Measurements and Conversions

Paper Sizes

Non-Metric Paper Sizes

For reference purposes the following table lists non-metric paper sizes still in use in some parts of the world.
Designation Dimensions (mm) Dimensions (in)
US Engineering:
ANSI A  215.9 mm x  279.4 mm 8.5" x 11"
ANSI B  279.4 mm x  431.8 mm 11" x 17"
ANSI C  431.8 mm x  558.8 mm 17" x 22"
ANSI D  558.8 mm x  863.6 mm 22" x 34"
ANSI E  863.6 mm x 1117.6 mm 34" x 44"
US Architectural:
ARCH A  228.6 mm x  304.8 mm  9" X 12"
ARCH B  304.8 mm x  457.2 mm 12" X 18"
ARCH C  457.2 mm x  609.6 mm 18" X 24"
ARCH D  609.6 mm x  914.4 mm 24" X 36"
ARCH E  914.4 mm x 1219.2 mm 36" X 48"
Miscellaneous:
Letter  215.9 mm x  279.4 mm 8.5" x 11"
Legal  215.9 mm x  355.6 mm 8.5" x 14"
US Government  203.2 mm x  279.4 mm  8" x 11"
Statement  139.7 mm x  215.9 mm 5.5" x 8.5"
Executive  184.2 mm x  266.7 mm 7.25" x 10.5"
Folio  215.9 mm x  330.2 mm 8.5" x 13"
Quarto  215.0 mm x  275.0 mm
Tabloid  279.4 mm x  431.8 mm 11" x 17"
Ledger  279.4 mm x  431.8 mm 11" x 17"

 

The ISO 'A' Series

The ISO 'A' series of sheet sizes is based on a constant width to length ratio of 1: √2

 

. Iso

 

The A0 size is defined as having an area of one square meter. This allows paper weights to be expressed in grams per square meter. Each smaller sheet size is exactly half the area of the previous size. ie. If you cut an A0 sheet in half you get two A1 sheets; If you cut an A1 sheet in half you get two A2 sheets; and so on

A0

 

This relationship of 1: √2 is particularly important for reduction onto microfilm, or reduction and enlargement on photocopiers. All metric equipment including microfilm cameras, microfilm printers, photocopiers, and even drawing pen sizes, are designed around this ratio. This makes the process of archiving drawings, resizing, and modifying drawings easy.
Dimensions of Regular Sheets
Designation Dimensions
A0  841 mm x 1189 mm
A1  594 mm x  841 mm
A2  420 mm x  594 mm
A3  297 mm x  420 mm
A4  210 mm x  297 mm
A5  149 mm x  210 mm

Oversize Sheets

Oversize sheets are used when it is desirable to give extra protection to the drawing sheets by providing a binding or trimming margin.
Dimensions of Oversize Sheets
Designation Dimensions
RA0  860 mm x 1220 mm
RA1  610 mm x  860 mm
RA2  430 mm x  610 mm
RA3  305 mm x  430 mm
RA4  215 mm x  305 mm
RA5  153 mm x  215 mm

Rolls

The standard widths for rolls is 860 mm and 610 mm . The length of the drawing sheet can be cut as required to suit each individual drawing.

The ISO 'B' Series

The ISO 'B' series is defined to satisfy the requirements of drawing offices when the differences between the 'A' series sizes is too great. In practice they are not commonly used.
Dimensions of Regular Sheets
Designation Dimensions
B0 1000 mm x 1414 mm
B1  707 mm x 1000 mm
B2  500 mm x  707 mm
B3  354 mm x  500 mm
B4  250 mm x  354 mm
B5  177 mm x  250 mm