Letter Paper Size vs. Legal Paper Size — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on February 1, 2024
Letter size is 8.5 x 11 inches, standard for everyday use. Legal size is 8.5 x 14 inches, often used for legal documents.
Difference Between Letter Paper Size and Legal Paper Size
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Letter Paper Size is the standard size for everyday printing and document needs in the United States, measuring 8.5 inches by 11 inches. It's commonly used for personal and office documents, including letters, reports, and memos. The size is designed to be versatile and suitable for a wide range of printing needs, making it the default paper size for most printers and copiers.
Legal Paper Size is slightly longer, measuring 8.5 inches by 14 inches, and is traditionally used for legal documents, such as contracts, legal briefs, and wills. The extra length allows for more text per page, which can be beneficial for detailed documents that require footnotes or legal references. Legal size is less commonly used than letter size for everyday printing but remains a standard in legal offices and for specific document formats.
While Letter Paper Size is the norm for most personal and business correspondence, Legal Paper Size is specialized and caters to specific needs, particularly in legal, real estate, and governmental contexts. The choice between letter and legal sizes depends on the document's purpose, the amount of content, and professional standards or requirements.
Despite the prevalence of digital documents, Letter and Legal Paper Sizes remain important in formal communications, contracts, and official documents requiring signatures. The physical dimensions of paper play a role in how documents are perceived, handled, and filed, with letter size being more convenient for standard filing systems and legal size offering additional space for complex documents.
In summary, Letter Paper Size is the go-to for most printing needs due to its adequacy for a wide range of documents, while Legal Paper Size is reserved for documents that benefit from extra length. Both sizes have their place in professional and personal settings, with the choice often dictated by the document's content and intended use.
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Comparison Chart
Dimensions
8.5" x 11"
8.5" x 14"
Common Uses
General documents, letters, reports
Legal documents, contracts, formal papers
Versatility
Suitable for most printing needs
Used for specific purposes requiring more space
Filing
Fits standard filing systems easily
May require special handling in standard files
Accessibility
Widely available in printers and copiers
Less commonly used, may need to adjust printer settings
Compare with Definitions
Letter Paper Size
Standard size for everyday documents.
Please print the meeting agenda on letter paper size.
Legal Paper Size
Longer than standard letter size for additional content.
The contract is printed on legal paper size to include all clauses.
Letter Paper Size
Preferred size for personal and business correspondence.
I always use letter paper size for my letters.
Legal Paper Size
Used for specialized documents, especially in legal settings.
All our legal briefs are formatted for legal paper size.
Letter Paper Size
Most common paper size in the U.S.
Our office printers are stocked with letter paper size.
Legal Paper Size
Provides extra length for detailed documents.
Use legal paper size for the documents with extensive footnotes.
Letter Paper Size
Fits standard binders and folders.
Make sure to file those reports in letter paper size.
Legal Paper Size
May require adjustment in standard filing systems.
Store these legal paper size documents in the larger folders.
Letter Paper Size
Default setting in most printing devices.
The document is ready to print at the letter paper size.
Legal Paper Size
Not the default in most printers, requires manual selection.
Remember to select legal paper size before printing the agreement.
Common Curiosities
What are the dimensions of Legal Paper Size?
8.5" x 14".
When should I use Letter Paper Size?
For most standard documents, including personal and business correspondence.
When is Legal Paper Size typically used?
For legal documents and other materials that require additional length.
Can I print Legal Paper Size documents on a standard printer?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the printer settings to accommodate the larger size.
Are Legal Paper Size documents harder to file?
They can be, due to their extra length, but specialized filing equipment can accommodate them.
Do all countries use Letter and Legal Paper Sizes?
No, these sizes are primarily used in North America. Other regions may use different standards, like A4.
Is Legal Paper Size more expensive than Letter?
It can be, due to its specialized use and less common production.
What are the dimensions of Letter Paper Size?
8.5" x 11".
Why is Legal Paper Size longer?
The extra length accommodates more detailed documents, which is often necessary in legal contexts.
How should I store Legal Paper Size documents?
In larger, appropriately sized folders or files designed to accommodate the longer pages.
Are there printers that don't support Legal Paper Size?
Some smaller or older printers might not accommodate Legal Paper Size, so it's best to check your printer's specifications.
Is Letter Paper Size suitable for official documents?
Yes, it's widely used for official documents unless specific dimensions are required.
Can I convert a document from Letter to Legal Paper Size?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the formatting to fit the new size properly.
Can I fold Legal Paper Size documents to fit in a Letter-sized file?
Yes, but this might crease the document and is not recommended for important papers.
Can I use Legal Paper Size for everyday printing?
While possible, it's not economical or practical for most daily printing needs.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
