đ Complete Paper Sizes Guide
UK printing dimensions, bleed settings, and folding options - everything you need to know!
đŧ Business Cards - UK Standard Sizes
Business cards are the most common print item we produce. Here are the exact dimensions you need to know:
đ Standard UK Business Card
Finished Size: 85mm x 55mm
Orientation: Landscape (wide)
With 3mm Bleed: 91mm x 61mm
Safe Area: Keep text 3mm from edges
This is the standard size used across the UK and most of Europe.
đ US Business Card
Finished Size: 89mm x 51mm (3.5" x 2")
Orientation: Landscape (wide)
With 3mm Bleed: 95mm x 57mm
Safe Area: Keep text 3mm from edges
American standard - slightly wider and shorter than UK cards.
đ Square Business Card
Finished Size: 55mm x 55mm
Orientation: Square
With 3mm Bleed: 61mm x 61mm
Safe Area: Keep text 3mm from edges
Modern, eye-catching alternative to standard cards.
đ Mini Business Card
Finished Size: 70mm x 28mm
Orientation: Landscape (wide)
With 3mm Bleed: 76mm x 34mm
Safe Area: Keep text 3mm from edges
Compact size, perfect for modern minimalist designs.
Visual Size Comparison:
đĄ Business Card Quick Tips:
- Always landscape orientation - business cards are wider than they are tall
- UK standard is most popular - fits perfectly in wallets and cardholders
- Include 3mm bleed if your design goes to the edge
- Text readability is crucial - don't go smaller than 8pt font
- Safe area is vital - keep important info 3mm from edges
đ A Paper Sizes - Complete Guide
The A series is the international standard for paper sizes. Each size is exactly half the area of the next larger size:
How A Sizes Work:
A0 is the largest (1 square metre). Each smaller size is exactly half: A1 is half of A0, A2 is half of A1, and so on.
Small Format A Sizes (A7 - A4)
đ A7 - Small Cards & Tags
Finished Size: 74mm x 105mm
With 3mm Bleed: 80mm x 111mm
Common Uses: Small flyers, greeting cards, tags
Best For: Promotional cards, event tickets
đ A6 - Postcards & Invites
Finished Size: 105mm x 148mm
With 3mm Bleed: 111mm x 154mm
Common Uses: Postcards, invitations, small flyers
Best For: Wedding invites, promotional postcards
đ A5 - Leaflets & Booklets
Finished Size: 148mm x 210mm
With 3mm Bleed: 154mm x 216mm
Common Uses: Leaflets, small brochures, notebooks
Best For: Restaurant menus, event programs
đ A4 - Standard Documents
Finished Size: 210mm x 297mm
With 3mm Bleed: 216mm x 303mm
Common Uses: Letters, flyers, brochures, reports
Best For: Most common business documents
Large Format A Sizes (A3 - A0)
đ A3 - Small Posters
Finished Size: 297mm x 420mm
With 3mm Bleed: 303mm x 426mm
Common Uses: Small posters, presentations, drawings
Best For: Office displays, small advertisements
đ A2 - Medium Posters
Finished Size: 420mm x 594mm
With 3mm Bleed: 426mm x 600mm
Common Uses: Posters, architectural drawings
Best For: Window displays, event posters
đ A1 - Large Posters
Finished Size: 594mm x 841mm
With 3mm Bleed: 600mm x 847mm
Common Uses: Large posters, technical drawings
Best For: Shop windows, exhibition displays
đ A0 - Extra Large Posters
Finished Size: 841mm x 1189mm
With 3mm Bleed: 847mm x 1195mm
Common Uses: Large format posters, architectural plans
Best For: Exhibition stands, large advertisements
đ Quick A Size Reference
| Size | Dimensions (mm) | With 3mm Bleed | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A7 | 74 x 105 | 80 x 111 | Small cards, tags |
| A6 | 105 x 148 | 111 x 154 | Postcards, invites |
| A5 | 148 x 210 | 154 x 216 | Leaflets, booklets |
| A4 | 210 x 297 | 216 x 303 | Documents, flyers |
| A3 | 297 x 420 | 303 x 426 | Small posters |
| A2 | 420 x 594 | 426 x 600 | Medium posters |
| A1 | 594 x 841 | 600 x 847 | Large posters |
| A0 | 841 x 1189 | 847 x 1195 | Extra large posters |
đ Folded Leaflets & Brochures
Folding creates different finished sizes from standard paper dimensions. Here are the most popular folded formats:
A4 Folded Options
đ A4 to A5 (Half Fold)
Flat Size: 210mm x 297mm
Folded Size: 105mm x 210mm (A5)
With Bleed: 216mm x 303mm flat
Pages Created: 4 pages (2 inside, 2 outside)
Most popular fold - perfect for brochures and programs.
