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Which paper format is right for you?
With different kinds of paper format and sizes, it can be challenging to choose which is right for your printing media. At Apprintable when you buy your print, you can count on us to choose the right paper size for your print job. In practice, it might be useful to understand more about the various types of paper format. We have written a little guide on the different sizes and formats available.
Paper finishes
The laminate finish provides many advantages and should be carefully selected for the desired purpose. Having print laminated ensures a robust, waterproof, and tear-resistant product that can be easily handled every day. Here are the most common lamination types:
- Matt: Matt lamination gives a sophisticated finish, a popular choice for many individuals. In comparison to other gloss coatings, matt laminate adds more of a ‘natural’ softer look.
- Gloss: Gloss lamination is an incredibly popular choice and it’s easy to see why. High shine and crisp colours appear more succinctly when a gloss finish is applied. What’s more, gloss lamination repels dirt, dust, and fingerprints with ease.
- Silk: Silk lamination has a soft exterior and superior quality. The strong bond created between the paper and plastic coating during lamination adds a silky smooth and premium natural-looking surface. Silk lamination effortlessly reflects in the light the same as standard silk does.
- Spot UV: Spot UV lamination applies a high-quality shiny varnish to certain aspects of the print. The ‘spot’ element creates a rich depth of colour to certain areas; an eye-catching contrast that naturally makes it a luxury choice for brochure covers or spot UV business cards.
Different paper sizes
A-Paper sizes:
The dimensions of the A series paper sizes are defined by the ISO 216 international paper size standard. The A-series system is the common basis for determining the paper size and is widely used across the globe.
B-Paper sizes:
The dimensions of the B series paper sizes are defined by the ISO 216 international paper size standard. The B-series is less common in-office use, it is more regularly used for other specialist choices, such as large-scale posters, envelopes, or books.
C-Paper sizes:
The dimensions of the C series paper sizes are defined by the ISO 269 international paper size standard. C sized paper, i.e: C4. C5 and C6 are most typically used for envelopes with the sole purpose of containing A-sized paper documents.
Understanding paper sizes
The paper size system makes it easy to calculate different paper sizes. If you divide a piece of paper into equal halves along its longest sides, then each half is in the same proportion to the original. For example, an A4 paper sheet can be folded to make an A5 brochure.
The three ISO standard paper sizes each have different sizes within their categories. In each category, the full sheet is designated by the number 0. To further understand the system, we have created a simple paper size chart that lists the dimensions of A paper sizes in cm, inches, and mm:
| Size | Width (mm) x Height (mm) | Width (in) x Height (in) |
|---|---|---|
| A0 paper size | 841 x 1189 | 33.1 x 46.8 |
| A1 size | 594 x 841 | 23.4 x 33.1 |
| A2 paper size | 420 x 594 | 16.5 x 23.4 |
| A3 paper size | 297 x 420 | 11.7 x 16.5 |
| A4 paper size | 210 x 297 | 8.3 x 11.7 |
| A5 paper size | 148 x 210 | 5.8 x 8.3 |
| A6 paper size | 105 x 148 | 4.1 x 5.8 |
| A7 paper size | 74 x 105 | 2.9 x 4.1 |
| A8 paper size | 52 x 74 | 2.0 x 2.9 |
| DL paper size | 99 x 210 | 3.9 x 8.3 |
FAQ's
What is the smallest A paper size available?
The smallest A size in the ISO series is A8, which is 52mm (w) x 74mm (h); a standard size for bank cards and driving licenses.
What is the difference between a flyer and a leaflet?
The difference primarily falls down to the paper stock used. A flyer is printed on a card whereas a leaflet is printed on paper - consequently, both have a different paper thickness and weight.
What is the biggest A paper size available?
The biggest A size in the ISO series is A0, which is 841 (w) x 1189 (h), measuring in at one square meter. An impactful size for businesses that have a lot to say.
