Letter compared with A4
SEE THE DIFFERENCE
Compare paper sizes
Two sheets. One scale. Find the right fit before you print by comparing dimensions, area, and aspect ratios.
Try a comparison
AFirst paper
210 × 297 mm
BCompare with
215.9 × 279.4 mm
All measurements update together.
At a glance
Both sheets shown at the same scale
A4PortraitLetterPortrait
Proportional preview · not actual print size
Letter minus A4
Scale A4 to fit inside Letter
The details, side by side
Letter is wider and shorter than A4.
| Measurement | AA4 | BLetter |
|---|---|---|
| Width | ||
| Height | ||
| Area | ||
| Aspect ratio (width : height) |
Print scale uses the orientations shown above and excludes printer margins and bleed. Rotate a sheet to explore a different fit.
How to Compare Paper Sizes
Comparing paper sizes involves more than just checking width and height.To truly understand the difference between two formats, you need to look at their aspect ratio, total area, and how they overlay.
The visual comparison tool above draws both sheets at the exact same scale. Switch to Overlay view to see if one sheet can physically fit inside the other. This is critical when checking if a design will print without cropping, or if an insert will fit inside an envelope.
Which Paper Size is Larger?
While one paper might be wider, the other might be taller. To determine which is actually larger, we calculate the total area (width × height). The results panel shows the percentage difference in area between the two sheets.
Print Scaling
If you need to print a document on a smaller sheet of paper, the "Print Scale to Fit" metric tells you exactly how much you need to scale the document down so that neither the width nor the height is cropped. Keep in mind that most printers require an additional 3–5 mm unprintable margin on all sides.
Comparison FAQ
How do I compare two paper sizes?
Use the tool above to select any two paper sizes from the dropdowns. You can overlay them to see how one fits inside the other, or view them side-by-side to compare their overall dimensions. The tool also calculates the exact difference in width, height, and area.
Can I print one paper size on another?
Yes, but it depends on the sizes. If the paper you are printing on is larger than the document size, you can print it at 100% scale and trim the excess. If it is smaller, you will need to scale it down. The "Print Scale to Fit" metric above shows exactly how much you need to shrink the first paper to fit onto the second.
Which paper size is larger?
The tool calculates the area of both selected papers. Look at the "Area Difference" panel below the visual preview to see exactly which sheet is larger and by what percentage.
What is the difference between A4 and Letter?
A4 is taller and narrower (210 × 297 mm) compared to US Letter, which is shorter and wider (215.9 × 279.4 mm). A4 is the international standard, while Letter is used primarily in North America.
Why does orientation matter when comparing?
Orientation (portrait vs. landscape) determines how one sheet fits onto another. A piece of paper that doesn't fit in portrait might fit perfectly if you rotate it 90 degrees. Use the "Rotate" buttons above to test different orientations.
How do I change the measurement unit?
Select your preferred unit (millimeters, centimeters, or inches) from the dropdown above the visual preview. All measurements, differences, and tables will update instantly to use the new unit.