A4 vs DL
A4 is 100 mm wider and 77 mm taller than DL. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Compare a Different Pair
A4 and DL, Side by Side
| A4 | DL | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 210 × 297 | 110 × 220 | 100 × 77 mm |
| Inches | 8.27 × 11.69 | 4.33 × 8.66 | 3.94 × 3.03 in |
| Centimetres | 21.0 × 29.7 | 11.0 × 22.0 | |
| Area | 0.0624 m², 62,370 mm² | 0.0242 m², 24,200 mm² | 2.58× |
| Aspect ratio | 1 : 1.414 (√2) | 1 : 2.000 | different |
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 | A4 onto DL | DL onto A4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 50 mm (1.97 in) each side | A4 loses it | blank band |
| Height | 38.5 mm (1.52 in) each end | A4 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:
| DL to fit A4 | 135% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
|---|---|---|
| A4 to fit DL | 52% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
Beyond the Measurements
Envelopes: A4 fits C4, C5, DL; DL has none.
An A4 letter folded in three drops into a DL envelope and posts at the standard letter rate. Folded once it fits C5; flat and unfolded it needs a C4, which Royal Mail rates as a large letter up to 100 g. In the US an A4 sheet in a 9 x 12 in envelope goes as a flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A4 bigger than DL?
A4 is bigger. It is 210 × 297 mm against 110 × 220 mm for DL, about 2.58 times the area.
What is the difference between A4 and DL?
A4 is 100 mm wider and 77 mm taller than DL. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Can you print DL on A4?
Not at full size without a change. Shrink DL to 135% to fit A4, which leaves a thin border, or print at 100% and lose 50 mm off each side and 38.5 mm top and bottom.
✓ Dimensions per the standards on the A4 and DL pages. Differences and scale factors computed. Reviewed . Editorial Process →