Paper sizes can be confusing when you’re choosing paper for printing, school projects, artwork or everyday office use. The most common paper sizes in South Africa are A4 (210 × 297 mm) and A3 (297 × 420 mm), but there are several others worth knowing.
Whether you’re preparing a school assignment, printing a poster or buying a new sketch pad, understanding paper dimensions helps you choose the right size.
This guide covers standard paper sizes from A0 to A6, their measurements in millimetres, centimetres and inches, and what each size is best used for.
What Are the Standard Paper Sizes?
Standard paper sizes in South Africa follow the international ISO 216 A-series system, which includes A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6. Each size is approximately half the area of the previous size, making it easy to scale documents, artwork and printed materials.
| Paper Size | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 | 84.1 × 118.9 | 33.1 × 46.8 |
| A1 | 594 × 841 | 59.4 × 84.1 | 23.4 × 33.1 |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | 42.0 × 59.4 | 16.5 × 23.4 |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 29.7 × 42.0 | 11.7 × 16.5 |
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 21.0 × 29.7 | 8.3 × 11.7 |
| A5 | 148 × 210 | 14.8 × 21.0 | 5.8 × 8.3 |
| A6 | 105 × 148 | 10.5 × 14.8 | 4.1 × 5.8 |
All measurements are shown as width × height in portrait orientation. Inch measurements are rounded.
The smaller the number after the letter A, the larger the sheet of paper.
For example, A3 is larger than A4, while A5 is smaller than A4.
What Size Is A4 Paper?
A4 paper measures 210 × 297 mm, or 21 × 29.7 cm (8.3 × 11.7 inches). It is the standard paper size used for everyday printing, schoolwork and office documents in South Africa.
A4 is popular because it provides enough writing space while remaining convenient to store, carry and organise.
What Is A4 Paper Used For?
Common uses include:
- Schoolwork: Worksheets, assignments, homework and study notes.
- Printing: Letters, reports, forms and everyday documents.
- Exam preparation: Practice questions, revision notes and exam pads.
- Office organisation: Documents, presentations and filing.
- Arts and crafts: Drawings, colouring activities and smaller projects.
For learners who need additional writing space, PNA offers a range of exam pads suitable for schoolwork and revision.
You can also keep important A4 documents organised using display files.
What Size Is A3 Paper?
A3 paper measures 297 × 420 mm, or 29.7 × 42 cm (11.7 × 16.5 inches). It has approximately twice the surface area of A4 paper, making it ideal for projects that need more space.
If you place two A4 sheets next to each other along their longer edges, they form the dimensions of one A3 sheet.
What Is A3 Paper Used For?
A3 is particularly useful for:
- School projects: Geography posters, science diagrams and visual presentations.
- Artwork: Sketching, painting and larger drawings.
- Posters: Classroom displays, announcements and presentations.
- Technical drawing: Diagrams, plans and design work.
- Craft activities: Collages, scrapbooking and decorative projects.
For school assignments and creative activities, explore PNA’s project paper pads and project board pads.
Students working on technical drawings can also explore technical drawing boards.
What Size Are A5 and A6 Paper?
A5 paper measures 148 × 210 mm, while A6 measures 105 × 148 mm. Both are smaller than A4 and are commonly used for notebooks, diaries, cards and printed materials that need to be compact.
What Is A5 Paper Used For?
A5 is half the size of A4 and is a practical choice for everyday writing.
Common uses include notebooks, journals, diaries, revision cards, small flyers and planners.
Its compact dimensions make it convenient for students who want to carry notes without taking along larger books.
What Is A6 Paper Used For?
A6 is half the size of A5 and is suitable for smaller printed items.
Common uses include postcards, greeting cards, invitations, flashcards and small promotional flyers.
For creative projects involving smaller paper formats, browse PNA’s sketch pads.
How Do A-Series Paper Sizes Work?
The A-series paper system works by dividing each sheet into two equal halves. Folding an A3 sheet in half along its longest side produces two A4 sheets, while folding an A4 sheet produces two A5 sheets.
The system begins with A0, which has an area of one square metre.
Each subsequent size is approximately half the area of the previous one.
How Paper Sizes Compare
| Original Size | When Cut in Half |
|---|---|
| A0 | 2 × A1 sheets |
| A1 | 2 × A2 sheets |
| A2 | 2 × A3 sheets |
| A3 | 2 × A4 sheets |
| A4 | 2 × A5 sheets |
| A5 | 2 × A6 sheets |
This system makes it easier to enlarge or reduce documents while maintaining their proportions.
For example, an A4 document can be enlarged to A3 or reduced to A5 without changing its overall shape.
What Is the Difference Between A4 and US Letter Paper?
A4 and US Letter are similar but have different dimensions. A4 measures 210 × 297 mm, while US Letter measures 216 × 279 mm, making Letter slightly wider and shorter than A4.
| Feature | A4 Paper | US Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 210 mm | 216 mm |
| Height | 297 mm | 279 mm |
| Commonly used in | South Africa and many other countries | United States |
| Standard in South Africa | Yes | No |
This difference matters when printing documents downloaded from international websites.
A document formatted for US Letter may print with unexpected margins or page breaks when printed on A4.
Tip: Before printing a downloaded worksheet or template, check that the document and printer settings are both set to A4.
What Does GSM Mean in Paper?
GSM stands for grams per square metre and measures the weight of paper. A higher GSM generally indicates heavier paper, while a lower GSM indicates lighter paper.
GSM is important because different activities require different paper weights.
Paper GSM Guide
| Paper Weight | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| 70–80 GSM | Everyday printing, worksheets and exam pads |
| 120–170 GSM | Flyers, posters and presentations |
| 200–300 GSM | Greeting cards, craft projects and project board |
Which GSM Should You Choose?
For everyday schoolwork and office printing, 70–80 GSM paper is generally suitable.
For posters, presentations and creative projects, heavier paper may provide a sturdier surface.
For greeting cards and projects that need to hold their shape, 200–300 GSM paper or board is often more appropriate.
PNA’s range of project board pads is worth exploring when you need a firmer surface for school or craft activities.
Remember that GSM describes paper weight rather than thickness alone. Two papers with the same GSM can feel different depending on their composition and finish.
Which Paper Size Should You Choose?
A4 is generally best for everyday documents and schoolwork, while A3 is better for posters, larger drawings and presentations. Smaller A5 and A6 formats work well for notebooks, cards and compact printed materials.
Use this quick guide to match your project with the right paper size.
| Activity | Recommended Paper Size |
|---|---|
| School homework and assignments | A4 |
| Exam preparation and study notes | A4 |
| School project posters | A3 or A2 |
| Art and sketching | A4 or A3 |
| Technical drawings | A3 or larger |
| Everyday letters and documents | A4 |
| Notebooks and diaries | A5 |
| Greeting cards and invitations | A5 or A6 |
| Small flyers and postcards | A6 |
| Large presentations and displays | A1 or A0 |
Before purchasing paper for a school project, check whether your child’s teacher has specified a particular size or paper weight.
Choosing the correct format from the beginning can save time and make the finished project easier to present.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Sizes
Is A3 Twice the Size of A4?
Yes. A3 has approximately twice the area of A4 paper. An A3 sheet measures 297 × 420 mm, while an A4 sheet measures 210 × 297 mm. You can fit two A4 sheets onto one A3 sheet.
How Many A4 Pages Fit on A1 Paper?
Eight A4 sheets fit onto one A1 sheet. Each step down the A-series doubles the number of sheets, so A1 holds two A2 sheets, four A3 sheets or eight A4 sheets.
Is A4 the Same as Letter Paper?
No. A4 measures 210 × 297 mm, while US Letter measures 216 × 279 mm. Letter paper is slightly wider and shorter than A4, which can affect printing margins and document formatting.
What GSM Is Normal Printer Paper?
Normal printer paper is generally 70–80 GSM. This weight is suitable for everyday printing, school worksheets and office documents. Heavier paper, such as 120–170 GSM, is commonly used for flyers and posters.
Find the Right Paper and Stationery at PNA
Whether you’re preparing school assignments, organising office documents or working on your next creative project, choosing the right paper size makes a difference.
At PNA, you’ll find a range of stationery, art and craft supplies to help you get started, including paper pads, project boards, sketch pads and filing essentials.
Explore PNA’s stationery and craft supplies and find what you need for your next project.