The Ultimate Guide to Paper Types and Sizes
The thought of choosing your paper might sound a bit of a challenge. After all, the choices and combinations are near endless. Luxury paper or fancy paper? Gloss finish or silk finish? Uncoated paper or lined paper? Confused? Our ultimate guide to paper types and sizes will help you navigate a safe route to getting the right paper for a wide range of print projects.
Size, weight and type are all covered here to give you all the information you need to make that decision. Let’s kick off with size.
Paper Sizes Explained – From A0 to A10
You’ve probably heard of A4 – it’s one of the common paper sizes used for photocopiers, desktop printers, magazines and brochures as well as for letterheads. If you cut a sheet of A4 paper in half, you get A5. So, in a nutshell, the higher the ‘A’ numbers, the smaller the paper size. Your standard print sizes are:
- A0: 1,189mm x 841mm (large posters and adhesive vinyl)
- A1: 841mm x 594mm (mainly posters and adhesive vinyl)
- A2: 594mm x 420mm (mainly posters and adhesive vinyl)
- A3: 420mm x 297mm (most popular size for posters)
- A4: 297mm x 210mm (commonly used for flyers & leaflets, booklets and letterheads)
- A5: 210mm x 148mm (commonly used for flyers & leaflets)
- A6: 148mm x 105mm (often used for postcards)
…and so on until A10 at 37mm x 26mm
Half of A4 can either be A5 or if folded along the length, 105mm x 29mm (half A4 portrait). All A sizes work this way. There are other sizes of course. Business cards are typically around 85mm x 50mm. Print also comes in a range of “irregular” sizes in portrait, landscape and square formats while large format print comes in many different dimensions. Simply choose the size you want when you ask for a quote.
Weighing Up Paper Types and Sizes
Paper weights aren’t measured in millimetres but grammes per square inch (GSM). If A4 is your typical paper size, then 120gsm is the common paper weight. It’s used for printing brochures, leaflets and letterheads. Pages in booklets tend to be 120-130gsm while covers weigh in at around 250gsm.
Thick paper for printing comes in a wide variety of weights, but when it weights 300gsm or more it’s referred to as card. Your typical business cards, for example, starts at 350gsm. If you really want to impress a client, then luxury business cards can triple or even quadruple thick. Word of warning – the more luxurious you go the higher the price…
For a more detailed look then head to our guide to paper weights here.
That Finishing Touch
The finish of paper can bring your stunning images leap off the page or your words of wisdom to the fore. It depends on what you’re after – using the optimal paper for the right project. Standard finishes are gloss, silk (which has a softer sheen) and uncoated paper – typically in items like letterheads. Gloss can really bring vibrant colours to life and is commonly used for posters or art prints.
Luxury varieties can add a further layer of quality to your artwork and designs. These papers provide a bespoke feel – that special something. Our range includes pearlescent papers, metallic flake effect and bright white finishes as well as off-white shades.
Cover All Bases
From paper to print, we’re here to make sure you get the right combination. Quality paper, combined with eco-friendly print options, can bring your print project to life at the right price. We’re here to answer all your questions on paper types and sizes. Contact our expert team to find out more.
