Exact size comparison
Letter vs Legal paper size: 8.5 × 11 vs 8.5 × 14 inches.
Both formats are exactly 8.5 inches wide. Legal is 14 inches tall—3 inches longer than Letter—so the same margins produce a very different usable page.
The short answer
Only the height changes: Legal adds 76.2 mm while keeping the same width as Letter.
Both formats are exactly 8.5 inches wide. Legal is 14 inches tall—3 inches longer than Letter—so the same margins produce a very different usable page. The difference is 0 mm in width and 76.2 mm in height.
Normal U.S. printer and copy paper is usually Letter. A sheet labeled 8.5 × 14 inches is Legal. Because the widths match, check the page-size name and tray length rather than judging from the print preview alone.
Side by side
Letter and Legal dimensions
| Measurement | Letter | Legal | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 215.9 mm / 8.5 in | 215.9 mm / 8.5 in | 0 mm |
| Height | 279.4 mm / 11 in | 355.6 mm / 14 in | 76.2 mm |
| Area | 0.0603 m² | 0.0768 m² | 165 cm² |
| 300 DPI | 2550 × 3300 px | 2550 × 4200 px | Different canvas |
| Primary context | US and Canada | US and Canada | Workflow-dependent |
Choose Letter when
- The document is a normal office letter, resume, or form
- The recipient expects 8.5 × 11
- The printer has only a standard Letter tray
Choose Legal when
- The form specifically says 8.5 × 14
- A long table or signature section needs more room
- Filing and scanning workflows support Legal
Because the widths match, a print preview can look plausible even when the wrong tray is selected. Check the page-size label, not only the thumbnail.
Questions people ask
Letter vs Legal FAQ
Is Letter the same size as Legal?
No. Letter is 215.9 × 279.4 mm; Legal is 215.9 × 355.6 mm.
Which is wider, Letter or Legal?
They have the same width.
Which is taller, Letter or Legal?
Legal is 76.2 mm taller.
Can I print one format on the other?
Often, but not at identical proportions. Because the widths match, a print preview can look plausible even when the wrong tray is selected. Check the page-size label, not only the thumbnail.
Is 8.5 × 14 Letter or Legal paper?
A sheet measuring 8.5 × 14 inches is US Legal paper. US Letter is 8.5 × 11 inches.
What size is normal printer paper in the United States?
Normal home and office printer paper in the United States is usually US Letter, measuring 8.5 × 11 inches. Legal is the longer 8.5 × 14 inch format.
Full references
Check each format before you print.
Printer and copy paper size · Legal paper dimensions · Half Letter dimensions
Use the numbers