Letter vs A4 and other paper sizes
US Letter (8.5 × 11 in, 216 × 279 mm) vs A4 (210 × 297 mm), Legal, Tabloid, A3, A5: exact sizes in mm and inches, and the print scale that fits one onto the other (A4 on Letter = 94%).
- Print scale to fit
- 94%
- A4
- 210 × 297 mm · 8.27 × 11.69 in
- Letter
- 215.9 × 279.4 mm · 8.5 × 11 in
- Difference (w × h)
- 5.9 × -17.6 mm
US and international paper sizes
| Size | mm | inches | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 215.9 × 279.4 | 8.5 × 11 | US, Canada, Mexico |
| Legal | 215.9 × 355.6 | 8.5 × 14 | US, Canada, Mexico |
| Tabloid / Ledger | 279.4 × 431.8 | 11 × 17 | US, Canada, Mexico |
| Half Letter (Statement) | 139.7 × 215.9 | 5.5 × 8.5 | US, Canada, Mexico |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 11.69 × 16.54 | China and most countries |
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 8.27 × 11.69 | China and most countries |
| A5 | 148 × 210 | 5.83 × 8.27 | China and most countries |
| B5 (ISO) | 176 × 250 | 6.93 × 9.84 | China and most countries |
Two systems
A-series sizes (ISO 216, GB/T 148 in China) all have a 1 : √2 aspect ratio, so A3 folded in half is exactly A4. US sizes are inch-based (ANSI) and don’t scale this way. In the US, A4 paper is sold online and at some office stores, but nearly every printer is loaded with Letter by default.
FAQ
Is Letter paper the same as A4?
No. US Letter is 8.5 × 11 in (215.9 × 279.4 mm); A4 is 210 × 297 mm (8.27 × 11.69 in). Letter is 6 mm wider and 18 mm shorter. US printers, copiers and stores use Letter; China and most other countries use A4.
How do I print an A4 document on Letter paper?
Choose “Fit to page” / “Scale to fit” in the print dialog, or set the scale to 94%. Without scaling, the bottom ~18 mm of an A4 page gets cut off. Letter on A4 fits at 97%.
Which size should I use for USCIS or Chinese consulate forms?
USCIS forms are designed for US Letter. Chinese consulate visa forms are often A4, but printing them on Letter with “Fit to page” is generally accepted; check the specific instructions on the form.