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Difference Between A4 and A3 Size Paper

A4 vs A3 Size Paper
 

The difference between A4 and A3 size paper is in their dimensions. In fact, if you consider the space available, A3 paper has double the area of A4 paper. Now, before discussing them, have you heard about ISO1 216? It is the International Standard for Paper Sizes that is used for letters and documents (and also magazines) in most parts of the world. It describes in detail all sizes included in the A series and B series of papers. It is the A series that we are interested in this article. To narrow down our subject area for a more specific topic, we will be looking at A3 and A4 paper sizes. A3 and A4 are arguably the most important paper sizes in the world. In fact, A4 is the standard for all documents, letter, and magazines in most countries of the world, except the US, Canada, and Mexico where the letter size paper is considered the standard. Knowing the basis of ISO 216 will enable one to understand the difference between A4 and A3 size paper.

The system of ISO 216 has been designed in such a manner that the aspect ratio is same for all paper sizes, whether they are A, B or C. The aspect ratio is unique and maintained at one to square root of 2. If this does not mean anything to you, just remember that A0, turns into A1 when halved along the shorter side, and A1 becomes A2 when halved along the shorter side. So in A series, the number after A corresponds to how many times it has been halved starting from 1 square meter paper, which is A0.

What is A4 Size Paper?

A4 size paper is the paper that comes in the 8.27 × 11. 69 inch size. However, you can also tell the dimensions of this paper in millimeters. That will be 210 × 297mm. An important fact about A4 paper is that it is the closest to letter sized paper that is the standard in the US and Canada. In most of the other countries, A4 is the standard for computer stationery and official letters and documents. Since it is made under ISO standard, you can ask for A4 paper in any country without being confused.

A4 is mostly used in writing letters, computer printouts such as assignments and such, as well as for record keeping. A4 is the type of paper most people use for their personal uses too.

What is A3 Size Paper?

A3 size paper has the dimensions of 11.69 × 16.54 inches. However, it is prudent to remember it as 11 × 17 inches. In millimeters, this will be 297 × 420mm. If this is the paper that is used quite often in your business, you have to remember the paper size as well as the name of the paper, which is A3. Usually, when you go to a stationery store and ask for A3 paper, this is the size of paper that you get.

A3 is a size that is perfect for brochures, presentations, and advertising documents. Since it has more paper space, it gives you a nice printout of any one of these documents.

What is the difference between A4 and A3 Size Paper?

A4 and A3 size paper are two internationally recognized paper sizes that are used by people for different purposes of printing.

• Dimensions in Inches:

• A4 paper is 8.27 × 11. 69 inches in size.

• A3 paper is 11.69 × 16.54 inches in size.

• Dimensions in Millimeters:

• A4 paper is 210 × 297mm.

• A3 paper is 297 × 420mm.

• ISO Connection:

• A4 and A3 are sizes next to each other in the A series in ISO 216.

• Uses:

• A4 is mostly used in writing letters, computer printouts such as assignments and such, as well as for record keeping.

• A3 size paper is used for brochures, presentations, and advertising documents.

• Comparison of Sizes:

• Two A4 sheets make one A3 sheet.

• One A3 sheet is the combination of two A4 sheets.

• Conversion

• You can get two A4 size papers from the A3 size paper by folding it at the centre along the shorter side.

These are the differences between A3 and A4 size paper. A3 and A4 are the most important paper sizes in the world. These two sizes are used for different purposes. Also, the fact that they are international standards makes it easier for people to buy them from anywhere in the world.

Images Courtesy:

  1. A Series paper sizes by User:Bromskloss (CC BY-SA 3.0)
  2. Brochure by Andrea Balzano (CC BY-ND 2.0)