đ A4 to A6 (Quarter Fold)
Flat Size: 210mm x 297mm
Folded Size: 105mm x 148.5mm
With Bleed: 216mm x 303mm flat
Pages Created: 8 pages
Compact size, great for detailed information booklets.
đ A4 Tri-fold
Flat Size: 210mm x 297mm
Panel Size: 70mm x 297mm (3 panels)
With Bleed: 216mm x 303mm flat
Pages Created: 6 panels (3 front, 3 back)
Classic brochure format - fits perfectly in standard envelopes.
đ A4 Z-fold (Concertina)
Flat Size: 210mm x 297mm
Panel Size: 70mm x 297mm (3 panels)
With Bleed: 216mm x 303mm flat
Fold Style: Accordion/zigzag fold
Opens like an accordion - great for timelines and step-by-step guides.
A3 Folded Options
đ A3 to A4 (Half Fold)
Flat Size: 297mm x 420mm
Folded Size: 210mm x 297mm (A4)
With Bleed: 303mm x 426mm flat
Pages Created: 4 pages
Creates a substantial A4 booklet with more space for content.
đ A3 to A5 (Quarter Fold)
Flat Size: 297mm x 420mm
Folded Size: 148.5mm x 210mm
With Bleed: 303mm x 426mm flat
Pages Created: 8 pages
Perfect for detailed brochures and small catalogs.
â ī¸ Important Folding Considerations:
- Fold lines affect design - avoid placing important text or images across fold areas
- Tri-fold panels aren't equal - the inside panel is usually 2-3mm narrower
- Heavy paper doesn't fold well - 300gsm+ may crack when folded
- Grain direction matters - paper folds better with the grain
- Score before folding - we can add score lines for clean, professional folds
đĸ Large Format Printing Sizes
Large format printing covers everything from posters to massive outdoor displays. Here are the most common sizes:
Roller Banners & Pull-up Displays
đĸ Standard Roller Banner
Finished Size: 800mm x 2000mm
With Bleed: 850mm x 2000mm
Bleed Note: Only add 25mm bleed to width, not height
Best For: Trade shows, retail displays, events
Most popular size - fits through standard doorways.
đĸ Wide Roller Banner
Finished Size: 1000mm x 2000mm
With Bleed: 1050mm x 2000mm
Bleed Note: Only add 25mm bleed to width
Best For: Large displays, backdrop walls
Wider impact for bigger spaces and events.
đĸ Premium Roller Banner
Finished Size: 1200mm x 2000mm
With Bleed: 1250mm x 2000mm
Bleed Note: Only add 25mm bleed to width
Best For: Premium displays, conference backdrops
Maximum impact for professional presentations.
đĸ Desktop Roller Banner
Finished Size: 420mm x 297mm (A3 landscape)
With Bleed: 426mm x 303mm
Best For: Reception desks, countertop displays
Perfect for smaller spaces and point-of-sale.
