Quick Answer: The paper sizes Australia uses follow the international A series, from A0 (841 x 1189mm) down to A7 (74 x 105mm), with A4 (210 x 297mm) as the standard office size. Each size is exactly half of the one above it, so A3 is two A4 sheets and A5 is half an A4. Alongside the A series, DL (99 x 210mm) is the common size for flyers and envelopes. Australia does not use the US Letter size as a standard.
Paper Sizes Australia Chart
| Size | Millimetres | Centimetres | Inches (approx.) | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 x 1189mm | 84.1 x 118.9cm | 33.1 x 46.8in | Large posters, plans, banners |
| A1 | 594 x 841mm | 59.4 x 84.1cm | 23.4 x 33.1in | Event posters, displays, presentation boards |
| A2 | 420 x 594mm | 42 x 59.4cm | 16.5 x 23.4in | Shop windows, menu boards, notices |
| A3 | 297 x 420mm | 29.7 x 42cm | 11.7 x 16.5in | Small posters, drawings, wall calendars |
| A4 | 210 x 297mm | 21 x 29.7cm | 8.3 x 11.7in | Letters, documents, brochures, flyers |
| A5 | 148 x 210mm | 14.8 x 21cm | 5.8 x 8.3in | Flyers, booklets, notepads |
| A6 | 105 x 148mm | 10.5 x 14.8cm | 4.1 x 5.8in | Postcards, invitations, small flyers |
| A7 | 74 x 105mm | 7.4 x 10.5cm | 2.9 x 4.1in | Tickets, tags, small cards |
| DL | 99 x 210mm | 9.9 x 21cm | 3.9 x 8.3in | Flyers, rack cards, compliments slips |
How the A Series Works
The A series is based on one simple idea: every size is half of the one above it, and every sheet keeps the same proportions. A0 has an area of one square metre, and cutting it in half across the long side gives A1. Cut A1 in half and you get A2, and so on down to A7.
Because the proportions never change, artwork scales cleanly between sizes. A poster designed at A3 can be enlarged to A1 or reduced to A5 without stretching or cropping. This is also why two A4 pages sit side by side on an A3 sheet, and why an A4 page folds neatly to A5.
The Most Popular Paper Sizes in Australia
Of all the paper sizes Australia’s printers handle, these are the ones you will use most often:
- A4 is the standard size for office paper, letterheads, reports and most documents.
- A3 is common for drawings, small posters and folded A4 brochures.
- A5 is a popular size for flyers, booklets, notepads and programs.
- DL is one third of A4 and the go-to size for rack cards, slim flyers and business envelopes. See our guide to [DL size] [LINK NEEDED: dl size article] for full details.
- A1 and A2 are the most popular large poster sizes. See our guides to the [A1 poster size] [LINK NEEDED: a1 poster size article] and the [A2 poster size] [LINK NEEDED: a2 poster size article].
Choosing a flyer? Our guide to [flyer sizes] [LINK NEEDED: flyer sizes article] compares A6, DL, A5 and A4 side by side.
Envelope Sizes in Australia
Envelopes are sized to fit the A series, with a little extra room so the paper slides in easily.
| Envelope | Size | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| DL | 110 x 220mm | DL flyers, or an A4 sheet folded into three |
| C6 | 114 x 162mm | A6 cards, or an A4 sheet folded twice |
| C5 | 162 x 229mm | A5 sheets, or an A4 sheet folded once |
| C4 | 229 x 324mm | A4 sheets flat, unfolded |
If you are ordering envelopes to match letterheads and other branded items, see our business stationery page.
Australian Paper Sizes vs US Letter
If you download a template from a US website, check the page size before you design. The US uses Letter (216 x 279mm), which is wider and shorter than A4. Documents set up on Letter will print with odd margins on A4 paper, and printed pieces will not match standard Australian envelopes, folders or binders. For anything printed in Australia, set your document to an A size from the start.
Choosing the Right Paper Size for Your Print Job
Ask three questions before you choose a size:
- How much content do you need to fit? More content needs more space, or more pages.
- Where will it be read? Hand-held items suit A5, A6 and DL. Walls and windows suit A3 to A0.
- How will it be delivered? Mailed items need to fit a standard envelope, and racks and letterboxes suit DL and A5.
Paper weight matters as much as size. A heavier stock suits small cards and covers, while lighter stocks suit multi-page documents. Ask the Eplot team to recommend a stock for your size and purpose, or request a printing sample pack to see and feel the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paper sizes are used in Australia?
Australia uses the international A series, from A0 to A7, with A4 as the standard office size. DL is also common for flyers and envelopes.
What is the standard paper size in Australia?
A4 (210 x 297mm) is the standard paper size for offices, schools and printers in Australia.
Is A3 bigger than A4?
Yes. A3 (297 x 420mm) is twice the size of A4. Two A4 sheets fit side by side on one A3 sheet.
Does Australia use US Letter size?
No. Australia uses A4 rather than US Letter (216 x 279mm). Set documents to A4 to avoid margin and fit problems.
What size is A5 paper?
A5 is 148 x 210mm, exactly half of an A4 sheet.
About Eplot
Eplot is a commercial printer based at 28 Tope Street, South Melbourne, with 20 years in the printing industry. Our team runs HP Indigo digital printing, wide format printing, pre-press and finishing in-house, and manages specialty work through trusted print partners, so you deal with one dedicated account manager from quote to delivery. Eplot works with schools, universities, training organisations, property developers, corporates and small businesses across Melbourne.
Print Any Paper Size with Eplot
From A7 tickets to A0 posters, Eplot prints every standard paper size in-house. Request a quote with your size, stock and quantity, or call Eplot on 1300 660 228. For brochures and booklets in A4, A5 and DL formats, see our brochure and booklet printing page.
