A4 vs Executive
| A4 | Executive | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 210 × 297 | 184.15 × 266.7 |
| Inches | 8.27 × 11.69 | 7.25 × 10.5 |
| Centimetres | 21 × 29.7 | 18.4 × 26.7 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.45 |
| Area | 623.7 cm² | 491.1 cm² |
Which is bigger
A4, by 27% in area. A4 is 25.8 mm wider than Executive. A4 is 30.3 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A Executive page fits inside A4 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 12.9 mm border down each side and 15.2 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A4 artwork on Executive paper | 87.7% | 0 × 6.3 mm margin |
| Executive artwork on A4 paper | 111.4% | 4.9 × 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: A4 is 1:1.41 and Executive is 1:1.45. 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 6.3 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A4 and Executive?
A4 is 210 × 297 mm and Executive is 184.15 × 266.7 mm. A4 is the larger of the two by 27% in area.
Can I print A4 on Executive?
Not at full size. Scale it to 87.7% and it fits inside Executive with 0 × 6.3 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A4 or Executive?
A4 — 210 × 297 mm against 184.15 × 266.7 mm, which is 27% more area.
A4 in full · Executive in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes