Ever feel like choosing the right paper for your fountain pen is as crucial as picking the perfect dance partner? You’re not wrong. Any old notebook may technically do the trick, but using fountain pen-friendly paper can really take things to the next level. If you’re hoping to find the perfect paper match for your favorite fountain pen, we suggest you start by getting familiar with paper sizes. To assist you in your fountain pen friendly paper quest, we’ve crafted a guide to paper sizes dedicated to fountain pen enthusiasts so you can easily grasp the most common paper size standards and how to choose the best option for your writing needs.
Guide to Paper Sizes: Standard Labeling Systems for Paper
The most widely adopted system for paper sizing globally is the ISO 216 (International Standard) size chart, which categorizes paper sizes into series labeled A, B, and C. The various “sizes” are indicated by a letter and a number, with the letter indicating the category and the number indicating a specific size of paper or notebook within that category.
Fun Fact: Did you know 1:√2 is the only aspect ratio that remains the same when folded in half?
Other obvious but simultaneously tricky tips for buying paper or notebooks online include checking the page count and looking to see what type of paper is used inside any notebook purchases (lined, grid, dot grid, blank). You may even want to clarify how wide the lines are on the paper or how big of a grid is used if it’s not a brand you are already familiar with. Also, we love discovering new brands, but if you’re a newbie paper/notebook shopper, it doesn’t hurt to keep an eye out for the trusted brands you’ve seen others in the fountain pen community using and positively reviewing. Now, on to standardized PAPER SIZES! We’ll start with ISO A Sizes.
ISO 216 A Sizes: Guide to Paper Sizes
The A series is the most recognized in the ISO sizing system, with sizes ranging from A0 (the largest) to A10 (the smallest). Each size is half the size of the one before it, maintaining a constant aspect ratio of 1:√2. The most popular sizes within this series are:
- A4 (210 x 297 mm, the equivalent of 8.3×11.7 inches or 21×29.7 cm): Ideal for general printing and stationery.
- A5 (148 x 210 mm, the equivalent of 5.8×8.3 inches or 14.8 x 21 cm): Perfect for notepads and medium-sized journals.
- A6 (105 x 148 mm, the equivalent of 4.1 x 5.8 inches or 10.5 x 14.8 cm): Great for personal planners and small journals.
These sizes are favored for their versatility and are widely used in various applications, from academic notes to professional reports. Here’s a quick look at the different A series measurements so you can see the measurements in millimeters or inches and compare them side by side.
ISO 216 B Sizes: Guide to Paper Sizes
The B series sizes are less common but are an excellent choice for specific applications like journaling and bullet journaling. These sizes offer more space and are often used when more extensive writing spaces are required. Common sizes include:
- B5 (176 x 250 mm): Often used for notebooks and larger journals.
- B6 (125 x 176 mm): Suitable for portable journals that still offer ample writing space.
As you can see in the above visual, the most common B sizes seen in popular fountain pen-friendly notebooks are one of the smallest B sizes. The other sizes are most often seen in printing projects like advertising, posters, books, passports, etc. Here’s a thorough look at all the ISO B sizes in millimeters and inches side by side.
ISO 216 C Sizes: Guide to Paper Sizes
Under the international standard, the C sizes are typically used when discussing envelope sizes. If you unfold an A4 page, it will fit neatly into a C4-size envelope. Due to the same width-to-height ratio that is standardized throughout the entire ISA 216 system, if an A4 page is folded in half so that it is A5 in size, it will fit nicely into a C5 envelope (which, incidentally, is the same size as a C4 envelope if folded in half). Tips for you snail mail letter writers out there. We love you.
ANSI “A” Series (American Standard Sizes)
In contrast to the ISO standard, the ANSI sizes are predominantly used in North America. These sizes include:
- Letter (8.5 x 11 inches): Comparable to A4, it is commonly used for a wide range of printing and stationery needs.
- Legal (8.5 x 14 inches): Typically used for legal documents and larger archival papers.
{If you’re the type that needs ALL the information pertaining to a topic, no matter how far of course, it may lead, I can point you in the right direction for a solid wikidive on paper sizes. Be safe – have fun!}
Choosing the Right Paper Size
Selecting the right paper size or notebook size depends on your specific needs. Consider what you will use the paper for, where you will use it, and how much space you need for writing. Journalists often prefer A5 or B5 sizes for ample writing space since they offer plenty of room for long writing sessions or notes and often have more pages than smaller notebooks. At the same time, the A4 is a popular choice amongst students and professionals. And then there are the smaller pocket-size notebooks that have stolen the hearts of artists, journalers, and obsessive list-makers everywhere.
Notebook Covers and Sizes
Notebook covers, particularly for popular sizes like pocket notebooks and Traveler’s notebooks, add a layer of customization and protection for your writing. These smaller notebooks are especially popular among those who prefer a compact, portable option that they can carry everywhere or easily fit in their pocket, purse, or backpack.
Summary of Paper and Notebook Sizes
Quick recap! Understanding paper sizes is the first step to getting your hands on the right fountain pen-friendly notebook or paper. For your reference, here’s a quick rundown of the standardized sizes we went through today.
- ISO A Series: From A0 (largest) to A10 (smallest), with A4, A5, and A6 being the most popular.
- ISO B Series: Ideal for more extensive writing needs, with B5 and B6 commonly used in journals.
- ANSI Sizes: Including Letter size and Legal size, this standard is predominantly used in North America.
