Standard Print Paper Dimensions: A4, A5, A6, and DL Sizes in Millimeters & Centimeters
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Executive Summary
Standard print paper dimensions in India adhere strictly to the international ISO 216 standard: A4 measures 210 × 297 mm (21.0 × 29.7 cm), A5 measures 148 × 210 mm (14.8 × 21.0 cm), and A6 measures 105 × 148 mm (10.5 × 14.8 cm). DL, a format sized to one third of A4 rather than part of ISO 216, measures 99 × 210 mm (9.9 × 21.0 cm). Design work must incorporate a 3mm (0.3cm) bleed margin on all edges to ensure a clean border after industrial cutting.
1. ISO 216 Paper Size Chart (Millimeters, Centimeters, and Inches)
The ISO 216 standard is based on a constant aspect ratio of 1:√2 (approx. 1:1.414). This mathematical ratio guarantees that when you fold a sheet in half lengthwise, the resulting folded sheet retains the exact same aspect ratio. This allows graphic designers to scale artwork down from A3 to A4 or A5 without stretching the layout or altering proportions.
Related: Flyers & Leaflets · Brochures · Paper GSM guide
| Paper Size | Dimensions in Millimeters (mm) | Dimensions in Centimeters (cm) | Dimensions in Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 29.7 × 42.0 cm | 11.7 × 16.5 in |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 21.0 × 29.7 cm | 8.3 × 11.7 in |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 14.8 × 21.0 cm | 5.8 × 8.3 in |
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | 10.5 × 14.8 cm | 4.1 × 5.8 in |
| DL (Envelopes/Flyers) | 99 × 210 mm | 9.9 × 21.0 cm | 3.9 × 8.3 in |
2. Understanding the DL Size
Key Takeaway
DL measures exactly 99 × 210 mm. It is created by folding a standard A4 sheet into three equal horizontal sections, representing the standard size for corporate flyers, envelopes, and vouchers.
DL comes from the German DIN Lang, meaning 'DIN long'. It is not one of the ISO 216 sizes; it is the standard format for corporate letters folded in three. B2B marketers frequently request DL printing for standard product leaflets and vouchers because DL brochures slide directly into standard window envelopes (110 × 220 mm), reducing mail postage costs. DL is also a highly efficient format for offset printing presses since three DL pages fit perfectly onto a single A4 layout sheet, minimizing trim waste.
3. The Bleed and Safe Zone Rule for Industrial Trimming
When preparing files for professional offset printing presses, adding a bleed margin is mandatory. Bleed refers to extending the design background beyond the trim line. Industrial cutting guillotine machines slice through stacks of hundreds of sheets at a time. The cut can drift by a fraction of a millimetre or more across a stack. Without bleed, a thin white hairline margin will appear at the card edges. Designers must provide a 3mm bleed on all four sides, keeping all critical text inside a 4mm 'Safe Zone' margin away from the cutting boundary.
| Document Size Type | A4 Dimensions with 3mm Bleed | A5 Dimensions with 3mm Bleed | DL Dimensions with 3mm Bleed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas Design Size | 216 × 303 mm | 154 × 216 mm | 105 × 216 mm |
| Final Trim Size | 210 × 297 mm | 148 × 210 mm | 99 × 210 mm |
| Internal Safe Zone | 202 × 289 mm | 140 × 202 mm | 91 × 202 mm |
Summary Overview
Standard ISO 216 sizes, with DL for one-third-A4 work, keep a print programme simple: they fit standard envelopes and display folders, impose efficiently on press sheets, and waste less paper at trim.
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