Printing worksheets: A4 vs US Letter explained
The difference between A4 and US Letter paper, which one to choose, and how to print PDF worksheets at the right size.
Printable worksheets usually come in two sizes: A4 and US Letter. Printing the wrong one can cut off edges or shrink the page. Here is how to choose.
What is the difference?
- US Letter is 8.5 × 11 inches (216 × 279 mm). It is standard in the US and Canada.
- A4 is 210 × 297 mm (8.3 × 11.7 inches). It is standard in the UK, Europe, India, Australia and most other countries.
A4 is slightly narrower and taller than Letter.
Which should I choose?
Choose the size that matches the paper in your printer. If you are not sure, check the paper packet. If you are outside the US or Canada, it is almost certainly A4.
Printing tips
- Open the PDF in a PDF reader or your browser.
- In the print settings, choose "Actual size" or "100%" rather than "Fit to page".
- Check the paper size setting matches your paper.
- Print one page first to check before printing the whole workbook.
Save ink
Print in grayscale or draft mode for practice pages. Workbooks designed with low-ink layouts print clearly this way.