Paper Weight Guide
Common Paper Weights and Their Uses
- 20-24 lb (75-90 gsm) - Standard copy paper, everyday printing
- 24-28 lb (90-105 gsm) - Premium paper, letterheads, quality prints
- 32 lb (120 gsm) - Premium brochure paper, flyers
- 65 lb (176 gsm) - Light cardstock, book covers
- 80 lb (216 gsm) - Standard cardstock, postcards
- 100 lb (270 gsm) - Heavy cardstock, business cards
- 110 lb (300 gsm) - Extra heavy cardstock, luxury invitations
Common Uses by Paper Size
ISO A Series
- A0 - Architectural drawings, posters
- A1 - Large charts, technical drawings
- A2 - Art prints, small posters
- A3 - Ledgers, small diagrams
- A4 - Letters, documents, flyers
- A5 - Notebooks, small flyers
- A6 - Postcards, small notepads
- A7 - Small cards, tags
North American Sizes
- Letter - Standard documents, printing
- Legal - Contracts, legal documents
- Tabloid - Newspapers, large diagrams
- Executive - Business documents
Card Making Sizes
- A2 - Note cards, thank you cards
- A6 - Invitations, announcements
- A7 - Formal invitations, photos
- Square - Modern cards, artistic designs
Understanding Paper Sizes and Standards
The Paper Size Calculator is an essential tool for crafters, artists, and anyone working with paper-based projects. Understanding paper sizes and their relationships is crucial for creating professional-looking crafts, from card making to scrapbooking and beyond. This calculator simplifies the process of working with different paper standards and converting between measurement systems.
The most widely used paper size standard is the ISO system, which includes A, B, and C series. The A series, starting with A0 (841 × 1189 mm), follows a unique mathematical principle where each subsequent size (A1, A2, etc.) is created by halving the previous size along its longest edge. This creates a consistent aspect ratio of 1:√2, ensuring that when you fold an A-series sheet in half, it maintains the same proportions. The B and C series complement the A series, with B sizes providing intermediate sizes and C sizes commonly used for envelopes.
North American paper sizes, including familiar formats like Letter (8.5 × 11 inches) and Legal (8.5 × 14 inches), follow different standards. These sizes are widely used in the United States and Canada, making them important for crafters working with American patterns or designing for North American markets. The calculator helps bridge the gap between these different standards, ensuring your projects maintain proper proportions regardless of the paper system used.
Card making sizes have their own specific standards, optimized for common greeting card formats and their corresponding envelopes. Understanding these sizes is crucial for creating cards that fit standard envelopes and meet postal regulations. The calculator includes popular card sizes like A2 (4.25 × 5.5 inches) and A7 (5 × 7 inches), helping you plan your card-making projects with confidence.
Whether you're scaling designs between different paper sizes, converting measurements between units, or determining the right size for your project, this calculator streamlines the process. It accounts for orientation changes and provides measurements in your preferred units, making it an invaluable tool for paper crafting projects of all types.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between ISO and North American sizes?
ISO sizes follow a mathematical ratio where each size is half of the previous one, maintaining proportions when folded. North American sizes like Letter and Legal use different standardized dimensions based on traditional formats.
How do I choose the right card size?
Consider your intended use and envelope availability. A2 (4.25 × 5.5") is popular for note cards, A6 (4.5 × 6.25") for invitations, and A7 (5 × 7") for formal announcements.
Why do some sizes have matching envelopes?
The C series in ISO and specific envelope sizes in the North American system are designed to perfectly fit their corresponding paper sizes, allowing for easy mailing without excess bulk.
What orientation should I choose?
Portrait orientation is taller than wide, commonly used for letters and documents. Landscape orientation is wider than tall, often preferred for certificates and certain card designs.
How do I account for bleed in printing?
For professional printing, add 3mm (1/8 inch) bleed on all sides to your calculated dimensions. This ensures your design extends to the edge after trimming.