This article will consider what standards and types are in paper. The formats and sizes of paper sheets are useful to know for many: artists, office workers, designers, and indeed all people. Consider what types of publications can be used in printing and office work.
Standards for paper options
The main international paper format is called ISO 216. This standard is based on the metric system, that is, a sheet of paper with an area of 1 m² is taken as the basis. This standard is valid in almost all countries except the USA, Japan and Canada. In these countries, Letter format is used, which, incidentally, is used in Mexico and the Philippines.
According to ISO standards, paper is classified in the following three areas:
- "A" - documents;
- "B" - printing products;
- "C" - envelopes.
Printing paper sizes
To find out what format is used for the printer or copier, you need to familiarize yourself with the technical passport of the device. If A4 is specified in the document, respectively, the printer will only work with paper for documents. If the printer works with several formats, then it is better to check with the manufacturer how to configure the device for them.
In addition, to select paper, you must consider the following parameters:
- density - the optimal indicator is 80-90 grams / m 2 ;
- opacity - the criterion is most relevant for double-sided printing;
- degree of moisture - the most acceptable amount is about 4.5%;
- electrification - a high rate leads to gluing, paper jams and malfunctions of the printer;
- smoothness - affects the printed image;
- cutting quality - smooth edges of the paper.
The largest paper sizes - from A0 to A3
Type A paper is widely used in paperwork, school, and printing. A0 paper format is the basic meter squared, when split halfway, a new format is obtained - A1 and beyond.
Despite the area of 1 m², sheet A0 is not square and has a value of 841 * 1189 millimeters (mm). This is the so-called Whatman sheet, or Whatman paper for drawings. A1 format is 594x841 mm, which is half the sheet A0, minus 1 millimeter. The above formats A0 and A1 are mainly used for posters, drawings and large posters.
Sheet A2 is the format of regular newspapers, the volume of which is 420 * 594 mm. Upon further division, A3 paper is formed in the amount of 297 by 420 mm, which is exactly 50% of A2 paper. The format is commonly used for magazines or small tabloid newspapers. A3 or A3 + (extended version) can be used in basic office printers or copiers.
Formats from A4 to A6
Half of the type of paper size (210x297 mm) A3, respectively, is A4. This type of writing paper is the most common. It is used literally for everything: documents (contracts, licenses, TIN, certificates, certificates), letters, reports, catalogs, advertising materials, educational works, magazines and much more. A4 is the basic consumable for most printers and copiers.
A5 sheet has a size of 148x210 mm. Typically, in this format, brochures are issued having a small circulation and binding, greeting cards, flyers, notebooks and notebooks.
A6 paper (105x148 mm) will come out if A4 is divided into four parts or folded twice. It turns out a convenient flyer or flyer that can be put in a bag or purse. You can also make a bookmark out of it, for example.
Business Card Paper
The generally accepted format of business cards is a card measuring 90x50 mm. Of course, an enterprise ordering business cards may request the original size of business cards. However, printers for their production spend more time - it is necessary to change the settings of the torch, to prepare a custom kit separately, which is not very convenient and costly.
Another question is if a European-format card is made in Russia - 85x55 mm. Such business cards are suitable for specialists and people who often travel or work mainly with European companies. In addition, Euroformat business cards are often required in Russian symposia and international exhibitions. Given the greater consumption of designer paper, respectively, increases the cost of such cards, which is nevertheless justified and more profitable in economic terms.
Given the Russian base card holders in 9x5 cm, it will be more rational and cheaper to order cards in a standard format. Larger paper cannot be placed in the card holder’s cell, so the card will be put on a table or in a pocket where it can be lost among other things. For smaller sizes, a business card will simply drop out of a business card holder or another of specialized accessories designed to accommodate such cards.