A6 size paper belongs to the smallest formats category of the ‘A’ series. While it may be less well-known than A3 and A4, it is nevertheless present throughout our daily lives.
Commonly used for notepads and postcards and as a reference when it comes to the printing of photographs, you’ll have encountered A6 size paper many times before.
But just what is the size of a6 paper and what are its key characteristics?
Size of the different paper formats of the A series in mm and inches
The standard A6 paper size in cm is 10.5 x 14.8 cm, 105 x 148 mm or 4.1 x 5.8 inches. Its printing surface meanwhile is 156.25 cm², 0.016 m² or 24.21 square inches.
By comparing the dimensions presented, every size of paper from A0 down to A10 retain their proportions between width and length. This means the width of the A6 paper size is equal to the length of the A7 format. Similarly, the length of the A6 paper size is equal to the width of the A5 format.
This correlation between formats was first described in 1786 in a letter from the German scientist Lichtenberg, which details the advantages of a √2 aspect ratio.
In modern times, this principle guarantees a conservation of proportions:
A6 = ¼ of A4
A6 = ½ of A5
A6 = 2 x A7
A6 = 4 x A8
For the A6 pixel size, meanwhile, you’ll need to consider the image resolution used for your file:
For a resolution in 300 dpi (dots per inch), it will be 1241 x 1754 pixels/inches
For a resolution in 200 dpi, it will be 828 x 1169 pixels/inches
For a low resolution in 72 dpi, it will be 298 x 421 pixels/inches
Like the A5 paper size, A6 paper is one of the smallest printable formats in the A series, yet is still widely used on a daily basis. It’s possible to print in A6 format on different media depending on the intended use.
Photograph of an A6 envelope
As well as being the go-to size for printing photographs, this format also boasts that holiday feeling, with thousands of postcards printed using the A6 paper size every year!
Of course, you might want to create a personalised postcard yourself.
Graphic designers and keen enthusiasts alike can also get creative when designing invitation cards, flyers, announcement cards and notebooks using A6 paper dimensions.
When it comes to printing in A6 format, it’s often necessary to cut down more common formats such as A3 or A4. For quality polychrome printing, it may be advisable to contact a reprography (graphic reproduction) professional.
Three cards in A6 format
A6 size paper can be posted, hand-delivered or even left as a self-service menu or leaflet on a shop counter - making it the most convenient paper format.
However, that small size often requires significant graphical practice and know-how to be impactful. To convey your message creatively, layout software such as Adobe InDesign can help you to come up with fantastic customised designs or illustrations.
While it may be small in stature, the A6 paper size is certainly not small when it comes to possibilities!
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