A3 vs A4 vs A5 Paper Size Comparison
Whether you are printing a massive engineering drawing on A3, an MBA project report on standard A4, or a pocket-sized novel on A5, understanding paper dimensions is critical before sending your file to an online printout service.
Dimensions Chart (mm & inches)
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 11.7 × 16.5 in | Posters, engineering drawings, spreadsheets. |
| A4 (Standard) | 210 × 297 mm | 8.3 × 11.7 in | Study notes, project reports, thesis binding, letters. |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 5.8 × 8.3 in | Novels, booklets, flyers, pocket diaries. |
Visual Size Relationship
The ISO 216 standard defines the A-series. Every time you fold a paper in half, you get the next size down. So, one A3 sheet = two A4 sheets. And one A4 sheet = two A5 sheets.
Which Paper Size Should You Choose?
A4: The Universal Standard
Across India and the majority of the world, A4 (210 x 297 mm) is the default paper format. If you are ordering bulk printing online for UPSC coaching notes, signing corporate contracts, or submitting a final university thesis, it must almost universally be printed on A4 paper. Because of its ubiquity, A4 is also the most cost-effective size. At OnlinePrintout.com, our prices for standard A4 documents start at an industry-disruptive 35 paise per page for black & white and just ₹1 per page for standard color.
A3: For Large Formats and Portfolios
Exactly double the size of an A4 sheet, the A3 format (297 x 420 mm) is utilized heavily by architecture students, engineers, and creative directors. It provides the expansive real estate needed for detailed CAD drawings, large financial spreadsheets, and presentation mind maps. It is rarely used for standard text documents because it becomes unwieldy to bind and store on standard bookshelves.
A5: Compact and Portable
The A5 format (148 x 210 mm) is precisely half the size of an A4 sheet. This compact dimension is incredibly popular for self-published novels, employee handbooks, instruction manuals, and portable daily planners. Many students also prefer A5 for flashcards or pocket revision notes. When converting a standard A4 document to A5 for printing, ensure the font size is legible (typically 12pt or higher on the original A4 document is recommended before shrinking).