Welcome to our comprehensive guide to legal size paper. As a professional journalist, we understand the importance of using the right paper size for specific documents and industries. Legal size paper is a commonly used paper size, particularly in the legal, business, and education sectors. In this guide, we will provide you with an in-depth understanding of legal size paper, including its dimensions, uses, and printing requirements.
What is Legal Size Paper?
Legal size paper is a common paper size used for printing legal documents, such as contracts and agreements. It measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches, which is slightly longer and narrower than the standard letter size (8.5 inches by 11 inches).
Legal size paper has been around since the late 1700s, when it was first used in England for legal documents. Its longer and narrower dimensions were designed to accommodate more lines of text, making it easier to read and reference important legal information.
Legal Size Paper Dimensions
Legal size paper is a unique paper size that is widely used in various industries. It is slightly longer than the standard letter size paper, which makes it ideal for printing legal documents, contracts, and other important documents. Legal size paper dimensions are measured in both inches and centimeters, as well as pixel dimensions for digital documents.
| Size | Dimensions in Inches | Dimensions in Centimeters | Pixel Dimensions (at 300 DPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Size Paper | 8.5 x 14 inches | 21.59 x 35.56 cm | 2550 x 4200 pixels |
The legal size paper dimensions make it a popular choice for various purposes. It is particularly useful in legal and business industries where specific document sizes are required. The slightly longer length of legal size paper provides additional space for printing important details that may not fit in a standard letter size paper.
The Uses of Legal Size Paper
Legal size paper is commonly used for official legal documents, contracts, and agreements. It is a standard paper size used in many industries, including law, finance, and real estate. Legal documents printed on standard letter-sized paper may not be accepted by courts and other legal entities, making legal size paper essential for any legal agreement.
Other common uses of legal size paper include:
- Charts and diagrams
- Technical drawings and blueprints
- Photography and art portfolios
- Presentations and posters
- Marketing and advertising materials
Legal size paper is also commonly used for booklets, brochures, and other printed materials that require a larger format than traditional letter-sized paper can provide. Its larger size allows for more content to be displayed on each page, making it ideal for informational materials and reports.
Overall, legal size paper is an essential tool for anyone working in a field that requires the creation or handling of official documents. Its unique size and dimensions make it a vital asset in many industries, ensuring that important information can be presented clearly, professionally, and effectively.
Legal Size Paper vs Letter Size Paper
Legal size paper and letter size paper are both widely used in different industries for printing documents. While both are used interchangeably, there are specific differences between the two. This section will compare and contrast the key features of legal size paper and letter size paper.
Legal Size Paper
Legal size paper measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches or 216mm by 356mm in dimensions. Legal size paper is typically used in the legal industry to print legal documents, such as contracts, agreements, and court documents. Some government agencies, like the IRS, also mandate the use of legal size paper for certain tax forms.
Letter Size Paper
Letter size paper measures 8.5 inches by 11 inches or 216mm by 279mm in dimensions. Letter size paper is the most commonly used paper size in the US and is used for printing most documents such as letters, memos, and reports. It is also commonly used for printing invoices, receipts, and flyers.
| Legal Size Paper | Letter Size Paper |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: 8.5 inches by 14 inches or 216mm by 356mm | Dimensions: 8.5 inches by 11 inches or 216mm by 279mm |
| Used for legal documents like contracts, agreements and court documents | Used for letters, memos, reports, invoices, and flyers |
| Commonly used by legal and government agencies | Most commonly used paper size in the US |
While both paper sizes have their advantages, it is important to select the appropriate paper size based on the intended use and requirements of the document. Legal size paper is more suitable for legal and government documents, while letter size paper is more commonly used for general printing purposes.
Printing Legal Size Paper
Printing on legal size paper requires special considerations to ensure the best quality and avoid issues like paper jams and misaligned margins. Here are some tips and recommendations for printing legal size paper:
Choose the Right Printer
Not all printers can handle legal size paper, so it’s important to select a printer that supports this paper size. Laser printers are generally better suited for legal size paper than inkjet printers, as they can produce sharper and more accurate text and graphics. Look for printers that have a paper tray that accommodates legal size paper, or a manual feed slot that can handle individual sheets.
Select the Right Paper
Not all paper is created equal, and choosing the right paper can make a big difference in the quality of your printed materials. For legal documents, it’s generally best to use standard legal size paper that has a weight of 20 lb or higher. This will ensure that the paper is sturdy enough to hold up to frequent handling and storage.
