What is legal size paper?

Legal-size paper is a standard paper size used primarily in the United States and the Philippines. Here's some key information:

• Dimensions: It measures 8.5 inches wide by 14 inches long (216 mm x 356 mm).

• Origin: Its dimensions aren't part of any international standard like ISO 216 (which defines A4, etc.). It's a uniquely American (and Philippine) size.

• Use Cases: Legal-size paper is frequently used for:

  • Legal documents: As the name suggests, it's commonly used for legal briefs, pleadings, contracts, and other official legal paperwork. The larger size allows for more text and detail than letter-size paper.
  • Forms: Many official forms, especially at the government level, are printed on legal-size paper.
  • Drawings and blueprints: While not as common as other larger formats, it can sometimes be used for smaller technical drawings or blueprints.
  • Printing projects: Some projects might utilize it for its larger canvas for text or images.

• Relationship to other sizes: It's larger than the more commonly known Letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), allowing for more space. It's also sometimes referred to as "folio" in some contexts, though that term can be ambiguous.

• Availability: Legal-size paper is widely available in office supply stores, both in physical and online retail. However, it might not be as readily stocked as letter-size paper in all locations.