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This guide aims to help you get to grips with the basics of paper and card, looking at the different types and finishes available, size and weight comparisons in your crafting, and we even touch upon card blanks and envelope measurements!
Paper and card sizes are generally organised through an 'A' system in an ascending sequential order. The main thing to remember is this: the lower the number, the bigger the size – the largest size being A0. For example, A1 measures half the size of A0, A2 measures half the size of A1, and so on. Below is a diagram showing you the 'A' system in full, then a sizing chart containing all the measurements you'll need.
View Size Diagram|
'A' System Size Chart |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Millimetres | Inches | |||
| A0 | 841mm x 1189mm | 33.1" x 46.8" | |||
| A1 | 594mm x 841mm | 23.4" x 33.1" | |||
| A2 | 420mm x 594mm | 16.5" x 23.4" | |||
| A3 | 297mm x 420mm | 11.7" x 16.5" | |||
| A4 | 210mm x 297mm | 8.3" x 11.7" | |||
| A5 | 148mm x 105mm | 5.8" x 8.3" | |||
| A6 | 105mm x 148mm | 4.1" x 5.8" | |||
| A7 | 74mm x 105mm | 2.9" x 4.1" | |||
| A8 | 52mm x 74mm | 2.0" x 2.9" | |||
| A9 | 37mm x 52mm | 1.5" x 2.0" | |||
| A10 | 26mm x 37mm | 1.0" x 1.5" | |||
Card blank sizes are a little more confusing. Instead of the measurement representing the size of the entire sheet of card, the measurement represents the size of the card blank when it's folded (the card's 'front face').
So, an A5 card blank refers to the size of the folded card – it measures an A5 size – whereas the size of the card when unfolded is actually a size bigger – A4. An A6 card blank is the folded size, while the flat size is A5, and so on. Square card blanks are measured in centimetres or inches, while DL card blanks have one set size: 21cm x 9.9cm (8.3" x 3.7") – they are a third of an A4 sheet of card.
A7 - 74mm x 105mm
DL - 99mm x 210mm
A6 - 105mm x 148mm
A5 - 148mm x 210mm
A4 - 210mm x 297mm
Have you ever considered how paper, cardstock, card blanks and envelopes are sized? If you're making a project of specific dimensions and need perfectly fitting materials to work with, we've got all the diagrams, charts and measurements you need to help further your understanding!
When you've got the hang of paper and card sizes, envelope sizes are pretty straightforward. They also use an ascending sequential number order which corresponds to the paper or card size; however instead of using an 'A' system, they use a 'C' system.
The 'C' size will be slightly bigger than the 'A' size so that it fits snuggly inside. So, with this in mind, a C5 envelope will fit a sheet of A5 paper or an A5 card blank, while a C6 envelope will fit a sheet of A6 paper or an A6 card blank – and so on.
There are also special DL and square envelopes available, which are corresponding sizes to DL and square card blanks. Below is a diagram showing you how the 'C' system works, as well as a sizing chart containing all the measurements you'll need.
View Envelope Size Diagram|
'C' System Size Chart |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Millimetres | Inches | |||
| DL | 110mm x 220mm | 4.33" x 8.66" | |||
| C0 | 917mm x 1297mm | 36.1" x 51.5" | |||
| C1 | 648mm x 917mm | 25.5" x 36.1" | |||
| C2 | 458mm x 648mm | 18" x 25.5" | |||
| C3 | 324mm x 458mm | 12.8" x 18" | |||
| C4 | 229mm x 324mm | 9" x 12.8" | |||
| C5 | 162mm x 229mm | 6.4" x 9" | |||
| C6 | 114mm x 162mm | 4.5" x 6.4" | |||
| C7 | 81mm x 114mm | 3.2" x 4.5" | |||
| C8 | 57mm x 81mm | 2.2" x 3.2" | |||
| C9 | 40mm x 57mm | 1.6" x 2.2" | |||
