Toolman

ANSI C vs Photo 16×20

ANSI CPhoto 16×20
Millimetres431.8 × 558.8406.4 × 508
Inches17 × 2216 × 20
Centimetres43.2 × 55.940.6 × 50.8
Aspect ratio1:1.291:1.25
Area2412.9 cm²2064.5 cm²

Which is bigger

ANSI C, by 16.9% in area. ANSI C is 25.4 mm wider than Photo 16×20. ANSI C is 50.8 mm taller.

Printing one on the other

A Photo 16×20 page fits inside ANSI C whole — print it at 100% and you get a 12.7 mm border down each side and 25.4 mm top and bottom.

You wantSet the print scale toLeaves
ANSI C artwork on Photo 16×20 paper90.9%13.9 × 0 mm margin
Photo 16×20 artwork on ANSI C paper106.3%0 × 19 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: ANSI C is 1:1.29 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 13.9 mm of unwanted margin.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ANSI C and Photo 16×20?

ANSI C is 431.8 × 558.8 mm and Photo 16×20 is 406.4 × 508 mm. ANSI C is the larger of the two by 16.9% in area.

Can I print ANSI C on Photo 16×20?

Not at full size. Scale it to 90.9% and it fits inside Photo 16×20 with 13.9 × 0 mm to spare.

Which is bigger, ANSI C or Photo 16×20?

ANSI C — 431.8 × 558.8 mm against 406.4 × 508 mm, which is 16.9% more area.

ANSI C in full · Photo 16×20 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes