Letter vs Executive
Letter is 31.8 mm wider and 12.7 mm taller than Executive. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Compare a Different Pair
Letter and Executive, Side by Side
| Letter | Executive | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 215.9 × 279.4 | 184.15 × 266.7 | 31.8 × 12.7 mm |
| Inches | 8.5 × 11 | 7.25 × 10.5 | 1.25 × 0.5 in |
| Centimetres | 21.6 × 27.9 | 18.4 × 26.7 | |
| Area | 0.0603 m², 60,322 mm² | 0.0491 m², 49,113 mm² | 1.23× |
| Aspect ratio | 1 : 1.294 | 1 : 1.448 | 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 | Letter onto Executive | Executive onto Letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 15.9 mm (0.63 in) each side | Letter loses it | blank band |
| Height | 6.3 mm (0.25 in) each end | Letter 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:
| Executive to fit Letter | 105% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
|---|---|---|
| Letter to fit Executive | 85% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
Beyond the Measurements
Envelopes: Letter fits #10, 9 × 12, 6 × 9; Executive fits Monarch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Letter bigger than Executive?
Letter is bigger. It is 215.9 × 279.4 mm against 184.15 × 266.7 mm for Executive, about 1.23 times the area.
What is the difference between Letter and Executive?
Letter is 31.8 mm wider and 12.7 mm taller than Executive. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Can you print Executive on Letter?
Not at full size without a change. Shrink Executive to 105% to fit Letter, which leaves a thin border, or print at 100% and lose 15.9 mm off each side and 6.3 mm top and bottom.
✓ Dimensions per the standards on the Letter and Executive pages. Differences and scale factors computed. Reviewed . Editorial Process →