Outdoor Banners & Signage
đĒ PVC Banner - Small
Common Size: 1000mm x 500mm
With Bleed: 1006mm x 506mm
Material: 440gsm PVC with eyelets
Best For: Shop fronts, small outdoor displays
đĒ PVC Banner - Medium
Common Size: 2000mm x 1000mm
With Bleed: 2006mm x 1006mm
Material: 440gsm PVC with eyelets
Best For: Building sides, event advertising
đĒ PVC Banner - Large
Common Size: 3000mm x 1500mm
With Bleed: 3006mm x 1506mm
Material: 440gsm PVC with eyelets
Best For: Large outdoor advertising, scaffolding
đĒ Mesh Banner
Common Size: Custom sizes available
Material: Perforated mesh PVC
Wind Reduction: 50% less wind resistance
Best For: High-wind areas, building wraps
Exhibition & Display Boards
đ Foamex Board - A4
Finished Size: 210mm x 297mm
With Bleed: 216mm x 303mm
Thickness: 3mm or 5mm
Best For: Point of sale, indoor displays
đ Foamex Board - A3
Finished Size: 297mm x 420mm
With Bleed: 303mm x 426mm
Thickness: 3mm, 5mm, or 10mm
Best For: Shop displays, exhibition stands
đ Foamex Board - A2
Finished Size: 420mm x 594mm
With Bleed: 426mm x 600mm
Thickness: 5mm or 10mm
Best For: Large displays, outdoor signs
đ Foamex Board - A1
Finished Size: 594mm x 841mm
With Bleed: 600mm x 847mm
Thickness: 5mm or 10mm
Best For: Building signs, large displays
đĄ Large Format Tips:
- Resolution requirements are lower - 150 DPI is fine for most large format
- Viewing distance matters - banners viewed from far away need less detail
- Wind load considerations - mesh banners reduce wind resistance by 50%
- Eyelets and fixings - we add reinforced eyelets every 500mm for secure mounting
- Weather resistance - UV-resistant inks ensure colors don't fade outdoors
âī¸ Custom Sizes & Special Formats
Not everything fits standard sizes! We can print virtually any custom dimension you need:
Popular Custom Sizes
đ DL (1/3 A4) Leaflets
Finished Size: 99mm x 210mm
With Bleed: 105mm x 216mm
Origin: A4 folded into thirds
Best For: Rack leaflets, mailers
Perfect for leaflet dispensers and direct mail.
đ CD/DVD Covers
Finished Size: 120mm x 120mm
With Bleed: 126mm x 126mm
Format: Square
Best For: CD cases, album artwork
Standard jewel case insert size.
đ Compliment Slips
Finished Size: 210mm x 99mm (A4/3)
With Bleed: 216mm x 105mm
Format: Landscape
Best For: Corporate stationery
Third of an A4 sheet - economical and professional.
đ Door Hangers
Finished Size: 105mm x 210mm
With Bleed: 111mm x 216mm
Special Feature: Die-cut hole for door handle
Best For: Local marketing, promotions
Effective direct marketing tool for local businesses.
Special Finishing Options
âī¸ Die Cutting
Process: Custom shapes cut to your design
Options: Rounded corners, custom shapes, windows
Additional Cost: ÂŖ15-50 setup fee
Best For: Unique business cards, promotional items
đ Perforation
Process: Tear-off sections with perforated lines
Options: Horizontal or vertical perfs
Best For: Tickets, coupons, reply slips
đ Scoring
Process: Indented lines for clean folding
Benefits: Prevents cracking on heavy papers
Best For: Greeting cards, heavy stock brochures
đŗī¸ Drilling
Process: Holes punched for binding
Options: 2-hole, 4-hole, or custom patterns
Best For: Ring binders, presentation folders
đĄ Custom Size Guidelines:
- Minimum size: 50mm x 50mm for most materials
- Maximum size: Limited by our equipment - ask for large format quotes
- Cost considerations: Custom sizes may have higher costs due to paper waste
- Setup fees: Die cutting and special finishes incur one-time setup costs
- Quantity breaks: Custom sizes become more economical with larger quantities
đ Bleed Calculator & Guidelines
Bleed ensures your design prints edge-to-edge without white borders. Here's everything you need to know:
Standard Bleed Requirements
đ Small Format (up to A3)
Bleed Required: 3mm all sides
Safe Area: 3mm from trim edge
Total Addition: +6mm to width and height
Examples: Business cards, leaflets, brochures
đ Large Format (A2 and larger)
Bleed Required: 3-5mm all sides
Safe Area: 5mm from trim edge
Total Addition: +6-10mm to width and height
Examples: Posters, large displays
đĸ Banners & Outdoor
Bleed Required: 25mm on applicable sides
Safe Area: 50mm from edges
Note: Roller banners only need width bleed
Examples: PVC banners, roller banners
đ Rigid Materials
Bleed Required: 3mm all sides
Safe Area: 5mm from trim edge
Note: Foamex, acrylic, dibond boards
Tolerance: Âą2mm cutting tolerance
Quick Bleed Calculator
đ Add Bleed to Your Dimensions:
| Your Size | Add 3mm Bleed | Add 5mm Bleed | Add 25mm Bleed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 x 55mm | 91 x 61mm | 95 x 65mm | 135 x 105mm |
| 148 x 210mm (A5) | 154 x 216mm | 158 x 220mm | 198 x 260mm |
| 210 x 297mm (A4) | 216 x 303mm | 220 x 307mm | 260 x 347mm |
| 297 x 420mm (A3) | 303 x 426mm | 307 x 430mm | 347 x 470mm |
| 800 x 2000mm | 806 x 2006mm | 810 x 2010mm | 850 x 2050mm |
â ī¸ Common Bleed Mistakes:
- No bleed provided - Results in white edges after cutting
- Insufficient bleed - 1-2mm isn't enough for professional printing
- Text in bleed area - Important content gets cut off
- White backgrounds - Still need bleed if design touches edges
- Asymmetric bleed - Must be equal on all applicable sides
đ Portrait vs Landscape Orientation
Understanding orientation is crucial for getting your printing right. Here's how to tell the difference:
đą Portrait Orientation
Definition: Taller than it is wide
Height > Width
Think: Portrait painting, mobile phone
Example: A4 = 210mm wide x 297mm tall
Most common for documents, letters, and flyers.
