A2 vs A4
A2 is 210 mm wider and 297 mm taller than A4. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Compare a Different Pair
A2 and A4, Side by Side
| A2 | A4 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 420 × 594 | 210 × 297 | 210 × 297 mm |
| Inches | 16.54 × 23.39 | 8.27 × 11.69 | 8.27 × 11.69 in |
| Centimetres | 42.0 × 59.4 | 21.0 × 29.7 | |
| Area | 0.249 m², 249,480 mm² | 0.0624 m², 62,370 mm² | 4× |
| Aspect ratio | 1 : 1.414 (√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 | A2 onto A4 | A4 onto A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 105 mm (4.13 in) each side | A2 loses it | blank band |
| Height | 148.5 mm (5.85 in) each end | A2 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:
| A4 to fit A2 | 200% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
|---|---|---|
| A2 to fit A4 | 50% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
The two share the 1 : √2 shape but are not one halving apart, so a fit-to-page scale still leaves a small border.
Beyond the Measurements
Envelopes: A2 has no standard fitted envelope; A4 fits C4, C5, DL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A2 bigger than A4?
A2 is bigger. It is 420 × 594 mm against 210 × 297 mm for A4, about 4 times the area.
What is the difference between A2 and A4?
A2 is 210 mm wider and 297 mm taller than A4. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Can you print A4 on A2?
Not at full size without a change. Shrink A4 to 200% to fit A2, which leaves a thin border, or print at 100% and lose 105 mm off each side and 148.5 mm top and bottom.
✓ Dimensions per the standards on the A2 and A4 pages. Differences and scale factors computed. Reviewed . Editorial Process →