Quick answers:
- Is A3 bigger than A4? Yes. A3 (297 × 420mm) is exactly twice the size of A4 (210 × 297mm).
- Is A4 bigger than A5? Yes. A4 is twice the size of A5 (148 × 210mm).
- What does gsm mean? Grams per square metre — the higher the number, the heavier and thicker the paper.
- What gsm is normal printer paper? Standard office copy paper is 80gsm.
If you’ve ever ordered print and wondered whether to choose A4 or A5, 130gsm or 170gsm, silk or uncoated — you’re not alone. Paper specifications can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to brief a printer or check a quote.
This guide explains everything you need to know about standard paper sizes and paper weights in plain English, so you can make the right choice for your next print job — whether that’s business cards, leaflets, brochures or posters.
Understanding A Paper Sizes
The A paper size system is the international standard used across the UK and Europe. It’s based on a simple principle: each size is exactly half of the one above it. So A5 is half of A4, A4 is half of A3, and so on. This relationship makes it easy to scale artwork and ensures printing presses run sheets efficiently.
| Size | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189mm | 33.1 × 46.8 in | Large posters, technical drawings, exhibition graphics |
| A1 | 594 × 841mm | 23.4 × 33.1 in | Posters, architectural plans, large signage |
| A2 | 420 × 594mm | 16.5 × 23.4 in | Posters, wall charts, small exhibition displays |
| A3 | 297 × 420mm | 11.7 × 16.5 in | Posters, folded brochures, menus, certificates, newsletters |
| A4 | 210 × 297mm | 8.3 × 11.7 in | Letterheads, flyers, compliment slips (third of A4), documents |
| A5 | 148 × 210mm | 5.8 × 8.3 in | Flyers, booklets, small brochures, menus |
| A6 | 105 × 148mm | 4.1 × 5.8 in | Postcards, small flyers, gift tags |
| DL | 99 × 210mm | 3.9 × 8.3 in | Compliment slips, folded leaflets, items for envelopes |
Is A3 Bigger Than A4?
Yes — A3 is bigger than A4. A3 measures 297 × 420mm, while A4 measures 210 × 297mm. A3 is exactly twice the area of A4. If you fold an A3 sheet in half, you get A4. This is why A3 brochures are often described as “folded A3 to A4” — the printed sheet is A3 but the finished item is A4 size.
Is A4 Bigger Than A5?
Yes — A4 is bigger than A5. A4 measures 210 × 297mm and A5 measures 148 × 210mm. A4 is exactly twice the area of A5. Fold an A4 sheet in half and you get A5 — which is why A5 booklets are often described as “folded A4”.
A4 Paper Size
A4 (210 × 297mm) is the most familiar paper size — it’s what’s in your office printer. In print, A4 is used for letterheads, single-page flyers, and forms. Fold it in half and you get A5; fold it into thirds and you get a DL leaflet that fits a standard envelope.
A5 Paper Size
A5 (148 × 210mm) is half the size of A4 and one of the most popular sizes for flyers, small brochures, and menus. Compact enough to hand out easily but large enough to carry a clear message and imagery.
A3 Paper Size
A3 (297 × 420mm) is twice the size of A4. Used for folded brochures (an A3 folded in half creates an A4 four-page document), menus, posters, and certificates.
DL Paper Size
DL (99 × 210mm) stands for Dimension Lengthwise and is exactly one third of A4. It’s the standard size for compliment slips and leaflets designed to fit a C5 or DL envelope — the most cost-effective format for mailings.
A6 Paper Size
A6 (105 × 148mm) is postcard size — a quarter of A4. Ideal for small flyers, promotional cards, event postcards, and gift tags. Prints economically in large quantities.
Large Format: A2, A1 and A0
For posters, exhibition graphics, and signage, you’ll move into A2 (420 × 594mm), A1 (594 × 841mm) or A0 (841 × 1189mm). These are produced on large format equipment and printed onto paper, foam board, PVC, or aluminium composite depending on the application.
Understanding Paper Weight (gsm)
Paper weight in the UK is measured in gsm — grams per square metre. The higher the gsm, the heavier and thicker the paper. Weight directly affects how your printed item feels in the hand, which affects how people perceive your business.
| Weight (gsm) | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 60–80gsm | Standard copy paper | Office printing, photocopying, internal documents. Standard printer paper is 80gsm. |
| 90–100gsm | Premium copy / lightweight uncoated | Letterheads, internal reports, NCR pad sheets. Better feel than standard copy paper. |
| 115–130gsm | Lightweight coated | Entry-level flyers and leaflets. Good colour reproduction at a budget-friendly weight. |
| 150–170gsm | Mid-weight coated | Most popular for flyers and leaflets. Good stiffness, excellent colour. Standard for litho leaflets. |
| 200–250gsm | Heavyweight coated | Premium brochure covers, folded leaflets, menus. Feels substantial and high quality. |
| 300–350gsm | Board / light card | Business cards, postcards, greetings cards, folder covers. Firm and durable. |
| 400gsm+ | Heavy board | Premium business cards, luxury packaging, thick presentation covers. |
What gsm Is Normal Printer Paper?
Standard office printer paper is 80gsm. This is the weight you’ll find in most office printer reams. It’s fine for everyday printing but feels lightweight compared to professionally printed materials — which is why most commercial print starts at 130gsm and above.
What gsm Should Business Cards Be?
Business cards are typically printed on 350–400gsm board. A flimsy business card undermines the quality impression you want to create — we recommend a minimum of 400gsm. Premium options include soft-touch lamination, spot UV, and foiling on top of a 400gsm base.
What gsm Should Leaflets and Flyers Be?
For most flyers and leaflets, 150–170gsm silk or gloss is the standard. For a budget option 130gsm works well. If you want a premium feel — for a restaurant menu or hotel collateral, for example — 200gsm gives a noticeably more substantial result.
Coated vs Uncoated Paper — What’s the Difference?
Coated Paper
Coated paper has a surface treatment that makes it smoother and less absorbent. Ink sits on the surface rather than soaking in, giving more vibrant colours and sharper images. Two main finishes:
- Gloss — shiny, reflective. Best for photo-heavy work and bold, vivid colours.
- Silk (satin) — smooth but non-reflective. The most popular choice for leaflets and brochures. Easier to write on than gloss.
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper has no surface treatment and a more natural, tactile feel. Standard for letterheads, compliment slips, and NCR forms. Premium uncoated stocks are increasingly popular for business cards and brochures — giving a sophisticated, understated feel.
Paper Sizes for Folded Items
When ordering folded items, specify the finished size — not the flat sheet size. A DL leaflet is printed on A4 and folded into thirds. A 6-page A5 brochure is printed on A3 and folded in half. If you’re unsure, tell us your finished size and how many panels you need — we’ll work out the rest.
Get a Quote from XL Press
At XL Press we produce litho and digital print entirely in-house at our St Neots print works. If you’re not sure whether to go 150gsm or 170gsm, silk or gloss, A5 or DL — just ask us. We supply businesses across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and beyond, with same-day and next-day turnaround available on many items.
Call us on 01480 474787, email sales@xlpress.co.uk, or use the contact form on our website.
