Legal paper size measures 8.5 x 14 inches (216 x 356 mm), a standard used mainly in the US and Canada for legal documents, contracts, and forms needing extra length for signatures or clauses.

This size stands out from everyday letter paper (8.5 x 11 inches), offering more vertical space without changing the width.

Core Dimensions

Legal paper is precisely defined under ANSI standards:

  • Inches : 8.5 inches wide by 14 inches long
  • