Understanding Standard Paper Sizes

Choosing the right paper size for your daily office needs might seem simple at first—but you’ll quickly realize it’s a bit more complicated, especially when working with international clients and partners. At Automated Business Machines, we’ve guided countless businesses across Georgia on overcoming this “paper size puzzle” and making sure their documents always look sharp, professional, and properly formatted.

US Paper Sizes

In the United States, we use paper sizes that are unique compared to most of the world. The most common is the Letter size, measuring 8.5 x 11 inches—a familiar sight on every office desk and copier tray. Next comes Legal size paper, slightly longer at 8.5 x 14 inches, commonly used for legal documents and contracts that need that extra bit of space.

But these aren’t the only US paper sizes you might encounter. For larger documents, spreadsheets, or drawings, we have Tabloid/Ledger, which measures 11 x 17 inches. There are also a few less common sizes like Junior Legal (8 x 5 inches)—used occasionally for quick notes or specialty applications—and Government Letter (8 x 10.5 inches) or Government Legal (8.5 x 13 inches), typically found in government agencies and official forms.

Wondering why US sizes seem so random? These dimensions evolved historically based on early manufacturing practices, without the neat mathematical logic of international standards. It might not make sense mathematically, but it’s certainly become part of the workplace tradition here in the US!

International Paper Sizes

Outside of North America, businesses and individuals typically use an international standard called ISO 216. This standard is organized into three main series: A, B, and C.

The A Series is the most popular—and for good reason. Every time you fold or cut an A series sheet in half along its longest side, you end up with the next size in the series. So, A3 folded in half becomes two sheets of A4, and A4 folded in half becomes A5. This smart design keeps the aspect ratio consistent at approximately 1:1.414 (or 1:√2), making it easy to scale documents up or down without distortion. A4 (210 x 297 mm or 8.27 x 11.69 inches) is the international equivalent to our Letter size, though the dimensions differ just enough to matter when printing.

The B Series is slightly larger than A and often used for posters, large books, and charts, while the C Series is primarily designed to fit envelopes perfectly around A series papers.

ANSI and Arch Series

To add another layer to the mix, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed their own systematic approach to paper sizes, known as the ANSI series. ANSI starts with ANSI A (Letter) at 8.5 x 11 inches, then doubles dimensions step by step—ANSI B (11 x 17 inches), ANSI C (17 x 22 inches), ANSI D (22 x 34 inches), and ANSI E (34 x 44 inches). Each size up is double the size of the previous one, giving the ANSI series a more organized structure within the US system.

Meanwhile, professionals like architects and engineers often rely on yet another system—the Arch Series. Arch sizes start slightly larger than ANSI, beginning with Arch A (9 x 12 inches), and steadily increasing up to Arch E (36 x 48 inches). These larger sheets are ideal for detailed architectural drawings and blueprints.

Knowing Your Paper Sizes Makes a Big Difference

Even though paper size might seem like a minor detail, it can cause major headaches if ignored—especially when collaborating internationally or handling specialized documents. Understanding the difference between standard US and international sizes, as well as specific ANSI and Arch series standards, helps you produce professional, accurate documents every time.

At Automated Business Machines, we specialize in simplifying these complexities for businesses around Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, and throughout Georgia. Whether you’re printing contracts, presentations, or architectural designs, our multifunction printing solutions support a wide range of paper sizes and formats.

Want to learn more about choosing the right printer paper? Check out our helpful guide on Best Printer Paper Guide: Types and Sizes.

What Is Legal Size Paper?

Legal size paper is one of those office supplies that’s instantly recognizable—especially when someone forgets to adjust the printer settings and causes a mini office commotion. But beyond printer mishaps, this distinctively long paper plays an important role in many professional settings across North America.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this paper unique and why it’s still widely used today.

The size of legal size paper measures exactly 8.5 inches wide by 14 inches long (that’s 216 mm by 356 mm). This means it’s exactly 3 inches longer than the standard Letter size paper, which is 8.5 by 11 inches. While the width remains consistent, the extra length gives about 27% more space, perfect for detailed documents, contracts, and forms.

