Reference

Paper sizes for drawing artists.

Every common size in millimetres, centimetres and inches - with pixel dimensions, the drawing area you actually get once you leave a margin, and which frames fit. Pick a size for the full guide.

ISO A series

Size	mm	Inches	Best known for
A0	841 × 1189	33.11 × 46.81	Large statement drawings, Technical and architectural sheets
A1	594 × 841	23.39 × 33.11	Life-size portrait heads, Large graphite and charcoal work
A2	420 × 594	16.54 × 23.39	Detailed portraits, Still life compositions
A3	297 × 420	11.69 × 16.54	Finished portraits, Animal and wildlife drawings
A4	210 × 297	8.27 × 11.69	Sketchbook studies, Practice exercises
A5	148 × 210	5.83 × 8.27	Travel sketching, Colour swatches and tests
A6	105 × 148	4.13 × 5.83	Pocket sketchbooks, Postcard drawings
A7	74 × 105	2.91 × 4.13	Thumbnail compositions, Miniature studies
A8	52 × 74	2.05 × 2.91	Value thumbnails, Composition planning

US sizes

Size	mm	Inches	Best known for
US Letter	215.9 × 279.4	8.5 × 11	Sketch pads in the US, Printing references
US Legal	215.9 × 355.6	8.5 × 14	Tall compositions, Printing long references
Tabloid (Ledger)	279.4 × 431.8	11 × 17	Larger finished drawings, Prints and posters

Common inch sizes

Size	mm	Inches	Best known for
9 × 12 inch	228.6 × 304.8	9 × 12	Drawing pads and blocks, Practice pieces
11 × 14 inch	279.4 × 355.6	11 × 14	Portraits, Still life
12 × 16 inch	304.8 × 406.4	12 × 16	Finished coloured pencil work, Framed pieces
16 × 20 inch	406.4 × 508	16 × 20	Large finished drawings, Exhibition pieces

Why the A series is handy for artists

Because each A size is exactly half the one above, every size has the same proportions. A composition designed on A5 will enlarge to A4, A3 or A2 with no cropping, and standard frames and mounts exist for all of them. Inch sizes such as 9 × 12 and 16 × 20 follow different proportions, so plan your drawing size around the frame you intend to buy.

Not sure about a size in between? Use the paper size and weight converter to find the nearest standard sheet, and the frame and mount calculator to plan borders. For paper choice, see our paper guides.

Paper Size & Weight Converter

A-sizes, inches, cm, gsm and lb

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Frequently asked questions

How do A-series paper sizes work?+

Each A size is half the area of the one above it, made by folding the longer side in half. Every size shares the same 1:1.414 (square root of 2) proportion, so a drawing planned on A4 scales to A3 or A5 without cropping.

What is the difference between A4 and US Letter?+

A4 is 210 × 297 mm; US Letter is 215.9 × 279.4 mm, slightly wider and shorter. Convert carefully if you print reference photos or plan a drawing that will be framed in another country.

Which paper size is best for a finished drawing?+

A3 or 12 × 16 inches is a good balance of detail and manageable effort. A4 suits studies and practice, while A2 and larger reward experienced artists with time.