UK paper size guide

Don't know your A5s from your DLs? Here's my essential guide to UK paper sizes...

The most common system of paper sizes in Europe is the ISO standard. Most people are familiar with the A series which includes A4 (the size of a standard letterhead):

A0 - 841 x 1189mm
A1 - 594 x 841mm
A2 - 420 x 594mm
A3 - 297 x 420mm
A4 - 210 x 297mm
A5 - 148 x 210mm
A6 - 105 x 148mm


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Another popular size for printed leaflets is 1/3 A4 (a third of A4, sometimes referred to by the size of its associated envelope - 'DL') which is the size of a standard compliments slip at 210x99mm.

A promotional mailer or leaflet can have extra impact if it's produced at a non-standard size. If you plan to head down this route, there are a few issues you should be aware of:

• Commercial printing companies print onto standard sized paper. If you specify an unusual size which doesn't fit neatly within a standard sheet size, you will be paying for the paper which is cut off and thrown away. Adjust the size of your document so that as many copies as possible within a standard sized sheet.



• Some printing companies will only produce standard sized documents or impose a surcharge for non-standard sized work. Always confirm the cost before you spend time creating artwork.



• If you intend to distribute your document by post, make sure you can source a suitably-sized envelope.

The C series of sizes is reserved for envelopes - a C4 envelope being ideal for holding an A4 sheet of paper.

The other series which you may come across is SRA which is used by commerical printing companies. It is slightly larger than the A series to provide room for grip, trim and bleed.

SRA0 - 900 x 1280mm
SRA1 - 640 x 900mm
SRA2 - 450 x 640mm
SRA3 - 320 x 450mm
SRA4 - 225 x 320mm