When it comes to printer paper, understanding the various paper sizes can be important, especially for business or art projects. Among the many standardized paper formats, one widely used group is based on the ISO 216 system, which defines the A series. In this article, we’ll thoroughly discuss the A3 paper, its dimensions, its common uses, and how it compares to US paper sizes.
Definition: A3 paper dimensions
A3 is one of the standard sizes in the A series, which includes everything from the compact A6 to the large-format A0. These sizes are based on a consistent aspect ratio and are commonly used across the globe, with the exception of North America.
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Dimensions
The A series was established under ISO 216, which is a widely adopted international standard for paper sizes. A3 paper is bigger than the common A4 paper, as it measures 29.7 × 42 cm or 297 × 420 mm, which equals 11.7 × 16.5 in. The A3 size is exactly twice the area of A4 paper dimensions, as it maintains the same 1:√2 aspect ratio that defines the entire A series.
Envelope
The most common envelope size used for A3 paper is the C3 envelope, which is part of the ISO 269 envelope standard. This envelope series is designed to fit A-series paper, with a C3 envelope measuring 324 × 458 mm, providing enough space to insert an A3 sheet flat without folding. If folded in half, an A3 fits into a C4 envelope.
Uses
A3 printing is ideal for:
- Architectural plans
- Artwork
- Charts
- Engineer drawings
- Folded brochures
- Menus
- Posters
- Signs
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Printer
Since not every type of printer can handle A3-size paper, you either need to use a professional printing service for your projects or invest in an A3 printer. However, they are typically more expensive than smaller ones. One of the benefits of owning an A3 printer is that it uses less paper and printing ink per page. At the end of the day, individuals and businesses need to evaluate if buying an A3 printer is worth it in the long run or if using a printing service suffices.
A3 vs. Tabloid & Ledger
Tabloid is the US equivalent of A3 since A3 is slightly longer and slightly thinner. Tabloid is used in portrait format, while Ledger is used in landscape format. In the table below, you can look at their dimensions.
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (in) |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 11.7 × 16.5 in |
| Tabloid | 279 × 432 mm | 11 × 17 in |
| Ledger | 432 × 279 mm | 17 × 11 in |
FAQs
A3 paper dimensions are 297 × 420 mm or 11.7 × 16.5 in.
No. However, A3 is 11.7 × 16.5 in, making it almost the same size as Tabloid.
The closest US equivalent to A3 paper is Tabloid or Ledger, depending on orientation. A3 measures 11.7 × 16.5 in, while Tabloid (portrait) measures 11 × 17 in.
A3 is bigger than A4. If you cut A3 in half, you’ll get two A4-sized papers.
