Paper size comparison
A4 vs Letter: close enough to confuse, different enough to break a layout.
A4 is narrower and taller. Letter is wider and shorter. Here is exactly how much that changes a page.
The short answer
They are not interchangeable at 100% scale.
A4 measures 210 × 297 mm, or 8.27 × 11.69 inches. Letter measures 215.9 × 279.4 mm, or exactly 8.5 × 11 inches. That small-looking mismatch can change pagination, crop a footer, or move a signature line.
Side by side
A4 and Letter dimensions
| Measurement | A4 | US Letter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 210 mm / 8.27 in | 215.9 mm / 8.5 in | Letter +5.9 mm |
| Height | 297 mm / 11.69 in | 279.4 mm / 11 in | A4 +17.6 mm |
| Area | 0.06237 m² | 0.06032 m² | A4 +3.4% |
| 300 DPI | 2480 × 3508 px | 2550 × 3300 px | Different canvas |
| Primary region | Most of the world | US and Canada | Locale-dependent |
Choose A4 when
- The recipient or institution uses ISO sizes
- The document will be filed with A4 forms
- Your print vendor requests A-series artwork
Choose Letter when
- The audience is primarily in the US or Canada
- A North American form specifies 8.5 × 11
- The local printer and stationery supply default to Letter
Before you press print
Five checks prevent nearly every A4/Letter surprise.
- 01Match the document page size to the intended sheet.
- 02Check the printer tray and print-driver paper size.
- 03Inspect the scale setting: 100%, fit, or shrink.
- 04Review page breaks, headers, footers, and signature lines.
- 05Print one test page before a full run.
That can mask one clipped element while changing line length and pagination everywhere else. Set the intended page size first, then adjust the layout deliberately.
Questions people ask
A4 vs Letter FAQ
Is A4 the same as 8.5 × 11?
No. A4 is 210 × 297 mm (8.27 × 11.69 in). US Letter is 215.9 × 279.4 mm (8.5 × 11 in), so Letter is wider while A4 is taller.
Can I print an A4 document on Letter paper?
Usually, but not always at 100% scale. Choose “fit” or “shrink oversized pages,” then inspect margins, page breaks, headers, footers, and any full-bleed artwork.
Which size should a resume use?
Use Letter for most North American applications and A4 in countries where ISO paper is standard. Follow any explicit employer or submission requirement first.
What are A4 and Letter at 300 DPI?
A4 is 2480 × 3508 pixels. Letter is 2550 × 3300 pixels.
Use the numbers