If you’ve ever visited a library or bookstore in recent years and looked at magazines and books, you’ll undoubtedly notice numerous publications produced and printed in Great Britain or other European countries like Germany, France, etc. You’ll also notice, particularly in the magazine section, these publications are sized differently than those produced and printed in the United States. What accounts for this difference?
Imperial (inches) vs. Metric (A-series)
Unlike the rest of the planet, the U.S. still uses the imperial system for weights and measurements. In the U.S., the three most common paper sizes (letter, legal, tabloid) are measured in inches: “8.5 x 11”, 11 x 14”, and 11” x 17.” Elsewhere in the world, paper sizes are designated by units of the metric system: millimeters, and centimeters (based on the meter). These metric paper sizes are known as A-Series paper sizes. The chart in the graphic at the top of the pages shows these standard A sizes along with their imperial and metric measurements.
Beginning with A0, the largest sized sheet (the equivalent of a square meter) each subsequent size (A1, A2, A3, etc.) is half of the previous size. The sizes retain the proportionality of the previous size by maintaining width and length ratios. The most common A-Series paper size is the A4 (8.27” x 11.69”), which is closest to our letter (8.5” x 11”) in the U.S.
At some point in the near future, it’s highly probable the U.S. will begin in earnest to transition to the metic system as the standard measurement system. When we do, it’s a given we’ll be switching to the A-Series paper sizes for our printing needs.
If you have any questions about these A-Series Paper Sizes, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
