A0, A1, A2, A3 and A4 paper sizes for plans and drawings
A0 paper is 841 × 1189 mm, A1 is 594 × 841 mm, A2 is 420 × 594 mm, A3 is 297 × 420 mm and A4 is 210 × 297 mm. Each size is exactly half the area of the one above it, which is why a drawing reduced from A1 to A3 prints at half its original scale.
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Paper size chart
| Size | Millimetres | Centimetres | Inches | Area | Typically used for | Print price per sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | 84.1 × 118.9 cm | 33.1 × 46.8 in | 0.9999 m² | Large site plans, long sections, survey and masterplan drawings | £12.00 per sheet in colour |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 59.4 × 84.1 cm | 23.4 × 33.1 in | 0.4996 m² | Standard size for architectural and engineering working drawings | £4.95 per sheet in colour |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 42 × 59.4 cm | 16.5 × 23.4 in | 0.2495 m² | Smaller projects, details, presentation boards | £4.50 per sheet in colour |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 29.7 × 42 cm | 11.7 × 16.5 in | 0.1247 m² | Reduced drawing sets, client packs, planning submissions | £2.00 per sheet in colour |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 21 × 29.7 cm | 8.3 × 11.7 in | 0.0624 m² | Schedules, specifications, small details and sketches | £0.50 per sheet in colour |
Which paper size should I print my plans on?
Print on the size the drawing was drawn for. The intended sheet size is shown in the drawing’s title block (for example “A1” or “Original size A1”). Printing on that size keeps the drawing at the scale stated on it.
- A0 for large site layouts, masterplans, long sections and surveys.
- A1 for most architectural and engineering working drawings. It is the most common plan size in the UK.
- A2 for smaller projects, details and presentation boards.
- A3 for reduced copies of A1 drawings, client packs and documents that need to fold into a folder.
- A4 for schedules, specifications and small details.
How printing size changes drawing scale
Each A size is the previous one folded in half, so its sides are about 71% (1 ÷ √2) as long. Reducing a drawing changes its scale:
| Drawn at | Printed on | Linear size | Effective scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:100 on A1 | A1 | 100% | 1:100 |
| 1:100 on A1 | A2 | 71% | about 1:141 (not a standard scale) |
| 1:100 on A1 | A3 | 50% | 1:200 |
| 1:50 on A0 | A1 | 71% | about 1:71 (not a standard scale) |
| 1:50 on A0 | A2 | 50% | 1:100 |
| 1:500 on A1 | A3 | 50% | 1:1000 |
Reducing by two sizes (A1 → A3 or A0 → A2) halves the drawing exactly, giving a standard scale. Reducing by one size does not, so label one-size reductions “not to scale”.
How to check the page size of a PDF
- Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Go to File → Properties (or press Ctrl+D / Cmd+D).
- Look at Page Size on the Description tab. 841 × 594 mm (or 33.1 × 23.4 in) is A1; 1189 × 841 mm (46.8 × 33.1 in) is A0.
If the PDF page size does not match the paper you want, re-export the drawing from your CAD software at the right sheet size, or add a note to the plan when you order and we will contact you before printing.
Exporting drawings to PDF for printing
- Plot or export at 100% / 1:1 to a PDF page that matches your sheet size (e.g. “ISO full bleed A1 (841.00 × 594.00 mm)”).
- Avoid “fit to page” when the drawing needs to stay to scale.
- Include a scale bar so printed drawings can be checked.
- Export each sheet as a page; one PDF with many pages is fine.
Paper size questions
What size is A1 paper?
A1 paper is 594 × 841 mm (59.4 × 84.1 cm, or 23.4 × 33.1 inches). It is the most common sheet size for architectural and engineering drawings in the UK.
What size is A0 paper?
A0 paper is 841 × 1189 mm (84.1 × 118.9 cm, or 33.1 × 46.8 inches) and has an area of exactly one square metre. Every other A size is derived by halving it.
What happens to the scale if I print an A1 drawing on A3?
An A1 drawing printed on A3 is reduced to exactly 50%, so a drawing at 1:100 becomes 1:200 and one at 1:50 becomes 1:100. Printing A1 on A2 reduces it to about 71%, which is not a standard scale.
Will my plans be printed to scale?
Yes, as long as the PDF page size matches the paper size you order. If your drawing is set up at 1:100 on an A1 page and you order A1, it prints at 1:100. If you order a smaller size, the drawing is reduced: an A1 drawing printed on A3 is half size, so 1:100 becomes 1:200. If a page size does not match your chosen paper, add a note to that plan and we will contact you before printing. See our paper size guide.
Ready to print your plans?
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