Paper Size: what is a “standard” size?
The basic American size is 8-1/2″ x11″ because both paper and printing presses are made around this size. Appropriate paper sizes also include derivatives of 8-1/2 “x 11″: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″(half a sheet); 11″x17″ (2 sheets wide) 22″x34″ etc. Sizes based on 8-1/2″x11” are the most economical. Printer’s can offer you any size you choose, but standard sizes are more efficient in utilizing paper and equipment. Odd sizes just make you pay for extra paper that gets tossed away. (or a smart printer uses it for their own give away notepads) Note that “legal” size of 8-1/2″x14″ is not an economical size. European sizes (metric based sizes) vary slightly (8-1/4″x 11-3/4″).
