The A3 size, which is double that of the most commonly used A4 format, serves a variety of purposes. Given its frequent use, understanding the dimensions and applications of the A3 format is beneficial.
In this section, we’ll explore the ISO 216 standard, detailing the dimensions of the A3 size in centimeters, inches, and pixels, and discuss how paper weight influences the quality of print jobs. Additionally, we’ll offer some advice on how to optimally print A3 promotional materials.
Let’s dive in!
A3 Dimensions and Weight
Under the ISO 216 standard, which categorizes paper sizes into A, B, and C series, each with 11 subdivisions, an A3 sheet is one-eighth the size of an A0 sheet.
Here are the specifics for the A3 size:
- In centimeters, the dimensions are 29.7 x 42 cm, or 297 x 420 mm, and in inches, it measures 11.7 x 16.5″.
- The pixel count varies with the DPI resolution. Higher DPI results in more pixels. For instance:
- 72 DPI: 842 x 1191 pixels
- 150 DPI: 1754 x 2480 pixels
- 300 DPI: 3508 x 4960 pixels
- 600 DPI: 7016 x 9933 pixels.
The paper weight of A3 sheets also differs based on the paper’s grammage, affecting the sheet’s thickness. For example, an 80g/m² A3 sheet weighs 10g, a 100g/m² sheet 12.5g, and a 160g/m² sheet 20g.
Below is a table summarizing the dimensions for all A-series sizes in centimeters, inches, and pixels at 300 dpi printing quality.
| Size | Millimeters | Inches | Pixels (printing in 300 dpi quality) |
| A0 | 841 x 1189 | 33 x 47 | 9.933 x 14.043 |
| A1 | 594 x 841 | 23 x 33 | 7.016 x 9.933 |
| A2 | 420 x 594 | 16,5 x 23 | 4.961 x 7.016 |
| A3 | 297 x 420 | 11,5 x 16,5 | 3.508 x 4.961 |
| A4 | 210 x 297 | 8,3 x 11,7 | 2.480 x 3.508 |
| A5 | 148 x 210 | 5,8 x 8,3 | 1.748 x 2.480 |
| A6 | 148 x 105 | 5,8 x 4,1 | 1.240 x 1.748 |
| A7 | 105 x 74 | 4,1 x 2,9 | 874 x 1.240 |
| A8 | 74 x 52 | 2,9 x 2,0 | 614 x 874 |
| A9 | 52 x 37 | 2,0 x 1,5 | 437 x 614 |
| A10 | 37 x 26 | 1,5 x 1,0 | 307 x 437 |
Applications of A3 Size
The A3 size, being twice as large as the standard A4 paper, is commonly used for various purposes.
It is ideal for creating promotional posters displayed in retail windows and professional settings. The A3 format is also favored in the fields of photography and advertising, for items like pamphlets and flyers. In Italy, for instance, the traditional Fabriano sketchbooks used in elementary schools are filled with A3-sized paper, a staple for childhood drawings and art projects.
Resolution and Printing Advice for A3
The A3 format is particularly suited for producing promotional content. It’s effectively used for printing leaflets and brochures. Various software programs can assist in designing these promotional items. It’s crucial to review the graphic preview of your brochure before printing and to include a small bleed of 2/3 millimeters around the edge of the graphic file to ensure a flawless print.
With this knowledge of the A3 format, you’re ready to employ it in your projects. Enjoy your creative process!
Happy creating!