Adjust Your Settings
Before printing on legal size paper, make sure to adjust your printer settings to the correct paper size. This will prevent issues like misaligned margins and text that is cut off. Most printers have a setting for legal size paper, but you may need to select this option manually in your printer software.
Avoid Common Problems
Some common problems that may arise when printing on legal size paper include paper jams, ink smudging, and misaligned text. To avoid these issues, make sure to properly load the paper into the tray or feed slot, use the correct ink or toner for your printer, and adjust your margins and layout to ensure that text and images are properly aligned.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can ensure that your printed materials on legal size paper are of the highest quality and free from common printing problems.
Legal Size Paper in Business Use
Legal size paper is an essential requirement for many legal documents and contracts used in the business world. The dimensions of legal size paper provide extra space and allow for longer contracts to be printed without needing to use multiple pages. Below are the specific measurements required for legal documents printed on legal size paper.
| Document Type | Legal Paper Size | Dimensions (in inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement | Legal | 8.5 x 14 |
| Contract | Legal | 8.5 x 14 |
| Lease | Legal | 8.5 x 14 |
| Memorandum | Letter or Legal | 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 |
It is important to ensure that legal documents are printed on standard legal size paper to meet legal requirements and to prevent any potential legal disputes. Failure to print legal documents on legal size paper can result in contract invalidation and other legal consequences.
Additional Legal Paper Requirements
In addition to legal size paper requirements, certain documents may require specific paper types, such as watermarked or heavyweight paper. It is important to consult with legal professionals and adhere to any specific paper requirements when printing legal documents.
Legal Size Paper in Education
Legal size paper is commonly used in the field of education, especially for presenting diagrams, posters, and other visual aids. Standard legal size paper offers ample space for larger diagrams and graphics, making it an ideal choice for classroom presentations.
When using legal size paper in education, it is important to ensure that the paper is of high quality and thickness to prevent issues with ink smudging or bleeding. Matte paper is ideal for presentations, as it reduces glare and ensures that the presentation is easily visible from all angles.
When printing on legal size paper for educational purposes, it is recommended to use a printer that can accommodate the size of the paper. Some printers may require special settings to print on legal size paper, so be sure to check the printer’s manual before printing.
Examples of Legal Size Paper in Education
Legal size paper is commonly used in education for a variety of projects and presentations, including:
- Posters for science fairs and other projects
- Charts and diagrams for classroom presentations
- Large format maps for geography lessons
- Design plans for architectural and engineering projects
When selecting legal size paper for educational purposes, it is important to consider the needs of the project and the specific requirements of the assignment. Standard legal size paper is typically the best option for most educational projects, but specialty paper may be necessary for certain types of presentations or projects.
Legal Size Paper in Architecture
Legal size paper is a widely used paper size in architecture and engineering. This is because legal paper is the perfect size for printing out blueprints, drawings, and other technical documents that need to be large and detailed enough to be easily read and interpreted. As such, legal size paper is an essential tool for architects, engineers, and other professionals in the field.
| Dimensions | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Width | 8.5 inches |
| Height | 14 inches |
Legal size paper is typically used for architectural and engineering drawings, as well as for creating scaled drawings, floor plans, and other technical documents. The size of legal paper allows for more detail and precision in these types of drawings, which is essential for maintaining accuracy and ensuring that the final product meets the necessary standards.
When selecting legal size paper for architectural and engineering purposes, it is important to look for paper that is acid-free and resistant to yellowing and fading over time. This is because technical documents need to be stored for long periods of time, sometimes for decades, and the paper needs to remain legible and intact.
Most manufacturers of legal size paper offer a range of options for those in the architecture and engineering fields. This includes standard printer paper, as well as heavier weight paper, vellum paper, and translucent drafting paper that can be used with a light table or other drawing tools. Some manufacturers also offer pre-printed legal size paper with grids or other templates that can be useful for technical drawings.
Legal Size Paper in Creative Industries
Legal size paper is not just for legal documents or business use, it has also found a place in creative industries such as graphic design, art, and photography. Its unique dimensions and larger size make it a great option for various creative projects.
