A3 vs Tabloid
| A3 | Tabloid | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 297 × 420 | 279.4 × 431.8 |
| Inches | 11.69 × 16.54 | 11 × 17 |
| Centimetres | 29.7 × 42 | 27.9 × 43.2 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.55 |
| Area | 1247.4 cm² | 1206.4 cm² |
Which is bigger
A3, by 3.4% in area. A3 is 17.6 mm wider than Tabloid. Tabloid is 11.8 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
Neither sheet fits inside the other at full size: A3 is the wider of the two while Tabloid 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 |
|---|---|---|
| A3 artwork on Tabloid paper | 94.1% | 0 × 36.7 mm margin |
| Tabloid artwork on A3 paper | 97.3% | 25.2 × 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: A3 is 1:1.41 and Tabloid is 1:1.55. 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 A3 and Tabloid?
A3 is 297 × 420 mm and Tabloid is 279.4 × 431.8 mm. A3 is the larger of the two by 3.4% in area.
Can I print A3 on Tabloid?
Not at full size. Scale it to 94.1% and it fits inside Tabloid with 0 × 36.7 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A3 or Tabloid?
A3 — 297 × 420 mm against 279.4 × 431.8 mm, which is 3.4% more area.
A3 in full · Tabloid in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes