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The Ultimate Guide to Printer Paper
With so many varieties of printer paper available, there’s more choice than ever when it comes to producing prints. Photo paper or copy paper? A4 or A5 size? What will work best for you will depend on a range of factors, including what size, weight and type of paper you need. This helpful and definitive paper buying guide outlines everything you need to know. For more information on the terminology used in this guide, please see our printing glossary.
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Paper Sizes
What size paper you need will no doubt be key in the printer paper buying process. This factor will be mainly determined by what it is that you’re planning to print. Address labels, coursework and business posters will all require different sized paper, so it’s crucial to know what size paper you need before you buy.
Using the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) paper size system (A4, A5 etc.), each size is half the size of the preceding one.
Paper Size Guide
Please find below our paper size guide which has been designed to enable you to easily determine the measurements of the most commonly used paper sizes.
What is the standard paper size?
A4 is the most commonly used size of paper and measures 210 x 297mm or 8.3 x 11.7 inches.
A Paper Sizes
A paper sizes are the most common group of paper sizes used for general printing (UK) and publications. Whilst A4 paper size is the most common, A3, A5 and more sizes are also available in this group.
| Paper Size | Size (cm) | Size (mm) | Size (Inches) |
| A0 | 84.1 x 118.9 | 841 x 1189 | 33.1 x 46.8 |
| A1 | 59.4 x 84.1 | 594 x 841 | 23.4 x 33.1 |
| A2 | 42.0 x 59.4 | 420 x 594 | 16.5 x 23.4 |
| A3 | 29.7 x 42.0 | 297 x 420 | 11.7 x 16.5 |
| A4 | 21.0 x 29.7 | 210 x 297 | 8.3 x 11.7 |
| A5 | 14.8 x 21.0 | 148 x 210 | 5.8 x 8.3 |
| A6 | 10.5 x 14.8 | 105 x 148 | 4.1 x 5.8 |
| A7 | 7.4 x 10.5 | 74 x 105 | 2.9 x 4.1 |
| A8 | 5.2 x 7.4 | 52 x 74 | 2.0 x 2.9 |
| A9 | 3.7 x 5.2 | 37 x 52 | 1.5 x 2.0 |
| A10 | 2.6 x 3.7 | 26 x 37 | 1.0 x 1.5 |
[A-Series Paper Size Chart]
A3 Size
What size is A3 paper? A3 paper is 297 x 420mm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches.
What size paper is A3 larger than? A3 paper is larger than A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 and A10 paper. A3 is double the size of A4.
Which paper sizes are larger than A3? The three A paper sizes larger than A3 are A0, A1 and A2, which are progressively larger, with A0 being the largest in the A series of paper (841 x 1189mm). A3 paper is half the size of A2 and double the size of A4.
What is A3 paper used for? A3 paper is commonly used for posters, calendars and leaflets.
A4 Size
What size is A4? A4 paper is 210 x 297mm or 8.3 x 11.7 inches. A4 is the standard printer paper size.
What size paper is A4 larger than? A4 is larger than A5, A6, A7, A8, A9 and A10.
Which paper sizes are larger than A4? A3, A2, A1 and A0 paper is larger than A4.
A5 Size
What size is A5 paper? A5 paper is 148 x 210mm or 5.8 x 8.3 inches.
Is A5 bigger than A4? No, A5 paper is half the size of A4 paper. A5 paper measures 148 x 210mm or 5.8 x 8.3 inches, whereas A4 paper is 210 x 297mm or 8.3 x 11.7 inches.
A5 is larger than A6, A7, A8, A9 and A10 paper, however.
Is A5 bigger than A6? Yes, A5 size is larger than A6. A6 paper (105mm x 148mm/4.1 inches x 5.8 inches) is exactly half the size of A5 (148mm x 210mm/5.8 inches x 8.3 inches) when it’s folded along the long edge of the paper. A6 is also the typical size of a postcard.
What is A5 paper used for? A5 size paper is typically used for notebooks, brochures, leaflets, greetings cards and invitations.
