When it comes to printing and document creation, choosing the right paper size is crucial for achieving professional results. Two of the most commonly used paper sizes in the United States are Letter and Legal. While they may seem similar, they have distinct differences in terms of dimensions, usage, and applications. In this article, we'll explore the differences between Letter and Legal paper sizes, and provide guidance on when to use each.
The Letter paper size, also known as ANSI A, measures 8.5 x 11 inches (21.59 x 27.94 cm). It is the standard paper size used in most office and home printing applications, including printing documents, reports, and letters. On the other hand, Legal paper, also known as ANSI B, measures 8.5 x 14 inches (21.59 x 35.56 cm). The extra 3 inches in length make it ideal for printing longer documents, such as contracts, agreements, and resumes.
Letter vs Legal Size: Key Differences
The primary difference between Letter and Legal paper sizes is their length. Letter paper is 11 inches long, while Legal paper is 14 inches long. This extra length makes Legal paper more suitable for printing documents that require more space, such as:
- Contracts and agreements
- Resumes and cover letters
- Reports and proposals
- Legal documents and briefs
When to Use Letter Size
Letter size paper is suitable for most everyday printing needs, including:
- Printing documents, reports, and letters
- Creating flyers, brochures, and marketing materials
- Printing photos and images
- General office and home printing applications
In general, Letter size paper is a good choice when you need to print standard-sized documents that don't require extra length.
When to Use Legal Size
Legal size paper is ideal for printing documents that require more space, such as:
- Contracts and agreements
- Resumes and cover letters
- Reports and proposals that require more detail
- Legal documents and briefs
In general, Legal size paper is a good choice when you need to print documents that require more length, such as contracts, agreements, or resumes.
| Paper Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 8.5 x 11 | 21.59 x 27.94 | General office and home printing, documents, reports, letters |
| Legal | 8.5 x 14 | 21.59 x 35.56 | Contracts, agreements, resumes, reports, legal documents |
Key Points
- Letter paper size measures 8.5 x 11 inches, while Legal paper size measures 8.5 x 14 inches.
- Letter paper is suitable for general office and home printing applications.
- Legal paper is ideal for printing documents that require more space, such as contracts and agreements.
- The extra length of Legal paper makes it more suitable for printing longer documents.
- Choose the right paper size based on your specific printing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Letter and Legal paper sizes?
+The main difference between Letter and Legal paper sizes is their length. Letter paper measures 8.5 x 11 inches, while Legal paper measures 8.5 x 14 inches.
When should I use Letter size paper?
+You should use Letter size paper for general office and home printing applications, such as printing documents, reports, and letters.
When should I use Legal size paper?
+You should use Legal size paper for printing documents that require more space, such as contracts, agreements, resumes, and reports.
Can I use Letter size paper for printing contracts and agreements?
+While you can use Letter size paper for printing contracts and agreements, it's recommended to use Legal size paper for these types of documents due to their extra length.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between Letter and Legal paper sizes is crucial for achieving professional results in printing and document creation. By choosing the right paper size for your specific needs, you can ensure that your documents are printed correctly and effectively.
