Legal vs A4
Legal is 5.9 mm wider and 58.6 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
Legal and A4, Side by Side
| Legal | A4 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 215.9 × 355.6 | 210 × 297 | 5.9 × 58.6 mm |
| Inches | 8.5 × 14 | 8.27 × 11.69 | 0.23 × 2.31 in |
| Centimetres | 21.6 × 35.6 | 21.0 × 29.7 | |
| Area | 0.0768 m², 76,774 mm² | 0.0624 m², 62,370 mm² | 1.23× |
| Aspect ratio | 1 : 1.647 | 1 : 1.414 (√2) | 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 | Legal onto A4 | A4 onto Legal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 3 mm (0.12 in) each side | Legal loses it | blank band |
| Height | 29.3 mm (1.15 in) each end | Legal 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 Legal | 103% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
|---|---|---|
| Legal to fit A4 | 84% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
Beyond the Measurements
Envelopes: Legal fits #10, #14; A4 fits C4, C5, DL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Legal bigger than A4?
Legal is bigger. It is 215.9 × 355.6 mm against 210 × 297 mm for A4, about 1.23 times the area.
What is the difference between Legal and A4?
Legal is 5.9 mm wider and 58.6 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 Legal?
Not at full size without a change. Shrink A4 to 103% to fit Legal, which leaves a thin border, or print at 100% and lose 3 mm off each side and 29.3 mm top and bottom.
✓ Dimensions per the standards on the Legal and A4 pages. Differences and scale factors computed. Reviewed . Editorial Process →