In graphic design, legal size paper can be used to create larger posters or flyers that stand out and catch the eye. It can also be used for designing annual reports, brochures, and other marketing materials that require more space for text and graphics.
| Project | Legal Size Paper Measurements |
|---|---|
| Poster | 8.5 x 14 inches (21.59 x 35.56 cm) |
| Brochure | 11 x 17 inches (27.94 x 43.18 cm) |
| Annual Report | 8.5 x 14 inches (21.59 x 35.56 cm) |
In art, legal size paper can be used for larger drawings or paintings. It can also be used as a backing for framing artwork. Its larger size allows for more space to showcase details and texture, making it a popular choice among artists.
Legal size paper is also used in photography for printing high-quality images. Its larger size allows for more detailed and vivid prints, making it a great option for professional photographers.
| Project | Legal Size Paper Measurements |
|---|---|
| Artwork | 8.5 x 14 inches (21.59 x 35.56 cm) |
| Photography Print | 8.5 x 14 inches (21.59 x 35.56 cm) |
| Backing for Framing | 8.5 x 14 inches (21.59 x 35.56 cm) |
Conclusion
Legal size paper can be a great option for creative projects in various industries. Its larger size allows for more space to showcase details and creativity, making it a unique and versatile choice for designers, artists, and photographers alike.
Legal Size Paper for Personal Use
Legal size paper is not only essential for business and professional use, but it can also come in handy for personal projects at home. With its larger size and dimensions, legal size paper can be used for a variety of DIY projects, crafts, and home organization needs.
Here are some ideas for personal projects that can benefit from legal size paper:
- DIY calendars and planners
- Scrapbooking
- Organizing files and documents
- Creating posters and banners
- Making signs and notices
- Printing out photos and artwork
Legal size paper is also a popular choice for printing out sewing patterns, knitting charts, and other crafting templates. Its larger size makes it easier to read and follow along with instructions and designs.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that legal size paper may not be suitable for all personal projects. For example, printing out resumes or official documents on legal size paper may not be appropriate and could impact how the document is perceived by others.
If you do decide to use legal size paper for personal projects, be sure to follow the same guidelines for selecting the right type of paper and printer as you would for professional use. This will ensure that your projects turn out the way you want them to and that they are long-lasting and durable.
Choosing the Right Legal Size Paper
When it comes to selecting the right legal size paper for specific projects and purposes, there are a few key factors to consider. The type of project, the printer being used, and the required durability of the paper are all important considerations.
Types of Legal Size Paper
Legal size paper comes in a variety of types, including printer paper, cardstock, and specialty paper. Printer paper is the most common type of legal size paper and is suitable for most printing needs. Cardstock is thicker and more durable than printer paper and is often used for projects that require sturdier paper, such as business cards or invitations. Specialty paper, such as parchment or vellum, is used for more unique and creative projects.
Printer Compatibility
When selecting legal size paper for printing projects, it is important to consider the compatibility of the paper with the printer being used. Some printers may have trouble feeding legal size paper if they are not designed for it. It is important to check the printer’s specifications before purchasing legal size paper to ensure compatibility.
Paper Durability
The durability of legal size paper is also an important factor to consider. For projects that require long-lasting or archival-quality paper, it is best to choose acid-free or lignin-free paper to prevent yellowing and deterioration over time. For projects that will be handled frequently, such as menus or brochures, a thicker paper weight may be necessary to prevent wear and tear.
Paper Finish
Legal size paper comes in a variety of finishes, including glossy, matte, and satin. The finish of the paper can affect the overall appearance of the printed project. Glossy paper provides a shiny, high-contrast finish that is suitable for photographs and other graphics. Matte paper provides a non-reflective finish that is suitable for text-heavy documents. Satin paper provides a slight sheen that is suitable for a variety of projects.
Environmental Considerations
For those who are environmentally conscious, choosing recycled legal size paper is an option. Many manufacturers produce legal size paper that is made from recycled materials or is certified by environmental organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
By considering these factors when choosing legal size paper, individuals and businesses can ensure that they select the right paper for their specific needs and projects.
Legal Size Paper FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about legal size paper:
What are the dimensions of legal size paper?
The dimensions of legal size paper are 8.5 x 14 inches or 215.9 x 355.6 millimeters. It’s important to note that legal size paper is longer than letter size paper, which measures 8.5 x 11 inches or 215.9 x 279.4 millimeters.
What are the most common uses for legal size paper?
