Paper size guide
A3 paper size
A3 measures 297 × 420 mm, which is 11.69 × 16.54 inches (29.7 × 42 cm). A3 is twice the size of A4 and is a standard size for sketch pads, prints and small posters.
A3 dimensions
| Millimetres | 297 × 420 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 29.7 × 42 cm |
| Inches | 11.69 × 16.54 in |
| Points | 842 × 1191 pt |
| Pixels at 72 dpi | 842 × 1191 px |
| Pixels at 150 dpi | 1754 × 2480 px |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 3508 × 4961 px |
| Proportion | 1 : 1.414 |
Each A size is half the area of the one above. A3 is half of A2 and twice A4; the sides scale by 1.414 each step, so a drawing planned on A4 enlarges to A3 without cropping.
Drawing on A3
A3 is a very practical size for finished drawings: large enough for fine detail and expressive marks, small enough to finish in a reasonable time and to frame affordably.
Typical uses: finished portraits, animal and wildlife drawings, coloured pencil still life.
Usable drawing area with a margin
Most artists leave a margin so the drawing can be mounted and the edges stay clean.
| Margin | Drawing area (mm) | Drawing area (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mm all round | 277 × 400 | 10.91 × 15.75 |
| 20 mm all round | 257 × 380 | 10.12 × 14.96 |
| 30 mm all round | 237 × 360 | 9.33 × 14.17 |
To copy a reference photo accurately onto A3, try the grid drawing tool, which scales a grid to your paper size. Choosing paper? See the best paper for coloured pencils and paper weight explained.
Framing A3
A A3 frame takes A3 unmounted. For a mounted drawing, the mount overlaps the sheet by roughly 6 mm each side, so the visible image (aperture) is about 285 × 408 mm.
Standard frames that leave at least 20 mm of mount border around a A3 sheet:
| Frame | Side border | Top and bottom |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | 67.5 mm | 93 mm |
| A1 | 154.5 mm | 216.5 mm |
| 16 × 20 inch | 60.7 mm | 50 mm |
| 18 × 24 inch | 86.1 mm | 100.8 mm |
| 20 × 24 inch | 111.5 mm | 100.8 mm |
Try your own numbers in the frame and mount calculator, or read how to frame and mount a drawing.
Frequently asked questions
What size is A3 in inches?+
A3 is 11.69 × 16.54 inches (297 × 420 mm, or 29.7 × 42 cm).
What is A3 in pixels?+
At 72 dpi A3 is 842 × 1191 pixels, at 150 dpi it is 1754 × 2480, and at 300 dpi it is 3508 × 4961. Use 300 dpi to scan or print artwork at full quality.
How much of the sheet can I draw on at A3?+
With a 20 mm margin around the edge, the drawing area on A3 is 257 × 380 mm. Leave more if you plan to mount the drawing, because a mount overlaps the paper by around 6 mm on each side.
How does A3 compare with A2 and A4?+
A3 is half the area of A2 and twice the area of A4. Each step scales the linear dimensions by about 1.414 (the square root of 2).