Arch D vs. US Tabloid / Ledger
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Arch D (Architectural D) is the dominant commercial architectural drawing paper format in the United States, measuring exactly 24.0 × 36.0 inches (609.6 × 914.4 mm). Operating on a clean 2:3 aspect ratio, it is the mandated standard for US building permit architectural blueprints, construction site floor plans, and residential elevations.
US Tabloid / Ledger (ANSI B) is an ANSI/ASME Y14.1 standard paper size measuring 11.0 × 17.0 inches (279.4 × 431.8 mm). Formed by placing two US Letter sheets side-by-side, it is referred to as 'Tabloid' in portrait orientation (used for newspapers and newsletters) and 'Ledger' in landscape orientation (used for accounting spreadsheets and engineering schematics).
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Width × Height (Imperial)
|
24.00 × 36.00 in | 11.00 × 17.00 in |
|
Width × Height (Metric)
|
609.6 × 914.4 mm | 279.4 × 431.8 mm |
|
Aspect Ratio
|
2 : 3 (1 : 1.5000 — whole integer aspect ratio) | 1 : 1.5455 (11 : 17) |
|
Primary Applications
|
US building permit sets, architectural floor plans, structural framing blueprints, MEP schematics | Community newspapers, corporate financial accounting ledgers, CAD engineering diagrams, folded Letter brochures |
|
Arch Series Hierarchy
|
Arch D = 2 × Arch C (18×24 in) = 4 × Arch B (12×18 in) = 8 × Arch A (9×12 in) | — |
|
Comparison to Engineering ANSI D
|
Arch D (24×36 in) is 2 inches wider and 2 inches longer than ANSI D (22×34 in) | — |
|
Plotter Roll Standard
|
Standard 24-inch and 36-inch wide wide-format bond rolls | — |
|
ANSI Series Designation
|
— | ANSI B (Double ANSI A) |
|
Halving Relationship
|
— | Cut in half across length yields 2 sheets of US Letter (ANSI A) |
|
International ISO Equivalent
|
— | A3 (297 × 420 mm — slightly wider and shorter) |