# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison A-Series (ISO 216)

A4 vs. A8

Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 8 key differences identified.

Comparing:
A4 A4
A8 A8

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.

View full A4 spec sheet →

A8 is an ISO 216 standard paper size measuring 52 × 74 mm (2.05 × 2.91 inches), with a surface area of 1/256 square meter. Approximately matching the footprint of standard bank payment cards, it is standard for European business cards, loyalty stamps, retail price tags, and transit ticket stubs.

View full A8 spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

9 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
A4 A4
A8 A8
Width × Height (Metric)
210 × 297 mm 52 × 74 mm
Width × Height (Imperial)
8.27 × 11.69 in 2.05 × 2.91 in
Nominal Surface Area
0.0625 m² (1/16 m² — 62,500 mm²) 0.00390625 m² (1/256 m² — 3,848 mm²)
Exact Aspect Ratio
1 : √2 (1 : 1.4142) 1 : √2 (1 : 1.4142)
Weight of Standard 80 gsm Sheet
5.0 grams exactly 0.3125 grams
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)
Comparison to ISO 7810 ID-1
Slightly smaller than credit card size (85.60 × 53.98 mm)
Primary Applications
European calling cards, retail product price swing tags, barcode labels, flash cards