A4 vs Legal
| A4 | Legal | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 210 × 297 | 215.9 × 355.6 |
| Inches | 8.27 × 11.69 | 8.5 × 14 |
| Centimetres | 21 × 29.7 | 21.6 × 35.6 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.65 |
| Area | 623.7 cm² | 767.7 cm² |
Which is bigger
Legal, by 23.1% in area. Legal is 5.9 mm wider than A4. Legal is 58.6 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A A4 page fits inside Legal whole — print it at 100% and you get a 3 mm border down each side and 29.3 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A4 artwork on Legal paper | 102.8% | 0 × 50.3 mm margin |
| Legal artwork on A4 paper | 83.5% | 29.7 × 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 Legal is 1:1.65. 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 50.3 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A4 and Legal?
A4 is 210 × 297 mm and Legal is 215.9 × 355.6 mm. Legal is the larger of the two by 23.1% in area.
Can I print A4 on Legal?
Yes, at 100% — A4 is smaller on both edges, so it lands inside Legal with a border all round.
Which is bigger, A4 or Legal?
Legal — 215.9 × 355.6 mm against 210 × 297 mm, which is 23.1% more area.
A4 in full · Legal in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes