A4 vs Photo 8×12
| A4 | Photo 8×12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 210 × 297 | 203.2 × 304.8 |
| Inches | 8.27 × 11.69 | 8 × 12 |
| Centimetres | 21 × 29.7 | 20.3 × 30.5 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.5 |
| Area | 623.7 cm² | 619.4 cm² |
Which is bigger
A4, by 0.7% in area. A4 is 6.8 mm wider than Photo 8×12. Photo 8×12 is 7.8 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
Neither sheet fits inside the other at full size: A4 is the wider of the two while Photo 8×12 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 |
|---|---|---|
| A4 artwork on Photo 8×12 paper | 96.8% | 0 × 17.4 mm margin |
| Photo 8×12 artwork on A4 paper | 97.4% | 12 × 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 Photo 8×12 is 1:1.5. 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 17.4 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A4 and Photo 8×12?
A4 is 210 × 297 mm and Photo 8×12 is 203.2 × 304.8 mm. A4 is the larger of the two by 0.7% in area.
Can I print A4 on Photo 8×12?
Not at full size. Scale it to 96.8% and it fits inside Photo 8×12 with 0 × 17.4 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A4 or Photo 8×12?
A4 — 210 × 297 mm against 203.2 × 304.8 mm, which is 0.7% more area.
A4 in full · Photo 8×12 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes