Understanding UK Paper Sizes: A Complete Guide for the Print Industry
When it comes to print projects, understanding paper sizes is fundamental to getting your job right the first time. In the UK, we use the ISO 216 standard (the A-series you’re familiar with), but how does this compare to US sizes, and what do you need to know about envelopes? Let’s break it all down.
The A-Series: The UK Standard
The beauty of the A-series paper sizes lies in their mathematical elegance. Each size maintains the same aspect ratio (1:2), meaning when you fold an A4 sheet in half, you get A5. Fold it again, and you have A6.
Common A-Series Sizes
- A0: 841 × 1189mm – Perfect for large format posters and technical drawings
- A1: 594 × 841mm – Ideal for flip charts and architectural plans
- A2: 420 × 594mm – Popular for posters and display boards
- A3: 297 × 420mm – Used for tabloid-size documents and small posters
- A4: 210 × 297mm – The standard office paper size in the UK
- A5: 148 × 210mm – Common for notepads, flyers, and small brochures
- A6: 105 × 148mm – Perfect for postcards and small leaflets
- A7: 74 × 105mm – Typically used for small notepads and business cards
Why the A-Series Matters in Print
For printers, the A-series system is incredibly efficient. Because each size is exactly half of the previous one, we can optimize paper usage and minimize waste. When printing A5 flyers, we can fit two on an A4 sheet. Four A6 postcards fit perfectly on A4. This standardization makes production planning straightforward and cost-effective.
The consistent aspect ratio also means designs scale beautifully across different sizes without distortion – crucial for maintaining brand consistency across various print materials.
UK Envelope Sizes
Envelopes follow a complementary system, with C-series envelopes designed to hold unfolded A-series paper:
C-Series Envelopes (for unfolded documents)
- C6: 114 × 162mm – Holds A6 paper unfolded (perfect for greeting cards)
- C5: 162 × 229mm – Holds A5 paper unfolded or A4 folded in half
- C4: 229 × 324mm – Holds A4 paper unfolded (standard business envelope)
- DL: 110 × 220mm – The most common business envelope, holds A4 folded in thirds
Why DL Envelopes Dominate
The DL (Dimension Lengthwise) envelope is the workhorse of UK business mail. It’s designed to hold an A4 sheet folded into three equal parts, making it ideal for letters, invoices, and statements. It’s cost-effective to post and fits comfortably through standard letterboxes.
UK vs US Paper Sizes: The Key Differences
Here’s where things get interesting – and potentially confusing if you’re working with international clients.
US Letter vs A4
The most common comparison is between US Letter (8.5 × 11 inches or 216 × 279mm) and A4 (210 × 297mm).
- A4 is narrower but taller than US Letter
- A4 has 6% more surface area than US Letter
- Documents designed for US Letter may have margins cut off when printed on A4
Other US Sizes
- US Legal: 8.5 × 14 inches (216 × 356mm) – No direct UK equivalent
- US Tabloid: 11 × 17 inches (279 × 432mm) – Roughly similar to A3 but different proportions
- US Executive: 7.25 × 10.5 inches (184 × 267mm) – Falls between A4 and A5
The Practical Impact
For UK printers working with international clients, these differences matter significantly:
- Design considerations: A brochure designed for US Letter won’t fit perfectly on A4 without adjustment
- Binding and finishing: Different proportions affect how documents fold, bind, and finish
- Envelope compatibility: US #10 envelopes (the equivalent of our DL) are slightly different in size
- Print equipment: Most UK print equipment is optimised for A-series sizes
B-Series: The Middle Ground
There’s also a B-series, which sits between A-sizes and is less commonly used but valuable for specific applications:
- B5: 176 × 250mm – Popular for books and smaller publications
- B4: 250 × 353mm – Used for newspapers and oversized documents
B-series sizes are particularly useful when A-sizes are slightly too small or too large for your needs.
Practical Tips for Print Projects
For Designers
- Always confirm whether your client needs UK or US sizes before starting
- Build in an appropriate bleed (typically 3mm in the UK) for all sizes
- Remember that A-series sizes scale proportionally – design once, adapt easily
For Businesses
- Stick to standard sizes wherever possible to minimize costs
- A5 flyers are cost-effective because two fit on an A4 sheet
- DL envelopes offer the best value for business correspondence
- Consider A6 postcards for direct mail – they’re eye-catching and economical
For International Projects
- Always specify measurements in both metric and imperial
- Check envelope compatibility if mailing internationally
- Consider your audience’s expectations – US clients expect Letter size
- PDF files should specify page dimensions to avoid confusion
The Environmental Advantage
The mathematical precision of the A-series system isn’t just elegant – it’s environmentally responsible. The ability to cut multiple smaller sizes from larger sheets with minimal waste means less paper in landfill and more efficient use of resources. At Corsham Print, our FSC certification combined with the efficiency of A-series sizes helps us minimise environmental impact while delivering quality print.
Conclusion
Understanding paper sizes might seem like a small detail, but it’s fundamental to successful print projects. The UK’s A-series system offers efficiency, scalability, and environmental benefits that make it the global standard outside North America. Whether you’re printing business cards, brochures, or large format posters, knowing your A4 from your US Letter – and your C5 from your DL – ensures your project runs smoothly from design to delivery.
Need help choosing the right paper size for your next print project? Get in touch with our team at Corsham Print – we’re here to make sure your print works perfectly, every time.
Case Study: Supporting the Launch of TREE Foundation at Dyrham Park
How Corsham Print Delivered Museum Quality Event Printing for a Historic Charity Launch
Bringing History to Life Through Professional Print Services
When the Trust for Records of Enslavement and Emancipation (TREE Foundation) approached us to support their official launch event at the historic Dyrham Park, we knew this was more than just another print job. This was an opportunity to help tell an important story – one that would preserve history, educate communities, and create lasting impact.
The Challenge: High-Stakes Heritage Event Printing
TREE Foundation needed a comprehensive suite of printed materials for their launch event, materials that would:
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- Reflect the gravitas and importance of their mission to preserve slavery-era records
- Create a professional, cohesive brand presence with museum-quality presentation standards
- Support their educational objectives for schools and community groups
- Stand up to scrutiny from heritage professionals, National Trust partners, and the public
- Be delivered on time for a high-profile charity launch event
With original slavery-era documents being displayed publicly for the first time, every detail mattered.
Our Solution: Full-Service Event Print and Design
Working closely with TREE Foundation founder Matt Johnston and his team, we delivered a complete package of materials that brought their vision to life:
Professional Name Badges for Events
Durable, high-quality name badges for guests, speakers, and partners—ensuring smooth event flow and professional networking opportunities.
Pull Up Banners and Exhibition Displays
Eye-catching, informative banners that communicated TREE’s mission at a glance: Preservation, Digitisation, Education. These exhibition banners served as visual anchors throughout the venue, reinforcing brand identity and key messages.
Business Cards for Networking
Premium business cards designed for maximum impact, essential tools for building partnerships and expanding TREE’s reach beyond launch day.
Educational Materials and Resource Packs
Thoughtfully designed education packs that made complex historical content accessible and engaging. These materials support TREE’s core mission of bringing slavery-era records into schools and communities and are now being trialled by schools in Bath and regularly downloaded by home educators and museums nationwide.
Charity Donation Cards
Professionally printed donation cards that made it easy for supporters to contribute to TREE’s important work – turning event enthusiasm into tangible financial support.
Custom Timeline Panels for Exhibitions
Bespoke timeline panels that provided historical context and helped visitors understand the significance of the documents on display. These exhibition panels received extensive positive feedback from visitors and heritage partners, transforming the space into an immersive educational experience.
The Result: A Successful Charity Launch Event
The launch event at Dyrham Park was a resounding success. TREE Foundation officially became a registered charity (CIO, Charity Number 1215170) on the very day of its launch – a fitting milestone for an organisation dedicated to preserving and sharing vital historical records.
Our Event Printing Services Delivered:
- Enhanced visitor experience with museum-quality presentation materials
- Active educational resources are now used by schools, home educators, and museums
- Effective networking tools that facilitated partnership building
- Donation generation through professionally printed materials
- Strong visual brand identity for the new charity
- Ready-to-display exhibition that TREE is now programming through to 2027
Client Testimonial
Matt Johnston, Founder – TREE Foundation:
“Corsham Print completely understood the tone we wanted for TREE’s launch, keeping everything clean, professional, and historically grounded. Their attention to detail and ability to turn ideas into high-quality printed materials, from banners and exhibition panels to education packs and presentation folders, gave the entire launch a real museum-quality feel.
We had heritage partners, National Trust staff and educators commenting on how well-presented and accessible everything was.”
Matt also shared: “The design and prints you produced made a huge difference to the overall feel of the event, and the panels in particular received a lot of positive feedback from visitors and partners. What you’ve done is help build a support wrap around a nationally important collection, which has made the material far more accessible to the public and given us a ready-to-display exhibition.”
Why Choose Corsham Print for Your Event?
At Corsham Print, we’re proud to support organisations making a real difference in our community and beyond. TREE Foundation’s work, preserving records of enslavement and emancipation, digitising historical documents, and making them accessible to schools and the public, aligns perfectly with our values of sustainability, education, and community impact.
Our Event Printing Capabilities:
- Comprehensive print solutions from design to finished products, all under one roof
- Fast turnaround times for time-sensitive events and launches
- Museum-quality materials that meet heritage sector standards
- Support for charities and nonprofits using our 45+ years of printing experience
- Long-term partnership approach, creating materials that serve beyond single events
- Collaborative design process, working closely with clients to realise their vision
Beyond the Launch: Lasting Impact
The impact of our event printing services for TREE Foundation extends far beyond launch day:
- Education packs are being trialled by schools in Bath and downloaded by home educators and museums across the UK
- Exhibition materials are supporting a programming schedule through to 2027
- Timeline panels and banners have created a ready-to-display exhibition, making a nationally important collection accessible to the public
We’re proud to be partners in building a support wrap around this vital historical collection.
Our Commitment to Heritage and Education Printing
TREE Foundation joins a growing list of heritage, education, and community organisations we’re proud to support – including Bath Preservation Trust, Civic Societies, Jamie’s Farm, and educational institutions across the South West.
Whether you’re launching a charity, hosting an exhibition, or organising a community event, we understand that your printed materials aren’t just products – they’re tools for change, education, and connection.
Ready to Plan Your Event Printing?
If you’re planning an event, launching an initiative, or need comprehensive print solutions that make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Corsham Print Today:
- Call us to discuss your project requirements
- Visit us on Leafiled Industrial Estate, Corsham, SN13 9SW, we love to show off what we can do.
From concept to delivery, we’re here to help you tell your story – sustainably, professionally, and with the personal service that comes from 45+ years of printing experience.
Corsham Print Ltd is part of an FSC-certified group serving businesses, charities, and public sector organisations across Wiltshire and the South West. We specialise in sustainable printing, design services, exhibition signage, and comprehensive event support.
Related Services:
- Exhibition and display printing
- Charity and nonprofit printing services
- Educational materials and resource packs
- Event banners and signage
- Professional business cards
- Custom timeline and information panels
Celebrated by Royalty
We recently had our work receive the royal seal of approval. The company were asked to produce a commemorative perfect-bound book celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation.
The celebratory volume was unveiled at a special launch event at Wellington Barn, a venue that is also one of Corsham Print’s valued clients.
The event was attended by Her Majesty Queen Camilla, who marked the significant milestone by personally signing a copy of the beautifully produced book.
Her presence underscored the importance of the Foundation’s half-century of work supporting communities across Wiltshire and Swindon. For Corsham Print, the Queen’s attendance and her signing of the book were a profound honour, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship of their work.
“We were delighted to be asked to produce such an important book, and to see our work recognised in this way is truly special,” said business development manager Martin Clist for Corsham Print. “The Queen’s attendance made the event even more memorable for everyone involved, and we’re proud to have contributed to celebrating the Foundation’s incredible legacy.”
The book itself is a testament to the Foundation’s rich history, showcasing its mission and the countless local projects it has supported over the past five decades. The choice of a perfect-bound finish with gold foil ensures that the publication is not only a high-quality keepsake but also a durable record of the Foundation’s journey. This project exemplifies Corsham Print’s commitment to providing exceptional printing services for local organisations and events.
From Pixels to Paper: The Fascinating Journey of Your Print Job
Ever wondered how your digital designs transform into those eye-catching brochures, magazines, and business cards in your hands? The journey of a print job is a fascinating one, filled with high-tech tools and meticulous human expertise. Let’s delve into the key stages of this transformation:
Stage 1: Prepping for Print (Prepress)
Design and File Creation: The magic begins with your vision! Graphic designers weave text, images, and branding elements using powerful software like InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator.
Proofreading: A keen eye is crucial! Meticulous proofreading ensures your design is flawless, free from typos, grammatical errors, and visual inconsistencies.
File Conversion and Optimisation: Getting ready for the press! Files are converted to compatible formats, fonts are outlined, and high-resolution images are prepped to ensure stunning results.
Color Management: Accuracy is key! Colour profiles guarantee your desired hues translate flawlessly from digital to different paper types.
Platemaking: Depending on the chosen printing method (offset, digital, etc.), printing plates are produced. These hold the ink-transferring areas, ready to bring your design to life.
Stage 2: Putting Ink to Paper (Press)
Press Setup and Calibration: Precision matters! The printing press undergoes meticulous calibration using ink volume settings for consistent ink flow, paper feeding, and colour registration.
Printing: The moment of truth! Plates are loaded onto the press, paper sheets are fed through, and vibrant ink dances onto the surface, transforming your digital creation into a tangible reality.
Quality Control: Every detail counts! Trained professionals monitor ink levels, colour accuracy, and paper feeding throughout the process, ensuring the highest quality standards for your print job.
Stage 3: Finishing Touches (Postpress)
Folding and Trimming: Taking shape! Printed sheets are folded, trimmed, and collated into their final form. Brochures get their signature folds, while books undergo intricate binding and page assembly.
Binding and Finishing: Adding the finishing touches! Your print job might receive special effects like die-cutting, embossing, lamination, or UV coating for extra visual appeal and durability.
Inspection and Packing: Ready for the world! A final thorough inspection ensures your print job is flawless. Once approved, your creations are carefully packed and prepared for delivery.
So, the next time you admire a beautifully printed design, remember the fascinating journey it took to get there. From meticulous digital set-up to high-tech printing and expert finishing, the printing process is a testament to human ingenuity and technological prowess. It’s a journey that transforms pixels into paper, ideas into reality, and your vision into a tangible masterpiece to hold and cherish.