Paper size guide
A5 paper size
A5 measures 148 × 210 mm, which is 5.83 × 8.27 inches (14.8 × 21 cm). A5 is half of A4 and is the classic notebook and small sketchbook size.
A5 dimensions
| Millimetres | 148 × 210 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 14.8 × 21 cm |
| Inches | 5.83 × 8.27 in |
| Points | 420 × 595 pt |
| Pixels at 72 dpi | 420 × 595 px |
| Pixels at 150 dpi | 874 × 1240 px |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 1748 × 2480 px |
| Proportion | 1 : 1.419 |
Each A size is half the area of the one above. A5 is half of A4 and twice A6; the sides scale by 1.414 each step, so a drawing planned on A6 enlarges to A5 without cropping.
Drawing on A5
A5 is ideal for quick studies, colour tests and travel sketching. Fine detail needs a very sharp point, and small formats make it easy to complete a drawing in a single sitting.
Typical uses: travel sketching, colour swatches and tests, quick studies.
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 | 128 × 190 | 5.04 × 7.48 |
| 20 mm all round | 108 × 170 | 4.25 × 6.69 |
| 30 mm all round | 88 × 150 | 3.46 × 5.91 |
To copy a reference photo accurately onto A5, 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 A5
A A5 frame takes A5 unmounted. For a mounted drawing, the mount overlaps the sheet by roughly 6 mm each side, so the visible image (aperture) is about 136 × 198 mm.
Standard frames that leave at least 20 mm of mount border around a A5 sheet:
| Frame | Side border | Top and bottom |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 37 mm | 49.5 mm |
| A3 | 80.5 mm | 111 mm |
| A2 | 142 mm | 198 mm |
| A1 | 229 mm | 321.5 mm |
| 8 × 10 inch | 33.6 mm | 28 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 A5 in inches?+
A5 is 5.83 × 8.27 inches (148 × 210 mm, or 14.8 × 21 cm).
What is A5 in pixels?+
At 72 dpi A5 is 420 × 595 pixels, at 150 dpi it is 874 × 1240, and at 300 dpi it is 1748 × 2480. Use 300 dpi to scan or print artwork at full quality.
How much of the sheet can I draw on at A5?+
With a 20 mm margin around the edge, the drawing area on A5 is 108 × 170 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 A5 compare with A4 and A6?+
A5 is half the area of A4 and twice the area of A6. Each step scales the linear dimensions by about 1.414 (the square root of 2).