Legal paper size is a specific type of paper standard in the United States and several other countries. It is commonly used in legal, business, and government documents.
The size specifications of legal paper are 8.5 × 14 inches (21.59 × 35.56 cm). This dimension makes it longer than the standard letter size (8.5 × 11 or 21.59 × 27.94 cm).
This short guide will cover the dimensions and specifications of legal paper in more detail, as well as describe its common applications and comparison to other common paper sizes.
Legal Paper Dimensions and Specifications
Legal paper size is a widely recognized standard in the United States and several other countries. This size is specially designed to accommodate more text.
Legal Paper Dimensions
Legal paper size measures 8.5 × 14 inches (21.59 × 35.56 centimeters). This space is particularly useful in legal documents, where more detailed information is often required. The size is also a standard in several countries, especially in the United States, and is recognized for its practicality in professional documentation.
Legal Paper Thickness and Quality
The thickness and quality of legal paper are denoted by its weight, typically measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Standard legal paper usually ranges from 75 to 100 GSM, providing a balance between durability and ease of use. Thicker papers, ranging upwards of 100 GSM, offer higher durability and a more premium feel, ideal for important legal documents and presentations.
Common Usage and Applications
Legal paper is a versatile paper format used in various fields and applications. Its larger size compared to standard letter paper makes it a preferred choice for specific purposes.
1. Legal Industry Applications
In the legal industry, legal paper is widely used for drafting contracts, court documents, and legal briefs. The extra length allows for more detailed clauses and arguments without the need for additional pages. This not only helps in keeping related information together but also adheres to traditional legal document standards in many jurisdictions.
2. Business and Corporate Use
In the business world, legal paper is frequently used for formal reports, detailed contracts, and agreements. The additional space is beneficial for including comprehensive information, such as terms and conditions in contracts, without making the document cumbersome. Companies often use legal paper to create impactful presentations and reports, as it allows for more data and graphics on a single page.
3. Government Documentation
Government agencies commonly use legal paper for official documentation. This includes legislative documents, policy papers, and administrative forms. The standardized size ensures consistency across different departments and agencies. The length of the legal paper is especially useful for forms that require extensive information.
4. Educational and Academic Purposes
In educational settings, legal paper finds its use in several ways. It’s used for creating handouts, lesson plans, and project reports, especially when more information needs to be fit on a single page. In academia, researchers and scholars use legal papers for detailed research papers, thesis documents, and scientific posters.
Legal Paper vs. Other Paper Sizes
Legal paper is a specific paper size often used in professional settings, distinct from other common paper sizes like letter, A4, or tabloid.
Legal Paper vs. Letter Size
The most common paper size in the United States is the letter size, measuring 8.5 × 11 inches (21.59 × 27.94 centimeters). Legal paper, on the other hand, is slightly longer, measuring 8.5 × 14 inches (21.59 × 35.56 centimeters). In contrast, the letter size is more versatile and widely used for general printing needs, memos, and personal correspondence.
Legal Paper vs. Tabloid Size
Tabloid paper size measures 11 × 17 inches (27.94 × 43.18 centimeters), larger than both legal and letter sizes. This size is often used for newspapers, small posters, and large-scale documents that require more visual space. While tabloid size offers more area for graphics and larger layouts, legal paper is preferred for textual documents where length rather than width is needed.
Legal Paper vs. A4 Size
A4 is the standard paper size used internationally, measuring 8.27 × 11.69 inches (21.0 × 29.7 centimeters). It’s part of the ISO 216 standard, which is not commonly used in the United States. Legal paper is both wider and longer than A4. The A4 size is typically used for documents that will be filed or need to be compatible with international paper standards.
