Standard International Paper Sizes
The International Organisation for Standardisation series of metric sizes for stationery and printed matter is tabulated.
The A sizes are the principal dimensions. The A0 designation indicates the basic size, and numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 etc., the number of times the A0 size has to be divided to produce them.
Paper Sizes
Finished size including bleed
| Paper Size | Finished Size | with 3mm Bleed |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841mm x 1189mm | 847mm x 1195mm |
| A1 | 594mm x 841mm | 600mm x 847mm |
| A2 | 420mm x 594mm | 426mm x 600mm |
| A3 | 297mm x 420mm | 303mm x 426mm |
| A4 | 210mm x 297mm | 216mm x 303mm |
| A5 | 210mm x 148mm | 216mm x 154mm |
| DL | 210mm x 99mm | 216mm x 105mm |
| A6 | 148mm x 105mm | 154mm x 111mm |
| A7 | 105mm x 74mm | 11mm x 80mm |
| BUSINESS CARDS | 85mm x 55mm | 91mm x 61mm |
Standard Paper Folds & Envelope Sizes
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| C3 | 324 x 458mm |
| C4 | 229 x 324mm |
| DL | 110 x 210mm |
| C5 | 162 x 229mm |
| C6 | 114 x 162mm |
Paper Weight
What does gsm mean with paper weight?
gsm is the abbreviation for gram per square metre – it is basically the WEIGHT of the paper per square metre. Whilst different stocks have different weights – it is very closely aligned with paper thickness
| Weight (gsm) | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| 80gsm | Budget photocopier paper |
| 100gsm | Budget letterhead paper |
| 120gsm | Standard letterhead paper |
| 150gsm | Commonly used for flyers |
| 170gsm | Slightly thicker paper for folded leaflets or flyers |
| 250gsm | Card – often used as brochure covers or documents like orders of service |
| 350gsm | Thick card suitable for Invitations, business cards, postcards or thick brochure covers |
| 450gsm | Very thick card used for business cards and postcards |
What is a micron?
Another popular term used to measure thickness is micron – most commonly found in printing thicker card, often plastic – like credit card / membership cards
Micron measure the thickness in millimeters, commonly shortened to mm
500 micron is 0.5mm thick
1000 micron is 1mm thick
250gsm card is approximately 300 micron, so is 0.3mm thick
Types of Paper Finishes
When choosing paper for your printing project, the finish plays a crucial role in the look and feel of the final product. Here are the most common paper finishes you’ll encounter:
- Matt: A non-glossy, smooth finish that reduces glare and fingerprints. Matt paper is ideal for text-heavy documents like reports and books, offering a professional and elegant look.
- Glossy: A shiny, reflective finish that makes colors pop and images appear vibrant. Glossy paper is perfect for photo prints, brochures, and marketing materials where visual impact is key.
- Silk/Satin: A finish that lies between matt and glossy, offering a smooth texture with a subtle sheen. Silk paper is popular for high-quality brochures and magazines, providing a premium feel without too much shine.
- Uncoated: Paper without any coating, giving a natural, textured feel. It’s great for stationery, letterheads, and materials where you want a tactile, organic impression.
- Textured: Papers with embossed or patterned surfaces, such as linen or laid finishes. These are often used for wedding invitations or luxury business cards to add a unique touch.
Choosing Paper for Different Print Projects
Choosing the right paper weight and type can make all the difference. Here’s a quick guide for common print products:
| Print Product | Rcommended Paper Type & Weight | Notes | |
| Business Cards | Cardstock, 300-400gsm, coated or uncoated | Heavier weight for durability | |
| Flyers | Gloss or silk, 130-170gsm | Lightweight yet vibrant | |
| Brochures | Silk or gloss, 150-250gsm | Smooth finish for images and text | |
| Invitations | Textured or coated cardstock, 250-350gsm | Adds elegance and sturdiness | |
| Posters | Glossy or satin, 170-250gsm | Bright colours and durability | |
| Photo Prints | Glossy photo paper, 200-300gsm | High-quality image reproduction | |
| Letterheads | Uncoated or lightly coated, 90-120gsm | Professional and easy to write on |
Recycled and Sustainable Paper Options
Sustainability is increasingly important in printing. Here’s what you need to know:
- Recycled Paper: Made from post-consumer waste, recycled paper reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp. It’s available in various finishes and weights and is suitable for most print projects.
- FSC Certification: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies that paper comes from responsibly managed forests. Look for the FSC logo to ensure your paper is eco-friendly.
- Benefits: Using recycled or FSC-certified paper helps reduce environmental impact, supports sustainable forestry, and often appeals to eco-conscious customers.
- Considerations: Some recycled papers may have a slightly different texture or color (often creamier or greyish), so check samples before ordering.
How should I store paper?
High humidity or incompatible paper/printer combinations can cause curling or warping. Store paper in a dry place and use recommended paper types.
Paper Sizing Beyond the UK (International Sizes)
While A-series sizes (A4, A5, etc.) are standard in the UK and Europe, the US and Canada commonly use different sizes:
- Half Letter Size: 8.5 x 5.5 inches (216 x 140mm) – A common US paper size for flyers and leaflets.
- Letter Size: 8.5 x 11 inches (216 x 279 mm) – most common US paper size for letters and documents.
- Legal Size: 8.5 x 14 inches (216 x 356 mm) – used for legal documents in the US.
- Tabloid Size: 11 x 17 inches (279 x 432 mm) – used for larger prints like newsletters or small posters.
We can print at International sizes for you as required.
Glossary of Paper Terms
- Coated Paper: Paper treated with a surface coating to improve brightness and ink holdout.
- Uncoated Paper: Paper without a coating, offering a natural feel and easy writing surface.
- GSM: Grams per square metre, a measure of paper weight/thickness.
- Cardstock: Heavyweight paper used for business cards, postcards, and invitations.
- Bleed: Printing area that extends beyond the trim edge to avoid white borders.
- FSC: Forest Stewardship Council certification for sustainable paper.
- Duplex Printing: Printing on both sides of the paper.
- Finish: The surface texture or coating of paper (matt, gloss, silk, etc.).
View our full glossary print terms here