What Size Is Letter Paper Explained with Dimensions and Common Uses

Epic Tech Tips
Oct 30
3 min read

Letter paper is the most recognized sheet size across offices, schools, and homes. Letter paper size 8.5 × 11 inches, which equals 216 × 279 millimeters. It’s the default format for printing, writing, and documentation in North America.

This familiar dimension offers a perfect balance between readability and convenience, making it ideal for everything from reports to school assignments.

Its universal presence in offices and printers has made it the standard choice for everyday use, distinguishing it from international sizes like A4.

TL;DR

Letter paper measures 8.5 × 11 inches (216 × 279 mm) and is the standard paper size in North America. It’s widely used for everyday printing, schoolwork, and business documents, offering a perfect balance of space and readability. Unlike A4, Letter paper is slightly wider and shorter, making it unique to the US and Canada.

What Is The Perfect Letter Paper Size?

The Perfect letter paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches or 216 x 279 millimeters. This format has been the standard in the United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico for decades. The size strikes a balance between compactness and readability, making it ideal for documents, reports, and school assignments.

If you’ve ever printed a resume or filled out a form in North America, chances are it was on letter-sized paper. It’s the go-to format for:

Everyday office printing
Homework or reports
Company memos and correspondence

Also read: What Size Is A3 Paper

Why the U.S. Uses Letter Paper

The use of letter paper in the United States dates back to the early 20th century. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standardized it as part of the ANSI paper series, with letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) designated as ANSI A.

This standardization helped unify printing and office documentation, ensuring consistent results across machines and businesses. Even though the ISO A-series (like A4, A3) dominates internationally, North America has held onto the letter size due to industry tradition and equipment compatibility.

Common Uses of Letter Paper

Letter paper is versatile and fits nearly every office or academic need. It’s commonly used for:

Business documents: contracts, reports, invoices, and forms.
Academic use: assignments, essays, and handouts.
Personal correspondence: letters, invitations, and memos.

Because it’s the default setting in most printers and word processors in North America, letter paper ensures seamless printing and minimal formatting issues.

Comparing Letter Paper to Other Common Sizes

For those who often print different formats or create designs, understanding how letter paper compares to other sizes is useful. Below is a table showing popular paper sizes and their relationships:

Paper Size	Dimensions (mm)	Dimensions (inches)	Relationship
Letter	216 x 279	8.5 x 11	Standard in North America
A5	148 x 210	5.8 x 8.3	Half of A4
A4	210 x 297	8.3 x 11.7	Half of A3
A3	297 x 420	11.7 x 16.5	Double of A4
A2	420 x 594	16.5 x 23.4	Double of A3

These differences become important when creating marketing materials, brochures, or posters.

Printing Tips for Letter Paper

When printing on letter paper, a few small adjustments can help achieve perfect results:

Check your printer settings: Make sure the paper size matches the layout (8.5 x 11 inches).
Adjust margins if switching from A4: Prevent cut-off text by slightly increasing bottom margins.
Choose the right paper weight: Standard office paper is 20 lb, but heavier weights (24 lb or more) give a more professional feel.

Following these steps ensures clear, sharp prints every time—whether it’s for an official report or a creative project.

Also read: What is The Correct Legal Paper Size

Letter Paper in Digital Design

Even in the digital era, letter size plays a big role in PDFs and printable templates. Many design software programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Adobe Illustrator use 8.5 x 11 inches as their default canvas.

If your audience is global, however, consider offering both Letter and A4 versions of your files. This avoids scaling issues and ensures that your documents look consistent across regions.

Why Knowing Paper Sizes Matters

Understanding paper sizes saves time and reduces printing errors. It also ensures that documents look professional when shared internationally. Whether you’re designing flyers, writing a report, or sending an invoice abroad, knowing when to use letter or A4 can make your work more polished and efficient.

Final Thoughts

Letter paper remains the backbone of daily printing in North America. Measuring 8.5 x 11 inches, it’s versatile, widely available, and easy to use. While the rest of the world may prefer A4, the letter size continues to serve as the reliable workhorse for business and education alike.

If you often share documents globally, take a moment to double-check your paper settings - it’s a small detail that can make a big difference in presentation and professionalism.