A1 vs A2
A1 is the larger of the two at the same 1 : √2 shape, one halving apart, so one scales onto the other with nothing cropped: 141% up, 71% down.
Compare a Different Pair
A1 and A2, Side by Side
| A1 | A2 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 594 × 841 | 420 × 594 | 174 × 247 mm |
| Inches | 23.39 × 33.11 | 16.54 × 23.39 | 6.85 × 9.72 in |
| Centimetres | 59.4 × 84.1 | 42.0 × 59.4 | |
| Area | 0.5 m², 499,554 mm² | 0.249 m², 249,480 mm² | 2× |
| Aspect ratio | 1 : 1.416 (√2) | 1 : 1.414 (√2) | same |
What Is Lost Printing One on the Other
At 100% scale, both centred, nothing resized. A positive figure on the wider or taller side is cropped; on the other it is a blank margin.
| Axis | Gap | A1 onto A2 | A2 onto A1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 87 mm (3.43 in) each side | A1 loses it | blank band |
| Height | 123.5 mm (4.86 in) each end | A1 loses it | blank band |
Scale-to-Fit Percentages
The figure to type into a printer or PDF dialog to scale one to fit inside the other:
| A2 to fit A1 | 141% | fills the sheet, nothing cropped |
|---|---|---|
| A1 to fit A2 | 71% | fills the sheet, nothing cropped |
Both are one halving apart on the 1 : √2 series, so these are the copier presets and nothing is distorted or lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A1 bigger than A2?
A1 is bigger. It is 594 × 841 mm against 420 × 594 mm for A2, about 2 times the area.
What is the difference between A1 and A2?
A1 is the larger of the two at the same 1 : √2 shape, one halving apart, so one scales onto the other with nothing cropped: 141% up, 71% down.
Can you print A2 on A1?
Yes, cleanly. Set the printer to scale A2 to 141% and it fills A1 edge to edge with nothing lost.
✓ Dimensions per the standards on the A1 and A2 pages. Differences and scale factors computed. Reviewed . Editorial Process →