Last Updated on 01/07/2026
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 paper measures 841 × 1189 mm (84.1 × 118.9 cm, or 33.1 × 46.8 inches) — the largest standard size in the ISO 216 UK paper range. It’s 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 resolution of 24 megapixels or more will produce high-quality A0 prints.
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
A1 paper measures 594 × 841 mm (59.4 × 84.1 cm, or 23.4 × 33.1 inches) — half the size of A0 and the second-largest standard size in the ISO 216 UK paper range. It’s predominantly used for technical drawings, flipcharts, and posters, and is more commonly used than A0. If you’re printing A1 size pictures, a 20-megapixel camera will produce high-quality results.
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 paper measures 420 × 594 mm (42.0 × 59.4 cm, or 16.5 × 23.4 inches) — half the size of A1, and folding it in half gives you A3. It’s recommended for medium-size posters, architectural drawings, and diagrams. A 16-megapixel digital camera is enough to produce high-quality A2 prints.
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
A3 paper measures 297 × 420 mm (29.7 × 42.0 cm, or 11.7 × 16.5 inches) — half the size of A2, and double the size of A4. Along with A3 paper, it’s one of the most commonly used sizes, ideal for drawings, diagrams, large tables, and double-page A4 spreads.
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 paper measures 210 × 297 mm (21.0 × 29.7 cm, or 8.3 × 11.7 inches) — half the size of A3, and the most widely used paper size in the UK and internationally for everyday printing. A4 paper is the standard size for letters, documents, magazines, catalogues, and forms.
A4 Paper Size
| Format | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 21.0 × 29.7 cm | 8.3 × 11.7 in |
A4 printer paper is 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?
A5 paper measures 148 × 210 mm (14.8 × 21.0 cm, or 5.8 × 8.3 inches) — half the size of A4. It’s mainly used for booklets, leaflets, notebooks, and flyers, and is less commonly found loaded in standard printers.
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 paper measures 105 × 148 mm (10.5 × 14.8 cm, or 4.1 × 5.8 inches) — half the size of A5. It’s mainly used for small brochures, greeting cards, programs, and flyers, with wider applications including small pocketbooks and library microfiches. A6 is rarely used in standard office printing, unless done professionally on large sheets before being cut down.
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
A7 paper measures 74 × 105 mm (7.4 × 10.5 cm, or 2.9 × 4.1 inches) — half the size of A6. It’s too small for most written text and is mainly used in professional printing or for manufacturing large Post-it notes. Eight A7 sheets fit on a single A4 page.
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 paper measures 52 × 74 mm (5.2 × 7.4 cm, or 2.0 × 2.9 inches) — half the size of A7, and the smallest commonly used format in the ISO 216 range. It’s the standard size for business cards, bank cards, and driving licences. Eighteen A8-sized images fit on a single A4 sheet.
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!
FAQ
Is A2 bigger than A3?
Yes, A2 is bigger than A3. A2 measures 420 × 594 mm, while A3 measures 297 × 420 mm — A2 is exactly double the size of A3.
Is A3 bigger than A4?
Yes, A3 is bigger than A4. A3 measures 297 × 420 mm, while A4 measures 210 × 297 mm — A3 is exactly double the size of A4.
Is A4 bigger than A5?
Yes, A4 is bigger than A5. A4 measures 210 × 297 mm, while A5 measures 148 × 210 mm — A4 is exactly double the size of A5.
What is the next size up from A4?
A3 is the next size up from A4. A3 (297 × 420 mm) is exactly double the size of A4 (210 × 297 mm).
What is smaller than A5?
A6 (105 × 148 mm), A7 (74 × 105 mm), and A8 (52 × 74 mm) are all smaller than A5 (148 × 210 mm). A6 is the next size down from A5.
What is smaller than A4?
A5 (148 × 210 mm) is the next size down from A4. Smaller ISO sizes below A5 include A6, A7, and A8.
Is foolscap bigger than A4?
Yes, foolscap is generally bigger than A4, mainly because it is longer. A common foolscap size is 216 × 343 mm, while A4 is 210 × 297 mm. Exact foolscap dimensions can vary slightly.
How many A6 sheets fit on an A4 page?
Four A6 sheets fit on a single A4 page, since A6 is a quarter of the size of A4.
Is A2 double the size of A3?
Yes, A2 is exactly double the size of A3. Folding an A2 sheet in half gives you A3.
