Paper size facts for kids
Have you ever noticed that not all paper is the same size? From your school notebook to a big poster, paper comes in many shapes and sizes! Different parts of the world even use different names for these sizes. There are also special envelopes made to fit each paper size perfectly.
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Paper Sizes Around the World
Most countries use an international system for paper sizes. This system is based on the metric system. The most common paper size is called A4. It is 210 millimetres wide and 297 millimetres long. This is a very popular size for printing and writing.
Another common size in Europe is called B5. It is 176 millimetres wide and 250 millimetres long. This size is sometimes used for writing personal letters.
There are many other international paper sizes too. They are used for everything from tiny notes to huge posters.
How International Paper Sizes Work
The international paper sizes follow a clever mathematical rule. The largest size is called A0, and it measures exactly 1 square metre. Each smaller "A" size is exactly half the size of the one before it. So, A1 is half of A0, A2 is half of A1, and so on.
The "B" and "C" sizes fit in between the "A" sizes. This system makes it easy to scale documents up or down.
Paper Sizes in North America
In the United States and Canada, the most common paper size is called letter size, or US letter. It is 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches long (216 × 279 mm).
Another common size is legal paper. It is also 8.5 inches wide but is longer at 14 inches. This size is often used for official documents.
You might also see executive paper. It is 7.25 inches wide and 10.5 inches long. This size is not as common, but some people use it for personal letters.
There is also a larger size called tabloid. It is 11 inches wide and 17 inches long. This is like putting two pieces of letter paper side-by-side.
Just like with international sizes, there are many other paper sizes in North America for different uses, such as notes, books, and large prints.
Paper Sizes and Computer Printers
Most printers you use at home or school are made to print on US letter and A4 paper. They can also usually print on smaller sizes. Some printers can handle US legal paper too. If you need to print on very large paper, you might need to go to a professional printing business.
Images for kids
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Paper sizes A0 to A8, life-size installation "The invasion of the square root" at the CosmoCaixa Barcelona science museum
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A2, A3, A4 and some of their derived non-ISO sizes as GOST 2301-68 formats
See also
In Spanish: Formato de papel para niños
