A2 vs. A4
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.
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.
A4 is the international standard paper format defined by ISO 216, measuring 210 × 297 mm (8.27 × 11.69 inches). Utilized by over 140 countries representing approximately 95% of the world's population, it is the universal standard for business letters, official contracts, academic papers, magazine publishing, and desktop office printers.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Width × Height (Metric)
|
420 × 594 mm | 210 × 297 mm |
|
Width × Height (Imperial)
|
16.5 × 23.4 in | 8.27 × 11.69 in |
|
Nominal Surface Area
|
0.250 m² (250,000 mm²) | 0.0625 m² (1/16 m² — 62,500 mm²) |
|
Exact Aspect Ratio
|
1 : √2 (1 : 1.4142) | 1 : √2 (1 : 1.4142) |
|
Weight of Standard 80 gsm Sheet
|
20.0 grams | 5.0 grams exactly |
|
Halving Relationship
|
Cut in half yields 2 sheets of A3 | — |
|
Primary Applications
|
Artistic photographic prints, desk calendars, sales territory charts, school classroom diagrams | — |
|
Weight of 500-Sheet Ream (80 gsm)
|
— | 2.50 kg (5.51 lbs) |
|
Postal Envelope Pairings
|
— | C4 (unfolded), C5 (folded once), C6 (folded twice), DL (folded in thirds) |