International Paper Sizes : A Complete Guide to Paper for Artists, Printers and Designers

Ever printed on the wrong size, bought the wrong envelope, or struggled to choose the right paper for your art? You are not alone. Paper comes in countless weights, textures, and materials, and making the wrong choice can waste time, money, and effort.

This guide explains international paper sizes (A series), standard envelope dimensions (C and DL), GSM and paper thickness, the difference between hot press and cold press, and the unique qualities of different paper materials such as cotton, bamboo, recycled, rice, cellulose, synthetic (Yupo), and papyrus. With this knowledge you can confidently choose the right paper for printing, drawing, painting, or professional use.

At The Deckle Edge, even our name comes from paper history. A deckle edge is the slightly feathered edge of handmade paper, a mark of quality and craftsmanship. We carry that tradition forward by helping you make the best choice for every project.

Standard International Paper Sizes (ISO 216 – A Series)

The A series is the global standard for paper. Each size is half the size of the one before it when folded.

Paper Size	Inches (decimal)	Millimetres	Centimetres	Notes
A0	33.11 × 46.81	841 × 1188	84.1 × 118.8	Largest size
A1	23.39 × 33.11	594 × 841	59.4 × 84.1	Half of A0
A2	16.54 × 23.39	420 × 594	42.0 × 59.4	Half of A1
A3	11.69 × 16.54	297 × 420	29.7 × 42.0	Half of A2
A4	8.27 × 11.69	210 × 297	21.0 × 29.7	Everyday office and letterhead
A5	5.83 × 8.27	148 × 210	14.8 × 21.0	Flyers, notebooks
A6	4.13 × 5.83	105 × 148	10.5 × 14.8	Postcards, invitations
A7	2.91 × 4.13	74 × 105	7.4 × 10.5	Small cards
A8	2.05 × 2.91	52 × 74	5.2 × 7.4	Tickets, slips

If you have ever ordered the wrong flyer size or wasted time trimming, this table helps you get it right the first time.

What Does GSM Mean in Paper?

One of the biggest sources of confusion is GSM, which stands for grams per square metre and measures paper weight. The higher the GSM, the thicker and sturdier the sheet.

• 80 to 100gsm: Everyday office paper. Flexible and lightweight.
• 120 to 200gsm: Sketching, posters, flyers. Stronger with a bit more body.
• 200 to 300gsm: Brochures, craft work, light card.
• 300gsm and above: Heavy card, watercolour, fine art surfaces.

If your prints curl, smudge, or feel flimsy, you are likely using paper that is too light. Choosing the right GSM prevents wasted ink, poor presentation, and frustration.

Hot Press vs Cold Press: Which is Best for Art?

Not all paper is smooth. For watercolour and mixed media, the surface texture makes a big difference.

• Hot Press (HP): Smooth, almost polished. Great for detail, pen and ink, or fine washes.
• Cold Press (CP or NOT): Slightly textured. The most versatile and popular for general watercolour.
• Rough: Heavily textured. Holds water well, perfect for expressive, bold effects.

If your paint is not spreading evenly or your lines look jagged, it may be the wrong surface. Choosing the right press helps your medium behave as it should.

Types of Paper and Their Uses

Beyond size and surface, the material used to make paper has a huge impact on performance and feel. Here are some of the most common types of paper you will encounter:

Cotton Paper

• Made from 100% cotton fibres.
• Strong, durable, and naturally acid-free.
• Excellent for watercolour, printmaking, fine stationery, and archival work because it withstands time without yellowing.

Bamboo Paper

• Eco-friendly, made from fast-growing bamboo fibres.
• Soft surface with natural warmth.
• Great for water-based paints, drawing, and mixed media.
• Favoured by artists who want sustainable materials.

Recycled Paper

• Produced from post-consumer waste fibres.
• Available in a wide range of weights and finishes.
• Perfect for everyday printing, sketchbooks, and eco-conscious projects.
• May have a slightly rougher texture and warmer tone than virgin papers.

Rice Paper

• Traditionally made from rice straw or mulberry bark.
• Lightweight, translucent, and delicate.
• Used for calligraphy, ink painting, printmaking, and collage.
• Absorbs ink quickly, so it requires careful handling.

Cellulose Paper

• Made from wood pulp.
• Affordable and widely available.
• Used for sketch pads, student-grade watercolour paper, and general craft.
• Less durable than cotton paper and may yellow over time.

Polypropylene Synthetic (Yupo, tree-free paper)

• A smooth, non-absorbent, synthetic paper made from polypropylene.
• Waterproof and tear-resistant.
• Popular for alcohol inks, watercolour experiments, and mixed media because colours sit on the surface and can be moved around easily.
• Best for bold, contemporary effects rather than traditional painting.

Papyrus Paper

• One of the earliest writing surfaces, made from the papyrus plant.
• Distinctive textured look with visible fibres.
• More decorative than practical in modern use, but excellent for craft projects, historical reproductions, or decorative artwork.

Standard Envelope Sizes (C and DL Series)

• C series envelopes are made to fit A series paper.
• DL stands for Dimension Lengthwise and is the classic business envelope, perfect for an A4 sheet folded into thirds.

Envelope Sizes in Inches (Decimal Format)

Envelope Size	Inches (decimal)	Millimetres	Suitable Paper Formats	Notes
C4	12.76 × 9.02	324 × 229	Flat A4, A3 folded once	Fits an unfolded A4
C5	6.38 × 9.02	162 × 229	A5 flat, A4 folded once	Popular office envelope
C6	4.49 × 6.38	114 × 162	A6 flat, A4 folded twice	Standard invitation
C7/6	3.50 × 6.50	89 × 165	One third of A4	Slips or small notes
DL	4.33 × 8.66	110 × 220	A4 folded twice	Business letters

Knowing the correct envelope size saves you from crumpled letters or mismatched stationery.

Folding Guide

• A4 flat fits C4
• A4 folded once (to A5) fits C5
• A4 folded twice (to one third A4) fits C6, DL, or C7/6

From handmade papers with their deckled edges to today’s precise ISO sizes, paper has always carried history, craft, and creativity. At The Deckle Edge, we believe that the right paper helps you present your work beautifully, avoid costly mistakes, and bring your ideas to life.

When you choose paper for printing, sketching, or painting, think beyond the size. Weight, thickness, and texture affect how your work looks and feels. The right choice gives your project the finish it deserves.