Legal size paper is part of the North American paper size system, used primarily in the United States and Canada. It doesn’t follow the international ISO standards, meaning it won’t scale evenly when folded like A4 paper. But the extra length is especially helpful when you need more writing space without turning to a second page.

Understanding the Size of Legal Size Paper

To get a real sense of the size of legal size paper, it helps to picture it in familiar units. It’s 8.5 inches wide by 14 inches long. For those who prefer the metric system, that’s 216 mm by 356 mm—or 21.6 cm by 35.6 cm.

In printing terms, this translates to 612 by 1008 points (PostScript measurement), or around 2550 by 4200 pixels at a resolution of 300 DPI.

All this means one standard sheet of Legal paper offers around 119 square inches of surface area (0.0768 square meters). That extra length compared to Letter paper provides valuable extra space for lengthy contracts, annotations, or extensive information on one page.

Because Legal paper and Letter paper share the same width, most printers can handle Legal paper easily. The only adjustment you’ll need is moving the vertical guides or changing printer settings. This similarity minimizes hassle—unless, of course, you forget to set the printer back afterward (cue office grumbles).

The History Behind the Size of Legal Size Paper

Why exactly do we call it “legal” paper? While you might think it was invented strictly for law offices, the history is a bit more interesting—and centuries old.

Legal size paper has roots dating back to 16th-century Europe, where paper producers placed a “Foolscap” watermark—a jester’s cap symbol—on their sheets to discourage counterfeiting. Over time, this “Foolscap” paper became associated with official documents, especially contracts and government forms.

When the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standardized paper sizes across the U.S. in the 20th century, the Legal size was adopted for practical reasons. It provided extra length to accommodate detailed legal language and multiple signatures, helping to reduce the number of pages needed for lengthy documents. The wide margins also allowed for easy annotations and notes, something lawyers and clerks relied upon regularly.

Legal size paper quickly became standard in law offices, courthouses, and government institutions. It also happened to fit conveniently into standard filing cabinets used at the time, further solidifying its popularity.

Today, even as digital documents become increasingly common, legal courts and institutions often still require paperwork submitted on Legal size paper. It remains a lasting tradition, still practical for detailed contracts, real estate documents, government forms, and other professional applications.

At Automated Business Machines, we understand paper sizes inside and out (literally!). That’s why we’re here to help businesses throughout Georgia—whether in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, or elsewhere—steer the complexities of paper standards and printing solutions. For more detailed information on legal size paper, check out our dedicated page on Legal Paper Size Paper Dimensions.

Legal vs Letter Size: Key Differences

Choosing the right paper size is more than just an office trivia question—it’s crucial for productivity, organization, and professional presentation. At Automated Business Machines, we’ve helped countless businesses across Georgia make this seemingly simple decision. So, what’s the difference between Legal and Letter size paper, and why should it matter to you?

The most obvious difference lies in their dimensions. The size of legal size paper is 8.5 inches wide by 14 inches long (216 × 356 mm), while the Letter size measures 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches long (216 × 279 mm). Although this extra length—just 3 inches—might not seem like much, it provides a significant 27% more surface area. That extra space can make a huge difference for documents requiring detailed information or multiple signatures.

Here’s a quick comparison to visualize the differences clearly:

When to Use Legal Size Paper vs Letter Size

How do you decide whether Legal or Letter size paper is the right choice? It depends heavily on your specific business needs and the type of documents you’re printing.

Opt for Legal size paper (8.5 × 14 inches) when you’re preparing detailed documents that need to include plenty of information. Businesses dealing with contracts, leasing agreements, wills, or other legally binding documents frequently choose legal size because the extra length provides sufficient space for detailed clauses, notes, and multiple signature lines.

But it’s not just for lawyers. Legal size paper is ideal for financial statements and reports that require clear presentation of columns and tables with lots of data. Government agencies also often prefer it for forms that collect extensive information, and you’ll regularly find it in industries like real estate, where detailed property descriptions and lengthy agreements are standard.

One attorney we chatted with in Atlanta summed it up perfectly:

“The size of legal size paper really makes a world of difference in our profession. We can include entire sections without spilling onto another page, saving confusion and frustration. It’s not just tradition—it’s practical.”

