A1 vs A4
| A1 | A4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 594 × 841 | 210 × 297 |
| Inches | 23.39 × 33.11 | 8.27 × 11.69 |
| Centimetres | 59.4 × 84.1 | 21 × 29.7 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.42 | 1:1.41 |
| Area | 4995.5 cm² | 623.7 cm² |
Which is bigger
A1 is 8 times the area of A4. They are 3 steps apart in the A series and each step halves the sheet, so the multiple is two to the power of 3. The number in the name going up while the sheet goes down is why this has to be asked rather than read off.
A1 is 384 mm wider than A4. A1 is 544 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A A4 page fits inside A1 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 192 mm border down each side and 272 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A1 artwork on A4 paper | 35.3% | 0.2 × 0 mm margin |
| A4 artwork on A1 paper | 282.9% | 0 × 0.9 mm margin |
These are the numbers for the "custom scale" box in a print dialog. "Fit to page" computes the same thing, but knowing the figure tells you in advance whether the result will look deliberate or accidental.
Why the shapes matter
The proportions differ: A1 is 1:1.42 and A4 is 1:1.41. That difference is why a layout moved between them never quite lines up — scale it to fit one edge and the other is left with 0.2 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A1 and A4?
A1 is 594 × 841 mm and A4 is 210 × 297 mm. A1 is the larger of the two by 701% in area.
Can I print A1 on A4?
Not at full size. Scale it to 35.3% and it fits inside A4 with 0.2 × 0 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A1 or A4?
A1 — 594 × 841 mm against 210 × 297 mm, which is 701% more area.
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