B Paper Sizes
B sizes are less common but are used for larger printing tasks such as wall charts or posters. Offering larger dimensions and more flexible sizing than A-series paper, B0 – B10 sizes are used where wider formats are necessary, such as large documents or design projects and are frequently used in magazines, advertising materials and passports.
C Size Paper
C size paper is typically used for envelopes that are designed to take A size paper. Envelope sizes include C4 (A4), C5 (A5) and DL (an A4 sheet of paper folded into 3).
- C4 Envelopes – capable of holding an A4 sheet of paper, C4 envelopes measure 229 x 324mm.
- C5 Envelopes – a C5 envelope will fit an A4 piece of paper that has been folded in half. These envelopes measure 162 x 229mm.
Other C Sizes
- C3 envelopes are 458 x 324mm, or 12.8 x 18 inches and are used by businesses to send A3 documents.
- C6 envelopes measure 4.5 x 6.4 inches, or 114 x 162mm.
- C7 envelopes measure 81 x 114mm.
Are UK paper sizes different to US paper sizes?
Yes, the UK and US use two different systems to categorise their paper sizes. UK paper sizes use the ISO 216 system (A-series and B-series), this includes commonly used paper sizes A4, A3 and A5. The US however adopt a different system, with common sizes like Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), Legal (8.5 x 14 inches) and Tabloid (11 x 17 inches). Both UK and international paper sizes are based on a consistent ratio of 1:√2, which is scalable, whereas US paper sizes are not. This then leads to variations in aspect ratio and dimensions between the two systems, preventing you from making like for like comparisons between the two.
Paper Weight (GSM)
The weight of the printer paper you choose is important in determining its quality. But why does the weight of the paper affect the quality? The thicker a piece of paper, the higher its quality can be expected to be. This is because the print is much less likely to show through on the other side of the page, leading to a more professional appearance and offering better readability. Lightweight papers tend to suffer more with show through, so whilst you will probably be paying a lower price than you would be for heavier paper, the quality of the print will likely be affected.
How is Paper Weight Measured?
The weight (or thickness) of paper is measured by the acronym GSM, which means grams per square metre. But what is the typical weight of paper? Most sheets of paper weigh around 80gsm. Product listings will note the GSM measurement of the paper, so you’ll always be able to easily check the weight of the paper and determine if it’s indicative of the quality that you need.
Please Note: Remember to follow the guidelines in your printer manual to match the weight of the paper you’re using. Failure to do so may result in print quality issues, paper jams and possible damage to the printer.
What are the Different Types of Paper?
When buying printer paper, many people tend to think of a standard sheet of A4 copy paper. The range of paper that’s available to buy is much more complex than that, however. Don’t worry though, we’ve taken the hassle out of buying paper with our ultimate guide.
The type of paper you choose will affect the finish of your print. So, it’s important to think about what you’ll print with the paper. Different finishes, types and sizes of paper will be better suited to different printing tasks.
You may also notice that your paper is either coated or uncoated. Coated paper can have a smooth, glossy or matte finish and enhances the colour vibrancy and sharpness of your prints. It resists ink absorption, resulting in crisper images. Uncoated paper, on the other hand, has a rougher, more natural texture and absorbs ink, making it better for writing. You’ll often find this type of paper in stationery and books and it gives prints a softer appearance. Paper that hasn’t been coated is more eco-friendly and easier to recycle.
Copy Paper
The everyday business and home essential, copy paper is used in high volumes daily to print memos, homework, invoices and much more. A staple of office and home office printing, copy paper is used for copying, faxing and printing. Featuring a smooth matte finish, copy paper is typically available in reams of 500 sheets. Whilst A3, A5 and more sizes of copying paper are available, A4 is considered the standard paper size. Paper usually has a weight of 80gsm.
Why Use Copy Paper?
Copy paper is ideal for a wide range of printing tasks for both home and office use. This versatile type of paper is great for everyday printing tasks, as well as printing out our fun range of printables. Available in a variety of sizes and weights, the choice of copy paper available is extensive. This means you can be very specific about what type of copy paper you need.
