UK Paper Sizes and Dimensions Guide 2025
Understanding UK paper sizes is essential for anyone working in an office, managing print jobs, or handling documentation daily. Whether you’re printing technical drawings, mailing letters, or filing away contracts, choosing the right paper size helps reduce waste, improves storage compatibility, and ensures professional presentation. This guide breaks down the UK A-series paper system from A0 to A8, including exact measurements, everyday uses, and practical storage guidance.
Understanding the UK Paper Size Standard
The UK uses the ISO 216 standard for paper sizes, which defines the A-series. This system ensures consistency, scalability, and efficiency in both printing and document storage. Each size in the A-series is precisely half the size of the one before it when folded parallel to its shorter side, making it highly modular.
What is ISO 216 and Why It Matters
ISO 216 is the international standard that defines paper sizes used in the UK and across Europe. It is based on a 1:√2 aspect ratio, which means that each size maintains the same proportions when folded or scaled. This uniformity ensures that documents can be resized up or down without distortion, simplifying design, photocopying, and printing.
Why the UK Uses A-Series, Not Letter or Legal
Unlike the United States, which uses Letter and Legal sizes, the UK follows the A-series. This distinction matters because it affects printer settings, folder sizes, and filing systems. Using the A-series ensures compatibility with the vast majority of office equipment, software templates, and stationery products available in the UK.
How the A-Series Sizing System Works
Each paper size in the A-series is derived by halving the preceding size along its longest edge. For example, folding an A0 sheet in half creates an A1 sheet, and folding A1 in half produces A2. This logical progression makes the system easy to use and highly adaptable to different applications.
UK A-Series Paper Size Chart: MM, CM and Inches
Below is a quick reference chart of UK A-series paper sizes with dimensions in millimetres, centimetres, and inches:
A0 Paper Size UK
A0 is the largest standard A-series paper size. It measures 841 x 1189 mm (84.1 x 118.9 cm or 33.1 x 46.8 inches). This size is commonly used for architectural drawings, exhibition posters, and engineering plans. Printing A0 documents requires large-format printers and high-resolution images to maintain clarity.
Due to its size, A0 paper is not typically filed in traditional drawers. Instead, it is stored flat in plan chests or rolled into tubes for transport. Offices that deal with technical or large-scale visuals often invest in dedicated flat storage systems for A0 documents.
A1 Paper Size UK
A1 paper measures 594 x 841 mm (59.4 x 84.1 cm or 23.4 x 33.1 inches). It is half the size of A0 and is widely used across a range of industries for technical drawings, wall charts, flipcharts, and large-format educational posters. Its dimensions offer a substantial surface area, which makes it ideal for displaying complex visual information without requiring the space needed for A0 prints.
In the business world, A1 is commonly used for visual presentations, project timelines, and marketing assets. In academic and technical environments, it is especially useful for engineering schematics, architectural plans, or scientific posters displayed at conferences. Because of its large size, A1 allows for greater flexibility in visual layout and typography. Designers often prefer it when they need to present high-impact graphics with clarity and precision.
When printing A1 documents, high-resolution files are essential to maintain sharpness and detail. Vector artwork or images captured by cameras with at least 20 megapixels are typically recommended. This ensures the printed result appears clean and professional, especially when viewed up close.
A1 paper is not compatible with standard home or office printers. Instead, large-format plotters or professional printing services are used. Offices that regularly work with A1 documents often invest in dedicated wide-format printers to meet demand.
As for storage, A1 sheets are generally stored rolled in tubes or laid flat in large plan drawers or horizontal storage cabinets. The choice between flat or rolled storage depends on the frequency of use and sensitivity of the documents. Rolled storage is ideal for transportation and long-term preservation, while flat drawers are better for documents that need to remain accessible or in pristine condition.
Filing A1 documents requires thoughtful planning. Offices equipped with proper plan chests or custom storage units can integrate A1 filing into their daily workflow. For example, architecture and design firms may assign drawers by client or project, keeping A1 prints organised and easily accessible.
With its balance of size and practicality, A1 remains one of the most useful large-format paper sizes in professional settings. It bridges the gap between A0’s expansiveness and A2’s manageability, providing ample space for detail-rich documents while remaining relatively easy to print and store.
A2 Paper Size UK
A2 paper is 420 x 594 mm (42.0 x 59.4 cm or 16.5 x 23.4 inches). It strikes a middle ground between A1 and A3 and is widely used for posters, display signage, architectural drawings, and presentations. Its manageable size allows for large visual designs without the bulk of full-size technical drawings.
A2 is also a favourite format in educational settings, particularly for displays, diagrams, and visual teaching aids. It provides enough space for content to be seen from a distance, which makes it suitable for wall-mounted materials in classrooms or conference spaces.
Businesses may use A2 paper for in-store promotions, signage, or charts during internal meetings. It is also often chosen for presentation boards, where professionals want to showcase ideas or designs without overwhelming the audience.
Storage for A2 paper depends on the frequency and type of use. A2 sheets can be stored flat in plan drawers or oversized shelving. In some cases, A2 paper is folded down to A3 or A4 sizes and stored in standard filing systems. This is common in environments where archived plans or reports are accessed occasionally rather than regularly.
While not all office printers can handle A2 formats, there are printers available on the market for organisations that require regular A2 output. Design firms, schools, and agencies that regularly produce A2 content often work with external print services or invest in mid-sized plotters that support this format.
A3 Paper Size UK
A3 paper measures 297 x 420 mm (29.7 x 42.0 cm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches). It is a common size in the workplace and offers double the space of A4, making it useful for spreadsheets, tables, diagrams, and presentation layouts. A3 is also widely used in graphic design, drafting, and education.
