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Paper Size Quick Reference

Comprehensive tables of standard paper dimensions across North American, International (ISO), and specialty formats.
Remember bleed: Always add 0.125” (3mm) bleed to all edges. So Letter size with bleed = 8.75” × 11.25”

North American Standard Sizes

Common US Paper Sizes

Business Card Sizes

With bleed (US standard):
  • Trim size: 3.5” × 2”
  • With 0.125” bleed: 3.75” × 2.25”

Brochure Sizes (Folded)

Note: Flat size = design size before folding

Poster Sizes


International (ISO) Sizes

A Series (Most Common Worldwide)

Note: Each size is exactly half the area of the previous size

B Series (Intermediate Sizes)

Use: Between A sizes, less common than A series

C Series (Envelopes)

Purpose: Envelope sizes designed to fit corresponding A series paper

Specialty Print Sizes

Postcard Sizes

USPS Requirements:
  • Minimum: 3.5” × 5”
  • Maximum: 6” × 11”
  • Thickness: 0.007” - 0.016”

Invitation Sizes

Booklet Sizes

Sticker Sizes


Paper Size with Bleed Calculations

Adding Bleed (0.125” / 3mm standard)

Calculating full bleed size:Formula: Width + 0.25” × Height + 0.25” (Add 0.125” to each side = 0.25” total)

Setting Up in Printery

1

Create Frame at Trim Size

In Figma:
  1. Create frame (A key or rectangle tool)
  2. Set to trim size (final cut size)
  3. Example: Business card = 3.5” × 2”
Don’t add bleed manually: Plugin does this
2

Enable Bleed in Plugin

In Printery:
  • Document tab
  • Bleed: Enable ✓
  • Amount: 0.125” (or 3mm)
Plugin adds: 0.125” on all sides automatically
3

Extend Content to Bleed

Design consideration:
  • Background fills: Extend to bleed edge (automatic)
  • Edge elements: Extend to bleed if full-bleed
  • Text/logos: Keep in safety zone (0.25” from edge)
Safety zone: Area guaranteed not to be cut off
4

Verify in PDF

After export:
  1. Open PDF
  2. Check bleed marks visible
  3. Verify content extends to bleed edge
  4. Check crop marks present
PDF size: Should be trim + bleed (e.g., 3.75” × 2.25” for business card)

Choosing Paper Size for Your Project

Letterhead, invoices, proposals:USA: Letter (8.5” × 11”) International: A4 (210 × 297 mm)Why: Standard office paper size, fits standard printers and envelopes

Paper Size Standards by Country

Primary standard: US Letter seriesCommon sizes:
  • Letter: 8.5” × 11”
  • Legal: 8.5” × 14”
  • Tabloid: 11” × 17”
  • Business Card: 3.5” × 2”
Note: Different from rest of world (ISO A series)Converting: A4 ≈ Letter (close but not exact)
Primary standard: ISO 216 (A series)Common sizes:
  • A4: 210 × 297 mm (documents)
  • A5: 148 × 210 mm (booklets)
  • A3: 297 × 420 mm (posters)
  • Business Card: 85 × 55 mm
Coverage: Most of world uses ISO standardsAdvantage: Consistent scaling (each size is exact half/double)
Dual standard:
  • ISO A series (for most documents)
  • JIS B series (for specific uses)
  • Unique business card: 91 × 55 mm
Difference: Slightly larger than European business cardsUse: Match local standards when printing in Japan
Mixed standards:
  • Brazil: A series (ISO)
  • Mexico: Mix of US Letter and ISO A4
  • Argentina: A series (ISO)
Best practice: Ask local printer which standard they use

Quick Conversion Table

Inches ↔ Millimeters

Points ↔ Inches

Note: 1 inch = 72 points (PostScript/PDF standard)

Learn More

Document Setup

Configure bleed and page size

Business Cards Tutorial

Complete business card workflow

Brochures Guide

Design brochures for print

Design to Print

Complete print workflow

Pro tip: Always use standard sizes when possible. Custom sizes cost significantly more due to cutting/setup fees. Standard sizes use full sheets efficiently, reducing waste and cost.