Paper Sizes Explained

'A' sizes In th UK and Europe metric ISO 'A' sizes are the Industry standard for print
production.

The starting point is an 'A0' sheet with an area of one square metre. Folding this sheet
in half results in an 'A1' sheet, folding an 'A1' sheet in half gives an 'A2' sheet, and so on.

Size Dimensions Uses

A0 841 mm x 1189 mm posters
A1 594 mm x 841 mm posters
A2 420 mm x 594 mm posters, calendars
A3 297 mm x 420 mm posters, calendars, 'tabloid' magazines
A4 210 mm x 297 mm stationery, books, annual reports Folded Leaflets
A5 148 mm* x 210 mm personal stationery, books, brochures, leaflets
A6 148 mm x 105 mm postcards, leaflets, invitations, booklets
A7 105 mm x 74 mm tickets

Paper Weights Explained

All UK Paper Weights are expressed in grams per square metre - Although this can be an indication of paper thickness the pulp density of the paper can make this misleading.

90gsm Bond
slightly thicker than a standard piece of photocopier paper - Ideal for mail shot letters - invoice and statment over printing

120gsm Bond
A good body cartridge paper Ideal for an up-market Letterheading.

135gsm Gloss
The Standard paper for a Leaflet / Flyer - Folded Leaflet this is the most common paper for glossy door to door leaflets.

170gsm Satin
Slightly heavier than 135g but still classed as a paper although not glossy as a slight sheen finish. Ideal for a more upmarket corporate look. (Care must be taken with this paper as it is not well suited to heavy block solids as is prone to set off)

250gsm Gloss
A thin Glossy card although flexible is still capable of supporting its own weight without bending. Typically used for nighclub and event promotions.

320gsm Satin + Varish
A good True Bodied card with a protective varnnish coating post print.
This is a standard card used for Business Cards and Post Card Printing.

400gsm Satin
A Thick Board This is a Quality card used mainly for high quality Business Cards.