Photo Paper
Photo paper is ideal for photographers or families wanting to print treasured memories. This type of paper is available in a range of finishes (including glossy, semi-gloss and matte). The range of available finishes means that you have even more choice when it comes to printing out your photos. It isn’t simply a case of copy paper vs. photo paper, you can tailor your choice of photo paper to the specific type of finish you need.
Glossy photo paper is both shiny and reflective, offering enhanced colour vibrancy for your prints. Matte photo paper meanwhile, is great for portrait photography. It features a softer appearance and non-reflective surface, reducing glare.
Photo Paper or Copy Paper?
If you are photo printing, the choice between photo paper and copy paper is an obvious one. However, if you want professional business materials that feature logos or other graphics, photo paper can also be beneficial.
Photo paper can produce sharp and vibrant prints that are long-lasting, with accurate colour reproduction. Also, lots of modern printers support borderless photo printing. This is where the print extends to the photo paper’s edge, offering a more premium looking print. This type of paper means that you can get professional quality prints from the comfort of your home. If you regularly print your photos, the level of convenience that a photo printer and some high-quality photo paper can offer you cannot be understated.
Card Paper
Card paper features a higher GSM than standard copy paper and produces sturdier and more durable prints. Useful for a variety of applications, like printing greetings cards or educational resources, printing on card requires a different approach than standard copy paper.
Paper Rolls
Paper rolls are a specialist type of paper that have been designed for large-format printers. In order to use this type of paper you’ll need a more specialist, large-format printer. Paper rolls are great for printing in bigger sizes. Typically used by graphic designers and businesses to print posters, marketing materials and more, this printer consumable is available in a variety of sizes and finishes. This type of paper offers versatility, allowing you to produce prints of a wider variety of sizes than that of a typical printer. Paper rolls are ideal for printing CAD, architectural and engineering drawings, blueprints, maps and more.
Specialist Paper
Above were the main types of printer paper that you will come across when buying paper. However, there are many more different types of paper that have been designed for a variety of specific printing needs. Here’s more information about some of the specialist paper that’s available to buy:
- Iron-On Transfer Paper – this type of paper allows you to transfer a printed design to fabric. This paper can be used to make your own original t-shirt featuring your own designs or photos, for example. Want to create a personalised t-shirt for your company? Or looking for a fun crafting activity? Iron-on transfer paper is easy to use and offers impressive results.
- Laser Photo Paper – this specialist photo paper has been specifically designed for laser printers. In the past, photo printing has been more closely associated with inkjet printers because in some instances laser printers would actually melt the coating onto the photo paper. Laser printer paper with a glossy finish overcomes this issue by featuring a coating that enables the plastic particles within the toner cartridge to melt on the paper. These particles then bond with the paper. This allows you to produce high-quality photos on a laser printer.
- Labels – a printer consumable for label printers, this type of paper is used to produce shipping labels, barcodes and more. Direct thermal label printers work by heating up the paper, with no ink needed. Ideal for both homes and businesses, increase efficiency by labelling your items.
Paper Whiteness
The paper whiteness rating is used to measure how white a piece of paper is. White paper can enhance the quality of the print when used alongside high-quality printer ink.
Measured using CIE (International Commission on Illumination), paper whiteness is measured on a scale that ranges from 0-100, with a higher number being indicative of whiter paper. The limit of 100 is for paper that’s been made purely of pulp. Paper that achieves a whiter than white effect is going to score above 100, by using fluorescent additives like optical brightening agents (OBAs).
Our Cartridge People Own Brand extra white copy paper measures 168 CIE, reflecting light by absorbing less ink and producing bolder blacks and brighter colours on a clear background.
Buy Printer Paper Today for Great Prices From Cartridge People
We hope you’ve found our ultimate guide to printing paper helpful! Here at Cartridge People, we stock an extensive range of affordable printer paper, helping you to keep your stationery supplies stocked up, whether you are buying for your home or your business. Cartridge People Own Brand paper is also available to buy from us today, offering premium quality at an affordable price.