The most common use for legal size paper is for legal documents, such as contracts and agreements. However, it can also be used for presentations, diagrams, and other projects that require a larger page size.
Can legal size paper be used in a standard printer?
Yes, most standard printers can accommodate legal size paper. However, it’s important to check your printer’s specifications to ensure it can handle this larger paper size.
What type of printer paper should I use for legal size documents?
It’s recommended to use standard legal size printer paper, which is typically 20-24 lb. bond paper. This type of paper is sturdy and ideal for printing legal documents.
Is legal size paper more expensive than letter size paper?
Yes, legal size paper is generally more expensive than letter size paper due to its larger size. However, the price difference is usually not significant.
Can I use legal size paper for personal projects?
Yes, legal size paper can be used for personal projects such as crafts, DIY projects, and home organization. However, it may not be practical or necessary for all projects.
Can I print two pages on one legal size sheet?
Yes, it is possible to print two pages on one legal size sheet using the “2 pages per sheet” option in your printer settings. This can be a cost-effective way to conserve paper.
What should I do if my printer jams while printing on legal size paper?
If your printer jams while printing on legal size paper, first refer to your printer’s manual for troubleshooting tips. In some cases, adjusting the paper tray or using a thicker paper weight may help prevent jams.
Can I use legal size paper for photo printing?
Yes, legal size paper can be used for photo printing. However, it’s important to select the appropriate paper weight and finish for your specific printing needs.
Legal Size Paper Maintenance
Proper storage and maintenance of legal size paper can help to ensure its longevity and prevent damage. Here are some tips:
Store in a dry place: Legal size paper should be kept in a dry location, away from moisture or humidity. Excess moisture can cause the paper to curl or become discolored.
Avoid exposure to sunlight: Do not store legal size paper in direct sunlight or under fluorescent lighting as this can cause the paper to fade or discolor.
Keep away from dust and dirt: Store legal size paper in a clean, dust-free area. Excessive dust or dirt can damage the paper, causing scratches or nicks.
Protect edges: To prevent damage when handling or moving the paper, make sure to protect the edges. Fingerprints or smudges can easily transfer to the paper and cause discoloration.
Use acid-free paper: When purchasing legal size paper, look for acid-free options as it can help to prevent the paper from deteriorating over time.
Use proper storage solutions: To properly store legal size paper, consider using a storage box or file folder designed specifically for legal size paper. This can help to prevent damage and keep the paper organized.
Legal Size Paper Prices
Legal size paper is typically more expensive than letter size paper due to its larger size and specialized uses. The average cost per sheet can range from $0.10 to $0.50 or more, depending on the brand, quality, and quantity purchased.
When purchasing legal size paper, consider buying in bulk to save money. Many retailers offer discounts for larger quantities, such as buying a ream (500 sheets) or a case (10 reams) at a time. Online retailers may also offer lower prices and free shipping options for bulk purchases.
Additionally, consider purchasing generic or store-brand legal size paper instead of name-brand options. While the quality may not be identical, generic options can be significantly cheaper and may still meet the necessary requirements for your project.
Legal Size Paper Manufacturers
When it comes to legal size paper, there are a variety of manufacturers to choose from. Here are some of the top legal size paper manufacturers and their specialties:
1. Hammermill
Hammermill is a well-known brand that produces high-quality legal size printer paper. Their paper is known for its bright color and smooth texture, making it perfect for printing professional documents.
2. Boise Paper
Boise Paper specializes in producing legal size papers that are high-quality and environmentally friendly. Their range of legal paper includes multipurpose paper, copy paper, and laser paper.
3. Neenah Paper
Neenah Paper is another popular legal size paper manufacturer that offers a wide range of papers, including cardstock and specialty papers. Their legal size papers come in a variety of finishes and colors, making them perfect for creative projects.
4. Domtar
Domtar offers a range of legal size papers that are ideal for printing professional documents. Their papers are known for their brightness and clarity, making them perfect for presentations and other business documents.
5. Mohawk Fine Papers
Mohawk Fine Papers produces a variety of legal size papers, including acid-free papers for archival purposes. Their range of legal papers also includes envelopes and cardstock, making them a one-stop-shop for all your legal paper needs.
When selecting a legal size paper manufacturer, it’s important to consider your specific needs and purposes. Whether you’re printing professional documents, creating artistic projects, or simply using legal size paper for personal use, there’s a manufacturer that’s perfect for you.
