Printer Paper Sizes: Letter, Legal, A4, and Beyond

Which paper sizes are common on printers?

Printers are not limited to a single sheet size. Most models support several standard sizes, and the available set is defined by the printer's firmware and paper path. The most common names you will see are Letter, Legal, A4, A5, and Executive. These names refer to fixed dimensions, but the exact measurements are not universal across regions; for instance, Letter is the default in the United States, while A4 is used in most other countries. When you read a spec sheet, it will list which of these standard sizes are supported.

The choice of paper size affects how documents are formatted, how they fit on a page, and how they are folded or filed. For example, Legal size adds extra length for contracts and agreements. Many office printers include Legal in their media list, but some compact home models skip it to keep the footprint small. Always confirm that the printer supports the sizes you need most often.

Some printers also accept banner paper or roll media for wide-format work. The media support is closely tied to the paper path and the tray design, so a compact all-in-one may have fewer size options than a large office model. For more about how trays affect media handling, see our paper tray capacity guide.

International A-series and B-series sizes

Outside the United States, the ISO 216 standard defines the A-series, with A4 being the most common. A3 is twice the size of A4 and is used for posters and spreadsheets. Some printers, especially those meant for business or graphic design, support A3. The B-series is less common but appears on some wide-format and photo printers. B5 is often used for notebooks and may be listed on the spec sheet as an optional size.

If you are buying a printer for international use or for exporting documents, A4 support is essential. Many printers list A4 alongside Letter, but some budget models may only handle Letter. Check the media sizes table in the manual or on the manufacturer website before purchasing.

Envelope and specialty media support

Beyond plain paper, printers commonly handle envelopes, photo paper, labels, and cardstock. The IPP Everywhere standard, which nearly all modern printers support, advertises a 'full range of print media' as a core feature. That means a printer can detect the media type from the driver and adjust ink or toner output accordingly. Envelopes are typically fed from a multipurpose or bypass tray, often one at a time, because they are thicker and have a different shape.

Many models also support finishing options like stapling, punching, and folding, which are described in the same standard. If you expect to print on envelopes or thick media, look for those sizes and weights on the spec sheet. You can also review our printer media type guide for a deeper look at specialty media.

Some photo printers offer dedicated photo paper sizes like 4 by 6 inches or 5 by 7 inches. These are not standard document sizes, so be sure to verify they are listed. Similarly, labels and cardstock have specific weight requirements. Thicker media may need a manual feed or a higher temperature, so the spec sheet often includes a media weight range.

Custom paper sizes and how they work

Most printers let you define a custom paper size in the driver or from the control panel. This is essential for creating banners, certificates, or business documents that use non-standard dimensions. The driver will ask for the width and height, and the printer will feed that sheet through the paper path if it falls within the machine's limits.

Those limits are published on the spec sheet as a minimum and maximum paper size. Stay inside that range to avoid jams or misfeeds. Custom sizes are usually fed through a bypass tray or a dedicated manual feed slot, because the main cassette is sized for standard media.

Before using a custom size, measure the sheet exactly and enter the dimensions. Some printer drivers allow you to save custom size presets for reuse. If the printer has a touchscreen, you can often set the size directly on the control panel without touching the driver.

How to read a paper size spec sheet

The single most reliable way to learn what a printer can accept is to read its published specifications. Look for a section titled 'Media Sizes' or 'Paper Sizes' on the manufacturer's product page. It will list every supported standard size, plus the custom size range and the media weight range. If the printer does not list a size you plan to use, assume it is not supported.

The ENERGY STAR product finder includes a 'Page Sizes' filter, so you can shortlist certified models that match the paper sizes you need. That filter is especially useful when you compare several printers at once.

Spec sheets also indicate which trays support which sizes. Some printers have only a main tray that holds Letter, Legal, and A4, while others add a multipurpose tray that expands the range. The media weight range tells you whether heavy cardstock or light envelopes will feed reliably. Pay attention to these details because they affect the types of jobs you can print without intervention.

Match the paper sizes you actually use

Before you buy, list the paper sizes you expect to print. If you are a legal professional, Legal size will be critical. If you print mostly US Letter office documents, almost any printer will work. For international customers, A4 support is non-negotiable. And if you produce photo cards or signage, confirm that the spec sheet lists your preferred photo paper sizes.

All-in-one printers and wide-format models generally have broader media support, but they are not interchangeable. Always verify the spec sheet and, if possible, test with a single sheet before you commit to a purchase. Compare options in our best all-in-one printers and best wide-format printers roundups to see how specs differ.

Think about future needs as well. If you plan to grow a small business that will print brochures or booklets, a printer with A3 or tabloid support may be worth the extra cost. On the other hand, for basic home use, a standard A4/Letter printer is sufficient and often more compact.

What to pick for your paper size needs

Questions

What is the difference between Letter and A4 paper?

Letter and A4 are two common standard sizes. Letter is mainly used in the United States, while A4 is the standard in most other countries. The dimensions differ, so check your printer's spec sheet for which sizes it supports. Many printers support both, but not all do.

Can I print on custom paper sizes?

Yes, most printers allow custom sizes within a certain range. Look for custom size options in the printer driver or control panel, and verify the minimum and maximum dimensions on the spec sheet. Custom sizes are useful for banners and certificates.

Do all printers support Legal size?

Not all. Many home printers only support Letter and A4, while business-oriented models often add Legal. Always check the media sizes list on the spec sheet before assuming Legal is available.

How do I find out which paper sizes my printer supports?

Check the manual or the manufacturer's spec page. Look for 'Media Sizes' or 'Paper Sizes'. The ENERGY STAR product finder also lets you filter by page sizes, which can help you compare models.

What is a bypass tray and why is it useful?

A bypass tray is a separate feed slot that lets you insert single sheets of unusual size or media without changing the main tray. It is handy for envelopes, cardstock, and custom sizes that do not fit in the standard cassette.

Can I print on both Letter and A4 with the same printer?

Many printers support both Letter and A4, but some budget models may only handle one. Check the spec sheet for both sizes. If both are listed, you can switch paper sizes as needed by changing the tray or using manual feed.