A2 vs ANSI C
| A2 | ANSI C | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 420 × 594 | 431.8 × 558.8 |
| Inches | 16.54 × 23.39 | 17 × 22 |
| Centimetres | 42 × 59.4 | 43.2 × 55.9 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.29 |
| Area | 2494.8 cm² | 2412.9 cm² |
Which is bigger
A2, by 3.4% in area. ANSI C is 11.8 mm wider than A2. A2 is 35.2 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
Neither sheet fits inside the other at full size: ANSI C is the wider of the two while A2 is the taller, so each overruns the other on one edge. Whichever way you go, something has to scale or crop.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A2 artwork on ANSI C paper | 94.1% | 36.7 × 0 mm margin |
| ANSI C artwork on A2 paper | 97.3% | 0 × 50.5 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 ANSI C is 1:1.29. 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 36.7 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A2 and ANSI C?
A2 is 420 × 594 mm and ANSI C is 431.8 × 558.8 mm. A2 is the larger of the two by 3.4% in area.
Can I print A2 on ANSI C?
Not at full size. Scale it to 94.1% and it fits inside ANSI C with 36.7 × 0 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A2 or ANSI C?
A2 — 420 × 594 mm against 431.8 × 558.8 mm, which is 3.4% more area.
A2 in full · ANSI C in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes