Drafting paper, also known as drawing paper, comes in a variety of sizes to suit different needs. The most common sizes are based on the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards.
ANSI Sizes
The ANSI standard uses letter (8.5 inches x 11 inches) and legal (8.5 inches x 14 inches) sizes as a base for drafting paper.
Here are some common ANSI drafting paper sizes:
- A (8.5 inches x 11 inches): This is the most common size for drafting paper and is often used for general drafting, sketching, and drawing.
- B (11 inches x 17 inches): This size is larger than A and is often used for larger drawings and blueprints.
- C (17 inches x 22 inches): This size is even larger than B and is often used for architectural drawings and engineering plans.
- D (22 inches x 34 inches): This size is the largest standard ANSI drafting paper size and is often used for large-scale projects.
ISO Sizes
The ISO standard uses a different system for measuring paper sizes, based on a series of square roots of 2. The most common ISO drafting paper size is A0, which is a large format used for architectural and engineering drawings.
Here are some common ISO drafting paper sizes:
- A0 (841 mm x 1189 mm): The largest ISO paper size, often used for architectural drawings and engineering plans.
- A1 (594 mm x 841 mm): A slightly smaller size than A0, often used for large-scale drawings.
- A2 (420 mm x 594 mm): A smaller size than A1, often used for architectural and engineering drawings.
- A3 (297 mm x 420 mm): A smaller size than A2, often used for general drafting and drawing.
- A4 (210 mm x 297 mm): A standard size for general printing and photocopying, also used for drawing and drafting.
Choosing the Right Size
The size of drafting paper you choose will depend on your specific needs.
- Consider the size of your project: If you are working on a large-scale project, you will need a larger sheet of paper.
- Think about your budget: Larger sizes of drafting paper can be more expensive.
- The type of drawing: Different types of drawings may require different paper sizes. For example, architectural drawings often need larger sizes while smaller sketches may be suitable on A3 or A4 paper.
Conclusion
Drafting paper comes in a variety of sizes to suit different needs. By understanding the different standards and sizes available, you can choose the right paper for your project.