Exact size comparison
A4 vs Legal: one is an office default; the other is built for extra length.
Legal is 5.9 mm wider and 58.6 mm taller than A4. Moving between them changes pagination much more than an A4-to-Letter conversion.
The short answer
Legal adds 2.31 inches of height beyond A4, making it useful for long forms but awkward in A4-only printers and folders.
Legal is 5.9 mm wider and 58.6 mm taller than A4. Moving between them changes pagination much more than an A4-to-Letter conversion. The difference is 5.9 mm in width and 58.6 mm in height.
Side by side
A4 and Legal dimensions
| Measurement | A4 | Legal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 210 mm / 8.27 in | 215.9 mm / 8.5 in | 5.9 mm |
| Height | 297 mm / 11.69 in | 355.6 mm / 14 in | 58.6 mm |
| Area | 0.0624 m² | 0.0768 m² | 144 cm² |
| 300 DPI | 2480 × 3508 px | 2550 × 4200 px | Different canvas |
| Primary context | ISO markets | US and Canada | Workflow-dependent |
Choose A4 when
- The recipient uses ISO document standards
- The page must fit ordinary international office equipment
- The form or institution specifies A4
Choose Legal when
- A North American form explicitly requires 8.5 × 14
- The document needs the extra vertical space
- The printer has a correctly configured Legal feed
Do not place Legal paper in an A4 tray or scale a Legal form without checking signature blocks, barcodes, and required margins.
Questions people ask
A4 vs Legal FAQ
Is A4 the same size as Legal?
No. A4 is 210 × 297 mm; Legal is 215.9 × 355.6 mm.
Which is wider, A4 or Legal?
Legal is 5.9 mm wider.
Which is taller, A4 or Legal?
Legal is 58.6 mm taller.
Can I print one format on the other?
Often, but not at identical proportions. Do not place Legal paper in an A4 tray or scale a Legal form without checking signature blocks, barcodes, and required margins.
Use the numbers