Image & design · Print
A4 to Letter converter.
How much bigger or smaller one paper size is than another, and the scale that fits a page on the other size.
Inputs
Conversion
Pick two paper sizes.
What is the difference between A4 and Letter?
A4 is 210 x 297 mm. US Letter is 8.5 x 11 in, which is 215.9 x 279.4 mm. Letter is 5.9 mm wider and 17.6 mm shorter than A4, so an A4 page printed at 100% on Letter loses its bottom edge, or you scale it down to about 94.1% to keep the whole page. A4 keeps the ISO ratio of the square root of 2 (1.414); Letter is 1.294.
"Fit" is the largest scale at which the whole page stays inside the target. "Fill" is the smallest scale that covers the target, cutting off whatever hangs over. The optional margin shrinks the target by the unprintable edge your printer needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is A4 bigger than Letter?
A4 is taller (297 mm against 279.4 mm) but narrower (210 mm against 215.9 mm). Letter has more width, A4 more height.
What scale do I use to print A4 on Letter?
About 94.1% to fit the whole page (279.4 / 297). With a 5 mm printer margin all around it drops to about 90.7%. Most print dialogs call this "fit to page".
What scale do I use to print Letter on A4?
About 97.3% (210 / 215.9) to fit the width. The tool shows the reverse figure for your chosen pair.
Why does an A4 PDF get cut off on Letter paper?
Because the page is 17.6 mm taller than the paper. Choose "fit" or "shrink to printable area" in the print dialog or resize the document first.
Does this work for other sizes?
Yes. Pick any two of the ISO A, B, C or North American sizes, for example A5 to Half Letter or A3 to Tabloid.
Sources
Checked
- Markus Kuhn, University of Cambridge: International standard paper sizes (ISO 216 and ISO 269)
- Printer Working Group: PWG 5101.1-2023, Media Standardized Names v2.1 (North American, photo, envelope and card sizes)
A4 is 210 x 297 mm per ISO 216; Letter is 8.5 x 11 in per PWG 5101.1-2023 and 25.4 mm per inch. The scale percentages are plain ratios of those sizes. Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
Scope
Sizes and results are arithmetic on published paper sizes and the numbers you enter. Printers and print shops set their own sizes, margins, bleed and resolution requirements, so confirm with yours before you print.