On the other hand, Letter size paper (8.5 × 11 inches) remains the standard for everyday office tasks. It’s your go-to paper for general correspondence, memos, internal reports, and regular office communications. Most marketing materials like brochures, flyers, and newsletters also use Letter-sized paper. If your office handles academic paperwork, such as essays and research papers, you’ll benefit from the standardized Letter size.

Letter paper is also closer to the international A4 standard, making it easier to share documents with partners and clients outside North America. So, if your business frequently works globally, Letter size paper is generally the safer choice.

Challenges with Legal Size Paper

While Legal size paper offers distinct advantages for certain tasks, it comes with its own challenges. Understanding them can help you make informed decisions and avoid common workplace headaches.

The first issue is storage. Legal size paper doesn’t fit neatly into standard file folders or traditional drawer cabinets designed for Letter size paper. You’ll need specialized folders, filing cabinets, and binders to store Legal-sized documents safely. One office manager in Columbus shared her frustration:

“You can’t just toss legal documents into any folder or cabinet. They spill out, crumple up, and make everything messy. Letter-sized paper slides around in a legal folder, and legal paper sticks out awkwardly in regular folders. It’s a real filing nightmare.”

Then there’s printing compatibility. Most office printers default to Letter size, meaning that printing on Legal size paper usually requires manual adjustments. You’ll often need to change printer tray settings or ensure your printer has a dedicated tray to handle the longer paper. And don’t forget to reset the printer afterward, or you might face some irritated coworkers.

Another challenge arises from the fact that Legal size paper is primarily a North American standard. If you’re collaborating internationally, using Legal paper can lead to compatibility headaches, as other countries typically rely on A4 paper sizes.

Also, consider the cost factor. Legal size paper typically costs a bit more than Letter paper because it’s produced in smaller volumes and requires special storage solutions. Over time, these extra expenses can add up, especially for smaller businesses.

Finally, there’s an environmental impact. Because legal paper is larger, it uses more raw material per sheet. If your business prioritizes sustainability, you might want to consider digital workflow options to minimize your environmental footprint. At Automated Business Machines, we regularly help clients in Savannah, Macon, and throughout Georgia shift toward more sustainable, digital document solutions.

Taking time to understand these differences and challenges can significantly streamline your office workflow, improve efficiency, and save you from unnecessary headaches. Whether you choose Letter or Legal, knowing which paper size suits your needs ensures a smoother, more productive office environment.

Uses of Legal Size Paper in Various Industries

The size of legal size paper (8.5 × 14 inches) makes it especially useful in industries where thorough documentation and detailed information are essential. Let’s explore how some of the most common sectors leverage this additional space.

Legal Industry

It probably isn’t a surprise to hear that legal size paper is widely relied upon by law firms, courts, and legal departments. The added length provides crucial room for detailed contracts, agreements, court filings, and wills. Attorneys appreciate the ability to fit comprehensive clauses, multiple signature blocks, and margin notes comfortably without running onto another page.

A senior partner at one Atlanta law firm explained it perfectly:
“Legal size paper has always given us the extra space needed for complex documentation. Even though we’ve moved some documents to letter size, for lengthy contracts with lots of detail, there’s still nothing better than legal paper.”

Real Estate Sector

Real estate professionals also prefer legal size paper because property documents tend to include lengthy descriptions, loan terms, and detailed surveys. When drafting property deeds, mortgage documents, title papers, and survey reports, legal size paper provides plenty of room to clearly state all necessary terms and conditions. The extra inches are more than just tradition—they offer convenience and clarity, saving buyers, sellers, and agents from flipping through excessive pages.

Government Agencies

Whether at the federal, state, or local levels, many government agencies still use legal size paper regularly. Official forms like tax documents, permits, and registrations often require extensive details. Longer documents, such as legislative bills and public records (birth certificates or marriage licenses), also frequently rely on legal-sized sheets.

At Automated Business Machines, we regularly help Georgia government offices—from Augusta to Albany—modernize their document workflow by integrating digital tools, while ensuring compatibility with traditional formats like legal size paper.

Educational Field

Schools and universities also benefit from the additional space legal size paper provides. Transcript records, grant proposals, research documentation, and detailed curriculum plans often call for extensive information packed into a single page. Legal size paper allows educators and administrators to clearly present complex information without cramped text or excessive page turns.

