A2 vs Photo 16×20
| A2 | Photo 16×20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 420 × 594 | 406.4 × 508 |
| Inches | 16.54 × 23.39 | 16 × 20 |
| Centimetres | 42 × 59.4 | 40.6 × 50.8 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.25 |
| Area | 2494.8 cm² | 2064.5 cm² |
Which is bigger
A2, by 20.8% in area. A2 is 13.6 mm wider than Photo 16×20. A2 is 86 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A Photo 16×20 page fits inside A2 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 6.8 mm border down each side and 43 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A2 artwork on Photo 16×20 paper | 85.5% | 47.2 × 0 mm margin |
| Photo 16×20 artwork on A2 paper | 103.3% | 0 × 69 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 Photo 16×20 is 1:1.25. 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 47.2 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A2 and Photo 16×20?
A2 is 420 × 594 mm and Photo 16×20 is 406.4 × 508 mm. A2 is the larger of the two by 20.8% in area.
Can I print A2 on Photo 16×20?
Not at full size. Scale it to 85.5% and it fits inside Photo 16×20 with 47.2 × 0 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A2 or Photo 16×20?
A2 — 420 × 594 mm against 406.4 × 508 mm, which is 20.8% more area.
A2 in full · Photo 16×20 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes