Paper Size: What you should know

Here are some quick facts about paper size to help you make the best choice for your device and ensure that your systems are set properly when switching paper size in your tray.

Paper Size

Did you know that paper size and standardization differs around the world? Paper is cut from original rolls into different sizes depending on use. In North America, the most common paper sizes are:

  • 5.5 by 8.5” US Statement Size
  • 8.5 by 11” US Letter Size ‘
  • 8.5 by 14” US Legal Size
  • 11 by 17” US Tabloid Size
  • 17 by 11” US Ledger Size

In Europe, standardization is classified differently as they use a different standardization for paper such as the A standard. Here are a few of the common paper sizes in the A standard:

  • A0: 84.1 by 118.9cm
  • A1: 594 by 84.1 cm
  • A2: 42.0 by 59.4 cm
  • A3: 29.7 by 42.9 cm
  • A4: 21.0 by 29.7 cm

Important Considerations

Be sure to properly configure your paper tray when switching sizes of paper when printing/copying or faxing. Consider these factors when switching out paper sizes in your device:

  • Oftentimes, an application or print driver may specify a specific paper size: Certain applications such as Microsoft Word as well as some print drivers require a specific paper size to be printed on. Using the wrong sized paper can generate a fault code which can prohibit a job from being completed.
  • Internal operations in your machine are set electronically for the loaded paper size: If a tray guide is not calibrated for the size of paper that is being used, it could result in paper jams, misfeeds and skewed images.
  • Your printer may incorrectly detect the paper size if it is set to automatically select along with improperly set tray guides.: In order to make sure that your printer is functioning properly, it is important to make sure that the printer is configured for the correct paper size loaded into the tray. Even though the European and North American systems are not often mistaken for one another, If the tray is not set correctly, it may detect one size system or the other.

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