A2 vs A5
| A2 | A5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 420 × 594 | 148 × 210 |
| Inches | 16.54 × 23.39 | 5.83 × 8.27 |
| Centimetres | 42 × 59.4 | 14.8 × 21 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.42 |
| Area | 2494.8 cm² | 310.8 cm² |
Which is bigger
A2 is 8 times the area of A5. 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.
A2 is 272 mm wider than A5. A2 is 384 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A A5 page fits inside A2 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 136 mm border down each side and 192 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A2 artwork on A5 paper | 35.2% | 0 × 0.7 mm margin |
| A5 artwork on A2 paper | 282.9% | 1.4 × 0 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: A2 is 1:1.41 and A5 is 1:1.42. 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 0.7 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A2 and A5?
A2 is 420 × 594 mm and A5 is 148 × 210 mm. A2 is the larger of the two by 702.7% in area.
Can I print A2 on A5?
Not at full size. Scale it to 35.2% and it fits inside A5 with 0 × 0.7 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A2 or A5?
A2 — 420 × 594 mm against 148 × 210 mm, which is 702.7% more area.
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A2 in full · A5 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes