Looking for the A5 paper size guide? Whether you’re designing brochures, printing notebooks, or just curious how A5 compares to A4, this guide covers everything: exact dimensions, envelope fits, UK traditional paper sizes, and practical printing advice.
What is A5 Paper Size?
A5 paper size is 148 × 210 mm (5.8 × 8.3 in or 14.8 × 21.0 cm).
It’s part of the international ISO 216 A-series of paper standards, which is the system used across the UK and Europe.
A quick way to remember: A5 is exactly half the size of A4 when cut or folded along the long edge. Similarly, it’s twice the size of A6.
A5 Paper Dimensions in Detail
Measurement A5 Dimensions
- Millimetres (mm) 148 × 210 mm
- Centimetres (cm) 14.8 × 21.0 cm
- Inches (in) 5.8 × 8.3 in
A5 in the ISO 216 System
The ISO 216 system is built on a clever aspect ratio of 1: √2, which allows each paper size to scale evenly:
A0 → the largest (1 m² area).
A1, A2, A3, A4 → progressively halved.
A5 → half of A4, double of A6.
This makes A5 an efficient, standard size for both home and professional printing.
A5 vs A4 (and Other Paper Sizes)
Here’s how A5 compares with its neighbours:
Paper Size Dimensions (mm) Dimensions (in) Common Uses
- A3 297 × 420 11.7 × 16.5 Posters, folded menus
- A4 210 × 297 8.3 × 11.7 Standard documents, letters
- A5 148 × 210 5.8 × 8.3 Notebooks, brochures, inserts
- A6 105 × 148 4.1 × 5.8 Postcards, small flyers
👉 In simple terms: A5 is portable, versatile, and sits right between everyday office A4 and pocket-sized A6.
A5 Envelopes: Which One Fits?
If you’re posting or packaging A5, you’ll want to know the envelope match:
C5 envelope (162 × 229 mm): Perfect fit for flat A5 sheets.
C6 envelope (114 × 162 mm): Fits an A5 folded in half (into A6).
This is useful for event invites, greeting cards, or mailers.
Traditional UK Paper Sizes vs A5
Before ISO standards took over, the UK used its own traditional sizes, which you may still see in stationery:
Foolscap: 203 × 330 mm – often used for older legal pads.
Imperial (7 × 9 in / 178 × 229 mm): Common in school exercise books.
Quarto & Kings: Historical British formats.
👉 A5 has now replaced most of these in UK schools and offices, but referencing them can help if you’re archiving or sourcing vintage paper.
Common Uses of A5 in the UK
A5 is popular because it’s portable yet spacious enough for design layouts. You’ll often see it used for:
- Brochures & leaflets – ideal for compact marketing.
- Notebooks & jotters – standard in UK schools.
- Event programmes – handy for concerts, weddings, conferences.
- Magazine inserts – fits neatly inside A4 publications.
- Personal planners & diaries – the perfect carry-around size.
Printing Tips for A5 (UK Context)
If you’re preparing A5 artwork for print, here’s what to know:
Bleed: Add 3 mm around all edges (so trims are clean).
Safe margins: Keep key text/images 5 mm from edges.
Resolution: Use 300 dpi for sharp results.
Paper weight (GSM):
- 90–120 gsm for everyday notebooks.
- 150–200 gsm for flyers/brochures.
- 250+ gsm for premium covers.
FAQ:
What size is A5 paper in inches?
A5 is 5.8 × 8.3 inches.
Is A5 half of A4?
Yes, folding an A4 sheet along the long side creates two A5 sheets.
Does A5 fit in a C5 envelope?
Yes, A5 fits perfectly into a C5 envelope.
What is A5 paper used for?
It’s common for notebooks, brochures, invitations, and planners.
Are all A5 notebooks exactly 148 × 210 mm?
Not always. Manufacturers allow slight tolerance (±1.5 mm), so some may run smaller.
If you’re ready to bring your designs to life, explore our A size poster and leaflets printing services, delivered fast across the UK.