If you’ve worked in an office or needed to print important documents, you’ve likely heard of legal size paper. But what is it, exactly? How does it differ from other paper sizes like the standard letter size? And when should you use it?
This blog walks you through everything you need to know about legal size paper—from its dimensions and uses to its history and practical applications. Whether you’re a professional managing contracts or a student preparing for a project, understanding legal size paper can be surprisingly useful.
What Are the Dimensions of Legal Size Paper?
Let’s start with the basics. Legal size paper measures 8.5 x 14 inches (216 x 356 mm). This sets it apart from letter size paper, which is slightly shorter at 8.5 x 11 inches.
- Legal paper dimensions (in inches): 8.5 x 14
- Letter paper dimensions (in inches): 8.5 x 11
That extra 3 inches in height makes legal paper ideal for documents that require more space, like contracts or spreadsheets.
Why Is It Called Legal Size Paper?
The name “legal size paper” reflects its connection to the legal profession. Lawyers often use these longer sheets to accommodate detailed contracts, agreements, and forms that need extensive room for text. However, while the name originates in legal settings, this paper size is also frequently used in other industries.
Common Uses for Legal Size Paper
While legal size paper is most commonly associated with law offices, its use extends well beyond the legal world. Here’s a quick overview of where and why legal size paper is preferred:
1. Legal Documents
The obvious one! Legal size paper is perfect for contracts, agreements, and court documents that require additional space for terms, clauses, and signatures.
2. Real Estate Transactions
Large, complex documents like deeds, leases, and mortgages often use legal size paper to fit everything on fewer pages. It ensures all the fine print stays intact without being cramped.
3. Accounting and Financial Spreadsheets
When it comes to printing data-heavy spreadsheets, legal paper’s extended length reduces the need for multiple pages, making numbers easier to read and track.
4. Design and Planning Documents
Architects, interior designers, and engineers sometimes use legal size paper for design drafts or blueprints, especially when presenting scaled-down versions.
5. Educational and Creative Projects
Students and teachers may use legal paper for charts, project summaries, or any visuals that require more vertical space.
6. Government Forms
Many government forms, especially older ones, were designed to fit on legal paper. Even today, you’re likely to see this format when dealing with permits or tax documents.
Letter Size vs. Legal Size Paper
It’s worth taking a moment to compare legal and letter size paper. Why, for instance, would someone opt for a legal sheet over the more universally used letter size?
Advantages of Legal Paper:
- More Space: Allows for increased text or data per page, reducing the need for additional sheets.
- Better Readability: Spacing out content on fewer pages makes it easier to scan and understand.
- Professional Aesthetic: The elongated look lends an air of sophistication to legal or official documents.
When to Stick with Letter Size:
- If your document doesn’t require much text or data, letter size paper is more accessible and versatile.
- Letter paper is more widely accepted by printers, copiers, and binders, making it the easier choice for everyday use.
Most offices use both types of paper depending on the task at hand, so understanding when to use each is key.
Printing and Handling Legal Size Paper
Legal size paper requires some specific considerations when it comes to printing and storage.
Printer Settings
Not all printers are designed to handle legal paper by default, so it’s important to adjust your settings. When printing, go to your settings menu and choose “legal size” to avoid improper scaling or cutoff. Double-check that your printer’s paper tray is compatible with the longer sheet.
Storage and Filing
The unique size of legal paper also means it requires specialty filing cabinets, folders, or binders. Look for “legal size” specifically when purchasing office supplies.
Trimming Options
If you find yourself with excess legal paper in a letter-paper world, don’t worry. You can easily trim legal paper down to 8.5 x 11 inches for compatibility.
History of Legal Size Paper
Ever wondered why legal paper emerged as the go-to choice for contracts and other official documents? Its history is as interesting as its uses.
Legal size paper traces its origins back to 14th-century England, where standard paper sizes were determined in royal courts. The longer page length allowed scribes to include more information on fewer sheets, saving money and effort at the time.
Fast-forward to today, and that extra vertical space is just as useful (minus the medieval pens and parchment).
Where Can You Buy Legal Size Paper?
Legal paper isn’t as readily available as letter paper in some stores, but most office supply retailers stock it. Consider checking out these options:
- Office Supply Stores (e.g., Staples, Office Depot): Great for bulk packages and variety.
- Online Retailers (e.g., Amazon): Convenient and often cheaper for larger quantities.
- Specialty Paper Shops: For premium-quality legal paper with professional finishes.
Always double-check printer compatibility when purchasing new paper, especially for high-volume orders.
Is Legal Size Paper Right for You?
Now that you understand the dimensions, uses, and history of legal size paper, you’re better equipped to decide if it’s the right fit for your needs. Whether you’re printing contracts, drafting real estate documents, or assembling financial spreadsheets, legal paper offers unmatched utility.
Remember, choosing the right paper size can save time, enhance readability, and even improve the professionalism of your work.
Take Your Documents to the Next Level
Looking to incorporate more efficiency into your office workflow? Consider tools and tips that align with your specific paper needs. From printers designed for legal paper to filing systems tailored to extended sheets, there are countless ways to streamline your setup.
Got thoughts or questions about legal size paper? Share them in the comments below!