Understanding Paper Sizes: What You Need to Know Before Printing or Displaying Anything
UK Paper Size Guide (A0 – A6) – Dimensions in mm, cm & Inches for Posters, Menus & Printing
Choosing the wrong paper size might seem like a small mistake—but when your design doesn’t fit the frame or the text looks awkwardly squashed, it’s a mistake you’ll definitely notice. Whether you’re printing a high-impact poster for your storefront, a flyer for a product launch, or a menu for your café, getting your paper size right is the first step to creating a clean, professional display.
This guide will walk you through the most common UK paper sizes, show how to convert them into centimetres and millimetres, and help you decide what works best for your intended use.
The A-Series Paper Sizes Explained
The A-series is the international standard for paper sizes (ISO 216) and is used across the UK and much of the world. Each size is exactly half the size of the one before it—cut parallel to its shortest side—while maintaining the same 1:2 ratio.
Choosing the Right Paper Size for the Job
Not sure which paper size is right for your signage, posters, or promotional materials? This guide covers the most common A-series paper sizes with their dimensions converted to inches for easier reference. We also outline what each size is typically used for, and which environments and industries they suit best. Whether you're printing for retail, hospitality, education, or events, use this table to make the right choice.
| Paper Size | Dimensions (mm) (Converted to inches) |
Best For | Common Uses & Environments | Industries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 x 1189 mm (33.1 x 46.8 inches) |
Large-format posters, architectural plans, trade show banners | Outdoor advertising, building site boards, conferences | Architecture, Construction, Events, Marketing |
| A1 | 594 x 841 mm (23.4 x 33.1 inches) |
Eye-level window signage, large event posters, pavement sign inserts | Retail displays, shopfronts, exhibition venues | Retail, Events, Education, Hospitality |
| A2 | 420 x 594 mm (16.5 x 23.4 inches) |
Display boards, promotional posters, exhibition notices | Indoor display stands, cinema foyers, art galleries | Retail, Entertainment, Exhibitions, Leisure |
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm (11.7 x 16.5 inches) |
Wall signage, sale notices, café menus | Noticeboards, cafés, bulletin boards | Hospitality, Retail, Offices, Education |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 inches) |
Flyers, takeaway menus, information sheets | Reception desks, leaflet holders, counter displays | Healthcare, Food & Drink, Admin, B2B |
| A5 | 148 x 210 mm (5.8 x 8.3 inches) |
Handouts, small posters, table-top signage | POS displays, hospitality counters, product launches | Retail, Health & Beauty, Restaurants |
| A6 | 105 x 148 mm (4.1 x 5.8 inches) |
Postcards, drink specials, product tags | Cash desks, bars, gift shops, events | Retail, Events, Hospitality, Gifting |
The A-series paper sizes follow a consistent scale — each smaller size is exactly half the area of the one above. Choosing the right size can boost visibility, save printing costs, and help your message land with the right audience in the right place.
Why Getting Paper Size Right Matters
If you’ve ever printed a beautiful design only to find it doesn’t fit your frame or holder—or worse, needs trimming and ends up looking rushed—you’ll know how frustrating it is. Here’s what to watch out for:
A-Series Paper Size Dimensions (cm & mm)
A visual guide of the paper sizes can be found below:
Use this handy reference table to understand the exact physical dimensions of each A-series size in both centimetres and millimetres:
| Paper Size | Millimetres (mm) | Centimetres (cm) | Inches | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 x 1189 mm | 84.1 x 118.9 cm | 33.1 x 46.8 in | Perfect for large-scale advertising. Ideal if you want to grab attention from a distance, especially outdoors or in spacious venues. |
| A1 | 594 x 841 mm | 59.4 x 84.1 cm | 23.4 x 33.1 in | Most popular for pavement signs and event posters. Balances visibility with manageability—easy to change frequently. |
| A2 | 420 x 594 mm | 42.0 x 59.4 cm | 16.5 x 23.4 in | Great for indoor signage—large enough to be noticed but still fits on most wall-mounted displays or easels. |
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm | 29.7 x 42.0 cm | 11.7 x 16.5 in | Use for posters, menus or promotions at eye level. Easy to print at home or in-house if speed is essential. |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | 21.0 x 29.7 cm | 8.3 x 11.7 in | The go-to paper size. Perfect for flyers, menus, price lists, or forms—especially when you’re aiming for simplicity. |
| A5 | 148 x 210 mm | 14.8 x 21.0 cm | 5.8 x 8.3 in | Ideal for handouts and countertop use. Works brilliantly for drinks menus, vouchers, or table-top signs. |
| A6 | 105 x 148 mm | 10.5 x 14.8 cm | 4.1 x 5.8 in | Best for postcards, product tags, and pocket-sized promos. A solid choice for when space is tight. |
FAQs: Paper Size and Printing Made Simple
What’s the most common paper size in the UK?
A4 is the standard for everyday documents, flyers, and menus. It’s what your home printer is typically set to by default.
What size should I use for a pavement sign?
Most high-impact pavement signs use A1 or A0 posters. Check the specific frame size before printing to avoid trimming or poor fit.
Can I scale a design from A4 to A3 without it looking weird?
Yes—because of the consistent aspect ratio (1:√2), scaling up or down between A sizes preserves layout and balance. Just ensure your images and text are high enough resolution to avoid blurring.
Do I need bleed and margins when designing for display?
If you're printing to edge or using a professional printer, adding a 3mm bleed on all sides is standard. Always check the spec of your frame or holder so nothing important gets trimmed off.
What’s the best paper size for menus?
A4 works well for full menus. A5 or A6 is better for smaller drinks menus or tabletop specials. Match the format to how it’ll be handled and how much detail it needs.
How do I choose between landscape and portrait?
It depends on how your display will be viewed. Posters on walls and windows are usually portrait. Table menus, directional signs, or wider layouts often suit landscape better.
Final Thought
Understanding paper sizing is one of those little things that makes a big difference. Before you design, print, or frame anything—pause and check the exact dimensions. You’ll save yourself time, money, and a lot of hassle. Whether you’re working with a local print shop, creating something in Canva, or briefing your marketing team, knowing your A-sizes gives you a clean, professional edge.
Explore More Buying Guides
If you're still comparing display options or need more advice, we’ve got you covered:
- Wall Mounted Display Cabinets Guide
- Free Standing Display Cabinets Guide
- Trophy Display Cabinets Guide
- Poster Holders & Snap Frames Guide
- See All Displaysense Buying Guides
Explore Displaysense’s full range of snap frames, poster holders, and signage designed to fit A-series paper perfectly.
