A0 vs. A2
Comparing 2 standards across 7 specifications. 7 key differences identified.
A0 is the base unit of the ISO 216 international paper standard, defined with an exact surface area of 1 square meter (1.000 m²) and dimensions of 841 × 1189 mm (33.1 × 46.8 inches). Operating on the 1:√2 Lichtenberg aspect ratio, it is the global standard for large architectural CAD plots, engineering schematics, and academic conference poster presentations.
A2 is an ISO 216 standard paper size measuring 420 × 594 mm (16.5 × 23.4 inches), with a surface area of 0.250 square meters (one quarter of A0). Providing a balanced medium-large format, it is standard for fine-art photographic prints, architectural site overviews, large wall calendars, and retail window display posters.
Specification Comparison Table
7 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Width × Height (Metric)
|
841 × 1189 mm | 420 × 594 mm |
|
Width × Height (Imperial)
|
33.1 × 46.8 in | 16.5 × 23.4 in |
|
Nominal Surface Area
|
1.000 m² (1,000,000 mm²) | 0.250 m² (250,000 mm²) |
|
Exact Aspect Ratio
|
1 : √2 (1 : 1.4142 — Lichtenberg ratio) | 1 : √2 (1 : 1.4142) |
|
Weight of Standard 80 gsm Sheet
|
80.0 grams exactly | 20.0 grams |
|
Halving Relationship
|
Cut in half across length yields 2 sheets of A1 | Cut in half yields 2 sheets of A3 |
|
Primary Applications
|
Architectural blueprints, GIS cartography, technical CAD schematics, academic research posters | Artistic photographic prints, desk calendars, sales territory charts, school classroom diagrams |