By familiarizing yourself with these standards, you can make more informed choices about your stationery purchases and ensure your writing experience is seamless and enjoyable. Remember, the right paper is not only about size—but size does matter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Size: FAQ
What are the different paper sizes? Different paper sizes can be standardized by ISO 216 under A, B, or C Series (including sizes 0 to 10).
Which paper size is bigger, an A2 notebook or an A3 notebook? An A2 notebook is twice the size of an A3 notebook, and an A1 notebook is twice the size of an A2 notebook. When discussing paper or notebook sizes, the smaller the number, the larger the notebook or paper. Each sequential number represents twice the size of the previous number.
What Size is A5 Paper? A5 paper measures 148 x 210 mm, which is the equivalent of 5.8 x 8.3 inches. It is half the size of A4 paper, one-quarter the size of A3 paper, and twice the size of A6 paper. Most will recognize the A5 paper size as the most common size for an everyday greeting card.
Guide to Paper Sizes: You’re a Pro Now
Paper sizes are pretty easy to understand once you understand the system behind them. If you have any questions about paper or notebook sizes or fountain pen friendly paper in general, get in touch, and we can recommend a good option or two. Follow us on your favorite social media platform so you don’t miss any of our upcoming “Fountain Pen Guides” or How To Episodes, where we’ll expose more exciting pen, ink, and paper issues, tutorials, and fun. Like the best paper weight for fountain pens and which pens we like best for doodling during meetings. If you’re looking for any fountain pen-friendly paper or notebook options featured in today’s Guide to Paper Sizes, browse the various options currently available at PenChalet.com.
See below for a full list of ISO A Series and ISO B Series Paper Sizes and C Series Envelope Sizes (mm, inches, cm).
International Standard ISO Paper Sizes: Measurements
A Series: Measurements in Millimeters / Inches / Centimeters
- A0: 841 mm x 1,189 mm / 33.11 in. x 46.81 in. / 84.1 x 118.8 cm
- A1: 594 mm x 841 mm / 23.39 in. x 33.11 in. / 59.4 x 84.1 cm
- A2: 420 mm x 594 mm / 16.54 in. x 23.39 in. / 42.0 x 59.4 cm
- A3: 297 mm x 420 mm / 11.69 in. x 16.54 in. / 29.7 x 42.0 cm
- A4: 210 mm x 297 mm / 8.27 in. x 11.69 in. / 21.0 x 29.7 cm
- A5: 148 mm x 210 mm / 5.83 in. x 8.27 in. / 14.8 x 21.0 cm
- A6: 105 mm x 148 mm / 4.13 in. x 5.83 in. / 10.5 x 14.8 cm
- A7: 74 mm x 105 mm / 2.91 in. x 4.13 in. / 7.4 x 10.5 cm
- A8: 52 x 74 mm / 2.06 x 2.94 in / 5.2 x 7.4 cm
- A9: 37 mm x 52 mm / 1.5 in. x 2.0 in / 3.7 cm x 5.2 cm
- A10: 26 mm x 37 mm / 1.0 in. x 1.5 in / 2.6 cm x 3.7 cm
B Series: Measurements in Millimeters / Inches / Centimeters
- B0: 1,028 mm x 1,456 mm / 40.48 in. x 57.32 in. / 100.0 cm x 141.4 cm
- B1: 707 mm x 1,000 mm / 28.66 in. x 40.48 in. / 70.7 cm x 100.0 cm
- B2: 514 mm x 728 mm / 20.24 in. x 28.66 in.) / 50.0 cm x 70.7 cm
- B3: 364 mm x 514 mm / 14.33 in. x 20.24 in. / 35.3 cm x 50.0 cm
- B4: 257 mm x 364 mm / 10.12 in. x 14.33 in. / 25.0 cm x 35.3 cm
- B5: 182 mm x 257 mm / 7.17 in. x 10.12 in. / 17.6 cm x 25.0 cm
- B6: 128 mm x 182 mm / 5.04 in. x 7.17 in./ 12.5 cm x 17.6 cm
- B7: 88 mm x 125 mm / 3.5 in. x 4.9 in. / 8.8 cm x 12.5 cm
- B8: 62 mm x 88 mm / 2.4 in. x 3.5 in. / 6.2 cm x 8.8 cm
- B9: 44 mm x 62 mm / 1.7 in. x 2.4 in. / 4.4 cm x 6.2 cm
- B10: 31 mm x 44 mm / 1.2 in. x 1.7 in. / 3.1 cm x 4.4 cm
C Series Measurements in Millimeters / Inches / Centimeters / Which Paper Size Fits?
- C4: 324 mm x 229 mm / 12.75 in. x 9 in. / 25.0 cm x 35.3 cm / Suitable for Flat A4 paper or A3 folded in half
- C5: 162 mm x 229 mm / 6.38 in. x 9 in. / 17.6 cm x 25.0 cm / Suitable for Flat A5 paper, A4 folded in half, or A3 folded twice
- C6: 114 mm x 162 mm / 4.5 in. x 6.38 in. / 12.5 cm x 17.6 cm / Suitable for Flat A6 paper, A5 folded in half, or A4 folded twice
List of North American ANSI Paper Sizes: Inches / Millimeters
- ANSI A: 8.5 in. x 11 in. / 215.9 mm x 279.4 mm
- ANSI B: 11 in. x 17 in. / 279.4 mm x 431.8 mm
- ANSI C: 17 in. x 22 in. / 432 mm x 559 mm
- ANSI D: 22 in. x 34 in. / 559 mm x 864 mm
- ANSI E: 34 in. x 44 in. / 1118 mm x 864 mm