A3’s versatility makes it ideal for internal communications, departmental posters, and high-visibility reporting. Its slightly larger size compared to A4 gives more room for visuals or multi-column layouts, while still being manageable for standard display and handling.
In administrative and HR departments, A3 is often used for organograms, training flowcharts, or onboarding guides. Creative industries rely on A3 for sketching, mock-ups, and layout proofs. Many office printers now support dual A3/A4 formats, offering added flexibility in printing.
Storage-wise, A3 fits well into side-opening filing cabinets, larger drawer units, and wide-format trays. It is also commonly stored in office storage cupboards that include horizontal or pigeonhole-style shelves. A3 binders and portfolios are available for archiving or presenting these documents professionally.
A4 Paper Size in Inches UK
A4 paper, the standard format for UK offices, measures 210 x 297 mm (21.0 x 29.7 cm or 8.3 x 11.7 inches). It is the default choice for letters, invoices, forms, and general documentation. Most printers, copiers, shredders, and binders are designed with A4 compatibility in mind.
This paper size is widely supported by software programs, office templates, and mail carriers. Because A4 is so prevalent, it’s also the format used in meeting notepads, letterheads, contracts, CVs, and reports. It strikes a balance between readability and portability.
A4 documents are easy to file, thanks to their universal fit in lever-arch files, ring binders, suspension files, and filing cabinet drawers. Most office storage solutions — including desk pedestals and office cupboards — are built with A4 in mind.
As the backbone of everyday office paperwork, A4 continues to be the most efficient and functional paper size across industries in the UK.
A5 to A8 Paper Sizes UK: Small Formats in the Office
While less commonly used than A4, paper sizes A5 to A8 support specific use cases where portability and compactness are key. These formats are particularly helpful in retail, hospitality, events, and internal office communications.
A5 Paper Size
A5 paper measures 148 x 210 mm (14.8 x 21.0 cm or 5.8 x 8.3 inches). It’s used for handbooks, notebooks, flyers, and printed agendas. Many businesses use A5 for training manuals or event brochures. It’s also a popular choice for branded notepads or memo pads handed out at conferences or exhibitions.
Because A5 is exactly half the size of A4, it can be printed easily by adjusting A4 printer settings and folded or bound into booklets. This makes it a cost-effective and practical solution for short-run prints.
A6 Paper Size
A6 paper measures 105 x 148 mm (10.5 x 14.8 cm or 4.1 x 5.8 inches). It is commonly used for postcards, thank-you notes, coupon vouchers, and pocket-sized information cards. Businesses also use A6 for internal checklists or small product inserts.
A6 is compact enough to be stored in envelope folders, clipboards, or small drawers without requiring specialist furniture.
A7-A8 Paper Sizes
A7 (74 x 105 mm) and A8 (52 x 74 mm) are the smallest paper sizes in the A-series. A7 is used for sticky notes, printed tokens, or retail labels. A8 is typically found in loyalty cards, ticket stubs, and ID card printouts. While these formats are niche, they serve important roles in various industries.
These paper sizes are rarely printed in bulk but are essential in industries like events, retail, and packaging where concise communication or tagging is required.
How Small Sizes Are Filed and Stored
Due to their compact size, A5 to A8 papers are not typically filed individually. Instead, they are grouped in wallets, envelopes, or poly pockets. These are then stored in stationery drawers, desk trays, or desktop organisers. Some workplaces use categorised shelving or document sorters to manage these smaller formats efficiently, especially when used in daily routines like order processing or customer engagement.
Choosing the Right UK Paper Size for Your Office
Choosing the right paper size can enhance readability, save costs, and streamline workflow. A4 is ideal for everyday use, while A3 is great for visuals and internal layouts. A2, A1, and A0 are best suited for large-format materials, while A5 to A8 support smaller, more targeted tasks.
Selecting the correct size ensures printing, folding, and filing processes are efficient. It also helps reduce paper waste and the need for reformatting.
What is GSM and Why It Matters in the UK
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It refers to the thickness or weight of a paper sheet. Standard office paper typically ranges from 80 to 100gsm. Premium print jobs, such as brochures or invitations, may use 120 to 250gsm paper, while card stock often exceeds 300gsm.
Choosing the right GSM depends on the intended use. Heavier paper offers more durability and quality but may not be compatible with all printers. Thicker paper is also more difficult to fold and may require flat storage solutions.
What Is Paper Whiteness?
Paper whiteness is measured using the CIE scale. Higher values indicate brighter, whiter paper, which is often preferred for formal or customer-facing documents. Lower CIE values produce softer tones, suitable for internal communications or eco-conscious printing.
Selecting the appropriate whiteness enhances document appearance and can influence how content is perceived. Most everyday office paper falls in the 145 to 165 CIE range.
Office Storage Solutions for UK Paper Sizes
BT Office Furniture offers a wide range of storage options compatible with UK paper sizes. From A4-compatible desk pedestals to side-opening filing cabinets and horizontal plan drawers for A1/A0 storage, there are storage solutions for every format.
Storing documents properly helps preserve their quality and improves workplace efficiency. Investing in the right furniture ensures your workspace remains organised, functional, and professional.
Explore our full range of office storage cupboards for secure document organisation, or browse our desk pedestals for compact, under-desk storage. For broader office layout and furnishing needs, view our complete commercial office furniture collection.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Paper Sizes for a More Organised Office
Understanding UK paper sizes gives you an edge in managing everyday office tasks. Whether you’re printing posters, sending invoices, or storing archived documents, choosing the right paper format improves both function and appearance. If you’re unsure about how to store different paper sizes or need help choosing the right filing solutions, our team at BT Office Furniture is here to help. Get in touch at 0800 298 7033 or email us at [email protected] to discuss the best options for your office.