đĨī¸ Landscape Orientation
Definition: Wider than it is tall
Width > Height
Think: Landscape photo, computer screen
Example: A4 = 297mm wide x 210mm tall
Common for business cards, certificates, and presentations.
âšī¸ Square Orientation
Definition: Width equals height
Width = Height
Think: Instagram photo, CD cover
Example: 150mm x 150mm
Modern, eye-catching format for special designs.
Common Orientation Guidelines
| Product Type | Standard Orientation | Alternative Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Cards | Landscape | Portrait, Square | Landscape is most common |
| Leaflets/Flyers | Portrait | Landscape | Both equally popular |
| Brochures | Portrait | Landscape, Square | Depends on content flow |
| Posters | Portrait | Landscape | Portrait more impactful |
| Banners | Landscape | Portrait | Landscape for readability |
| Certificates | Landscape | Portrait | Traditional format |
| Invitations | Portrait | Landscape, Square | Formal vs modern styles |
đĄ Orientation Tips:
- Check your order details - make sure orientation matches what you ordered
- Consider the content - lots of text usually works better in portrait
- Think about display method - wall-mounted items often work better in portrait
- Standard expectations - some products have expected orientations
- File naming - include orientation in filename (e.g., "flyer-A5-portrait.pdf")
đĄ Professional Printing Tips
Expert advice to ensure your printing is perfect every time:
Design & Layout Tips
đ¨ Design Considerations
- Keep important text 3-5mm from edges
- Use CMYK color mode for accurate printing
- Minimum font size: 8pt for body text
- Avoid thin lines: Minimum 0.25pt thickness
- High contrast: Ensure text is readable
đ Size & Scaling Tips
- Design at actual size when possible
- Use professional software for best results
- Check dimensions twice before sending
- Consider viewing distance for large formats
- Test print small sections on home printer
đŧī¸ Image & Graphics Tips
- 300 DPI for small format (business cards, A4)
- 150 DPI for large format (posters, banners)
- Vector graphics preferred for logos and text
- Avoid web images - usually too low resolution
- Check image sharpness at 100% zoom
đ File Preparation Tips
- Save as PDF with "Press Quality" settings
- Embed all fonts to prevent substitution
- Include bleed where design goes to edge
- Flatten transparency to avoid issues
- Name files clearly with dimensions
Paper & Material Selection
đ Choosing the Right Paper:
- Business Cards: 350-400gsm for premium feel
- Leaflets: 130-170gsm for easy handling
- Brochures: 200-250gsm for quality presentation
- Posters: 170gsm silk for sharp colors
- Outdoor Banners: 440gsm PVC for durability
- Indoor Displays: 5mm Foamex for lightweight rigidity
Quality Control Checklist
â Before You Send Your Files:
- Spell check everything - printing mistakes are permanent
- Check contact details - phone numbers, email addresses
- Verify dimensions - measure twice, print once
- Review colors on calibrated monitor if possible
- Print a test page on your home printer
- Get a second pair of eyes to review your design
- Check file opens correctly in PDF viewer
đ Pro Printing Secrets:
- Order samples first - see paper quality before large orders
- Consider finishing options - lamination, UV coating add impact
- Plan for cutting tolerances - Âą0.5mm is normal
- Batch similar items - more economical pricing
- Ask about quantity breaks - sometimes printing more costs less per item
- Schedule delivery time - allow 24-48 hours for quality work
Ready to Print?
Use this guide to prepare perfect artwork, then send it our way for professional printing!