Business Sector

In the business world, legal size paper is a go-to choice for financial statements, detailed business plans, audit reports, and corporate manuals. Complex financial documents, like quarterly financial reports and detailed balance sheets, easily fit on the longer pages without shrinking font sizes or breaking tables across multiple pages.

One financial director we spoke with in Marietta humorously pointed out:
“When we print our detailed financial reports, legal size paper saves us from turning our reports into eye-charts. The extra room makes everything readable, and frankly, it saves our executive team’s eyesight.”

Healthcare Industry

Healthcare providers use legal size paper for patient records, insurance documentation, compliance paperwork, and clinical research protocols. The additional room is ideal for capturing comprehensive medical histories, detailed treatment plans, insurance coverage specifics, and lengthy consent forms. With health documents, clarity and accuracy are critical, and legal size paper helps ensure nothing important gets squeezed out.

Across all these industries, the size of legal size paper helps professionals maintain clarity, minimize confusion, and ensure completeness. With roughly 27% more space than standard letter-size sheets, legal size paper remains an indispensable tool wherever details truly matter.

Printer Compatibility and Challenges with Legal Size Paper

Working with legal size paper brings a set of unique challenges, especially when it comes to printer compatibility. At Automated Business Machines, we frequently help clients throughout Georgia steer these problems smoothly, ensuring their office equipment can handle the size of legal size paper without a hitch.

Printer Hardware Considerations

Not every printer is designed to handle the additional length of legal size paper (8.5 x 14 inches). Before you hit “Print,” it’s a good idea to double-check your printer’s capabilities. For example, many entry-level printers come with trays that only handle standard Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches). To print legal documents, you’ll need a tray equipped to handle the extra length or rely on your printer’s manual feed option.

Don’t forget about your output trays either. Some printers have shorter trays designed only for Letter paper. Printing legal documents on these can cause pages to curl, jam, or even scatter across your office floor—never a good look, especially when you’re trying to appear professional!

If scanning or copying legal-sized documents is part of your workflow, you’ll also need to make sure your printer has an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) that accepts the full legal length. Many smaller office machines limit ADF use to Letter size, leading to frustrating jams and wasted time.

As one office manager in Sandy Springs humorously shared with us:

“We learned the hard way that just because a printer could technically handle legal paper through manual feed, it didn’t mean the output tray was up to the challenge. Documents ended up curled, jammed, and looking like they needed ironing!”

Software and Driver Settings

Printer hardware is only half the story. Getting your printer drivers and software settings right is equally important. Most printers default to Letter size, so you’ll need to manually select legal size paper in your print settings each time you print—or change the default if you frequently handle legal documents.

Regular driver updates make a big difference, too. Outdated drivers might not fully support the size of legal size paper, causing your documents to print incorrectly or trigger unexpected errors. Check your printer manufacturer’s website periodically to keep drivers up-to-date.

Additionally, each software application—say, Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe Acrobat—may have its own default paper size settings. Always verify your application settings match your intended paper size (8.5 x 14 inches) to avoid frustrating formatting surprises. If your print menu doesn’t list legal size, you may need to create a custom paper size in your printer settings.

Common Printing Challenges

Even with the right hardware and correct settings, printing on legal size paper can still be tricky. The extra three inches of length makes document handling slightly more complicated:

• Paper jams are common if the printer tray isn’t adjusted correctly or if the paper isn’t stored properly.
• Misaligned prints can occur, especially if you haven’t set your paper guides accurately or if you’re printing double-sided documents.
• Scaling issues may pop up if your document was designed for Letter size but printed on Legal size paper, resulting in awkward formatting or strange spacing.
• Post-print processing like stapling, hole-punching, or binding can become challenging since standard office tools are usually designed for the shorter Letter size.

One law firm administrator in Athens gave us some sage advice:

“With legal size documents, it’s always wise to print a test page first. You’d be amazed how headers and footers can wander off into no man’s land when you switch between paper sizes unexpectedly.”

Best Practices for Printing on Legal Size Paper

To help keep your printing stress-free, here are some friendly tips from our team at Automated Business Machines:

If you’re frequently printing on legal size paper, consider designating one printer tray specifically for legal paper. Clearly label it to avoid any confusion in the office. Always choose high-quality paper (20-24 lb weight) to reduce jams and ensure professional-looking results.

Proper storage also helps. Keep your legal size paper flat and unopened in its original reams until needed. Paper stored in a moisture- or heat-controlled environment is less likely to curl or jam.

Before you print, double-check your paper size settings every single time. After printing, remember to reset the defaults back to Letter size to avoid frustrating your coworkers—nothing ruins office harmony faster than an unexpected paper mismatch.

Regular printer maintenance and cleaning go a long way, especially if your office frequently switches between paper sizes. This prevents annoying paper dust build-up and ensures smoother feeding. And don’t overlook user training! Making sure everyone in your office knows how to properly load paper and adjust printer settings reduces mistakes and keeps everyone smiling at the copier.

If your company regularly handles multiple paper sizes, we often recommend multifunction printers with multiple trays. These models can be set up in advance for different paper types, saving you from constant adjustments and preventing mistakes.

At Automated Business Machines, we specialize in helping businesses in LaGrange, Newnan, Savannah, and across Georgia find the right printing solutions to tackle these compatibility challenges and streamline their workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions about Legal and Letter Paper Sizes

Paper sizes might seem straightforward, but we hear questions about them all the time from our clients across Georgia. Here’s what most people want to know about legal and letter paper sizes, with clear answers to help you understand the differences.

What are the dimensions of legal size paper?

The size of legal size paper is exactly 8.5 × 14 inches (216 × 356 mm). It’s precisely 3 inches longer than standard letter size paper while keeping the same 8.5-inch width. If you’re thinking about surface area, legal paper gives you about 119 square inches to work with—roughly 27% more space than letter size.

For those working in digital design, legal size at 300 DPI translates to approximately 2550 × 4200 pixels. If you’re doing professional printing at 600 DPI, you’re looking at 5100 × 8400 pixels.

Legal paper has its own distinctive look with an aspect ratio of about 1:1.65, which is quite different from letter size (1:1.29) and international A4 (1:1.41). That extra length gives legal documents their characteristic appearance that’s instantly recognizable in a stack of papers.

Why is legal size paper used?

Legal size paper didn’t become standard by accident—it evolved for some very practical reasons:

Legal size paper traces back to “Foolscap” paper used for official documents in early American history. That extra length wasn’t just for show—it provided valuable space for detailed legal language and multiple signatures on a single page.

The extra three inches might seem modest, but they make a world of difference. Legal professionals value this space for keeping related clauses together, adding margin notes, and accommodating multiple signature blocks without forcing awkward page breaks.

A client of ours who practices law in Roswell put it perfectly:

“Legal size paper serves a practical purpose in our field. The extra three inches might seem minor, but they allow us to keep related clauses together on a single page, making documents more readable and reducing the risk of misinterpretation that can occur when important provisions are split across pages.”

Many courts and government agencies still require legal size paper for certain filings. Even in our increasingly digital world, these paper traditions remain firmly established in many legal and administrative processes.

Can I print legal size paper on a standard printer?

Yes, most modern office printers can handle legal size paper, but you’ll want to check a few things first:

First, look at your paper trays. Does your printer have at least one tray with guides that adjust to the 14-inch length? If not, check for a manual feed option or bypass tray that might accommodate legal paper.

Printer settings are crucial when working with legal size. You’ll need to select “Legal” from the paper size menu in your printer settings, verify the orientation, and make sure scaling is set to 100%. Don’t forget to check your software settings too—Word, Excel, or whatever program you’re printing from needs to be set to legal size as well.

One of our IT clients in Johns Creek shared this wisdom from experience:

“The biggest mistake we see is people forgetting to change the paper size setting in both the application and the printer driver. If they don’t match, you’ll either get cut-off content or improper scaling.”

Also check your output tray—it needs to be long enough to catch legal paper without causing curling or jamming. If your office regularly works with multiple paper sizes, we at Automated Business Machines can set you up with multifunction printers that have dedicated trays for different sizes, making the whole process much smoother.

What is the difference between legal and government legal paper?

This question trips up even experienced office managers. There are actually two different “legal” sizes:

Standard Legal Paper measures 8.5 × 14 inches (216 × 356 mm).

Government Legal Paper is 8.5 × 13 inches (216 × 330 mm)—exactly 1 inch shorter than standard legal.

You might hear government legal called “foolscap” in some regions or “short legal” in others. It’s primarily used in government agencies and for specific types of official forms. The slightly shorter length works better with certain filing systems while still offering more space than letter size.

How does legal size paper compare to international standards?

Legal size paper is primarily a North American standard and creates some interesting challenges for international business because it doesn’t have a direct equivalent in the international ISO 216 system.

When comparing legal size paper (8.5 × 14 inches) to A4 (8.27 × 11.69 inches), you’ll find legal is both wider and significantly longer, providing about 27% more surface area. Against B4 (9.84 × 13.9 inches), legal is narrower but slightly longer, though B4 actually has about 20% more surface area overall.

The aspect ratios differ too. Legal paper has a ratio of approximately 1:1.65, while ISO papers (both A and B series) maintain a consistent ratio of 1:√2 (about 1:1.414). This mathematical difference means that documents don’t scale as cleanly between systems.

These differences can create headaches for organizations working across borders. At Automated Business Machines, we help businesses throughout Georgia implement document management solutions that handle both North American and international paper standards without a hitch.

How should legal size paper be stored?

Proper storage might seem like a minor concern, but it makes a big difference in preventing paper problems:

Keep your legal size paper in a climate-controlled environment, ideally between 68-75°F with 35-55% humidity. Avoid placing paper near windows with direct sunlight, heating vents, or water sources that could affect paper quality.

Store paper flat rather than on edge to prevent curling, and use legal-sized filing cabinets, folders, and storage boxes designed for the longer format. Whenever possible, keep paper in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it—those wrappers help maintain the perfect moisture balance.

Before loading paper into your printer, give it a quick “fan” to reduce static electricity, and align the edges by gently tapping the stack on a flat surface (what printers call “knocking up” the paper). These simple steps help prevent jams and misfeeds, saving you time and frustration.

Good storage practices not only keep your paper in prime condition but also help your printers run more smoothly—a win-win for office efficiency.

Conclusion

Understanding the size of legal size paper and how it compares to letter size isn’t just for trivia night—it’s a practical matter that truly affects your daily workflow and document management.

Legal size paper (8.5 × 14 inches) remains essential in many professional fields, especially in the legal, government, real estate, and financial sectors. Those extra three inches might seem small, but they make a big difference when you need room for detailed legal terms, multiple signatures, or extensive data.

On the other hand, letter size paper (8.5 × 11 inches) is still king in most general office settings. It’s the standard choice for routine business correspondence, reports, and documentation. Plus, it fits perfectly with standard filing cabinets, folders, and printer defaults, making it a convenient option for everyday tasks.

When you’re choosing between these two options, start by considering what you’re trying to accomplish. Think carefully about the purpose of your document: does it need the extra space legal paper provides, or will the standard letter size be enough? Be mindful of your industry standards and any specific document requirements—some agencies and courts still explicitly require legal size paper.

Printer and equipment compatibility is another important factor. Making sure your multifunction printer can handle legal size paper without constant manual adjustments is key to keeping your office happy (and avoiding those dreaded printer jams). Properly configured trays, dedicated storage solutions, and clear labeling can save everyone headaches and unnecessary frustration.

At Automated Business Machines, we understand that something as seemingly simple as paper size can impact your team’s productivity. We specialize in providing customized, advanced multifunction printing solutions designed around your business needs. Whether you’re in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, or anywhere else in Georgia, our locally owned and operated team can help streamline your workflows to handle different paper sizes smoothly.

From setting up dedicated legal-size trays to optimizing digital workflows in your office, our expertise ensures that choosing between legal and letter paper won’t interrupt your daily operations. Instead, you’ll have efficient, reliable solutions designed to support your unique requirements.

In short, the great paper size debate doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach and equipment, you can easily manage both legal and letter paper sizes—giving you one less thing to worry about and more time to focus on what matters most to your business.