × 59.4 cm | 16.5 × 23.4 in |
Commonly used for: medium posters, architectural drawings, diagrams.
A3 Paper Size in CM
Used for drawings, diagrams and large tables, along with A4, A3 paper is one of the most commonly used sizes. A3 paper is also used for double-page spreads of A4. Below is A3 paper’s size in CM and inches.
A3 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 29.7 × 42.0 cm | 11.7 × 16.5 in |
Commonly used for: drawings, diagrams, large tables, double-page A4 spreads.
A4 Paper Size in CM
A4 is used as the standard letter size in English speaking countries and is the most commonly used size in the world. It is used for many of the printing, letters, magazines, catalogues, and forms we use in everyday life. Below is A4 dimensions in cm and inches.
A4 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 21.0 × 29.7 cm | 8.3 × 11.7 in |
Commonly used for: letters, documents, magazines, catalogues, forms. The most widely used paper size in the world.
A5 Paper Size in CM: what size is A5?
Mainly used to create booklets, leaflets, notebooks, and flyers, A5 paper is less commonly found in printers. Below is A5 size in cm and inches.
A5 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 14.8 × 21.0 cm | 5.8 × 8.3 in |
Commonly used for: booklets, leaflets, notebooks, flyers.
A6 Paper Size in CM
A6 size is mainly used for small brochures, greeting cards, programs or flyers. Its wider uses include small pocketbooks, library microfiches and toilet paper. You will very rarely find A6 paper sizes in printing, unless done by professionals who print on large sheets before cutting them individually. Below is A6 paper’s size in CM and inches.
A6 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | 10.5 × 14.8 cm | 4.1 × 5.8 in |
Commonly used for: small brochures, greeting cards, flyers, postcards.
A7 Paper Size in CM
This size of paper is too small for written text and is only commonly used in professional printing or for the manufacture of large post-it notes. Eight of them fit on an A4 piece of paper, so they can be used to make up a larger image. Below is A7 paper’s size in CM and inches.
A7 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A7 | 74 × 105 mm | 7.4 × 10.5 cm | 2.9 × 4.1 in |
Commonly used for: large post-it notes, professional printing, small cards.
A8 Paper Size in CM
A8 is a popular paper size, used as the standard for business cards, bank cards, and driving licenses. You can print 18 A8-sized images on an A4 piece of paper if you’re looking to print multiple A8 cards at a time. Below is A8 paper’s size in CM and inches.
A8 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A8 | 52 × 74 mm | 5.2 × 7.4 cm | 2.0 × 2.9 in |
Commonly used for: business cards, bank cards, driving licences.
Understanding the different sizes of paper available and what the best use for them is doesn’t have to be complicated. Our guide can help make sure you have the right size for your needs. If you’re looking to post a letter and are unsure of what envelope you need to fit each paper size, you can find more information here.
To see our extensive range of paper products in a variety of sizes for your office or everyday needs, browse here today!
