What Size is Legal Paper?

Legal paper is a common type of paper used in many countries worldwide. It is generally used for legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and certificates. Legal paper is a bit larger than the standard letter size paper, which makes it ideal for printing long documents. But what size is legal paper exactly? In this article, we will explore the different sizes of legal paper, the dimensions of legal paper, and its uses.

Standard Sizes for Paper

Before we dive into the size of legal paper, it’s essential to understand the different standard paper sizes available. The most common standard sizes for paper are letter size, legal size, and tabloid size.

The letter size is the most common size used in offices and homes across the United States. It measures 8.5 inches by 11 inches and is used for printing documents like letters, resumes, and school assignments.

The legal size paper, on the other hand, is used primarily for legal documents. It measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches and is slightly longer than the letter size paper. The legal size paper is commonly used for printing contracts, agreements, and certificates.

Lastly, the tabloid or ledger size paper measures 11 inches by 17 inches. It is commonly used for printing newspapers, magazines, and other large documents.

Knowing the different standard sizes for paper is essential because it helps you choose the right size for your documents. In the next section, we will delve deeper into the dimensions of legal paper.

Dimensions of Legal Paper

The dimensions of legal paper are 8.5 inches by 14 inches (215.9 mm by 355.6 mm). As mentioned earlier, legal paper is slightly longer than standard letter size paper. Its extra length makes it ideal for printing documents with more content or information.

Compared to other paper sizes, the legal paper is shorter than the tabloid or ledger size paper. The legal paper is also shorter than the A3 paper size commonly used in countries that follow the ISO 216 standard. However, the legal paper is longer than the A4 paper size, which is the standard paper size used in many countries, including the United States.

Knowing the dimensions of legal paper is crucial because it helps you determine whether it’s the right size for your documents. In the next section, we will explore the common uses of legal paper.

Next, let’s discuss the “Legal Paper in Different Countries” and “Printing and Formatting Legal Documents” sections.

Dimensions of Legal Paper

Legal paper is a bit larger than the standard letter size paper, which makes it ideal for printing long documents. The length and width of legal paper are 8.5 inches by 14 inches (215.9 mm by 355.6 mm). This size is slightly longer than the letter size paper. Its extra length makes it ideal for printing documents with more content or information.

When compared to other paper sizes, the legal paper is shorter than the tabloid or ledger size paper. The legal paper is also shorter than the A3 paper size commonly used in countries that follow the ISO 216 standard. However, the legal paper is longer than the A4 paper size, which is the standard paper size used in many countries, including the United States.

Despite its size, legal paper is incredibly versatile. The extra length of legal paper makes it suitable for printing documents that require additional space, such as contracts, agreements, and certificates. It is also used for printing long documents such as legal briefs, reports, and transcripts.

Legal Paper in Different Countries

Different countries worldwide have different standards for paper sizes. Some countries follow the ISO 216 standard, while others have their own unique paper size standards. This can create confusion for people who need to print or use legal documents in different countries.

In the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the standard legal paper size is 8.5 inches by 14 inches. However, in other countries that follow the ISO 216 standard, the legal paper size is slightly different. For example, in Europe, the standard legal paper size is A4 Plus, which measures 9.5 inches by 13 inches (240 mm by 330 mm). In Japan, the legal paper size is called Hōn Hagaki, which measures 7.2 inches by 10.1 inches (182 mm by 257 mm).

It’s essential to understand the different legal paper sizes in different countries to avoid any confusion or mistakes when printing or using legal documents. Knowing the naming conventions and dimensions of legal paper in different countries can help you choose the right paper size for your documents and ensure that they meet country-specific requirements.

Printing and Formatting Legal Documents

When it comes to legal documents, formatting and printing are crucial aspects that cannot be ignored. Here are some formatting considerations to keep in mind when printing legal documents on legal paper:

• Margins: Use one-inch margins on all sides for a professional look.
• Font size and type: Use a legible font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman or Arial. The font size should be 12 points.
• Line spacing: Use double spacing for the text of the document and single spacing for footnotes.
• Page numbering: Number your pages for easy reference.

Printing legal documents on legal paper can be done using a standard printer. However, it’s essential to ensure that the printer can handle the size of the paper. When printing legal documents, it’s always a good idea to print a test copy to ensure that everything looks as intended.

There are also various printing options available, such as duplex printing, which prints on both sides of the paper. This option is ideal for saving paper and reducing printing costs.

Lastly, there are some common mistakes to avoid when printing legal documents. These include:

• Spelling and grammatical errors: Always proofread your document for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Using the wrong paper size: Make sure that you use the correct paper size for your document.
• Poor formatting: Ensure that your document is properly formatted and has consistent spacing, margins, and font size.

Conclusion

In conclusion, legal paper is a slightly larger paper size used for printing legal documents. Its dimensions are 8.5 inches by 14 inches, making it ideal for printing long documents with more content or information. When printing legal documents on legal paper, it’s essential to consider formatting and printing options to ensure a professional look. Choosing the right paper size is crucial as it ensures that your document looks professional and is easy to read. With the right formatting and printing options, legal documents printed on legal paper can look both professional and polished.

For more information on legal paper or printing legal documents, there are several helpful resources available online. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your legal documents are printed correctly and look their best.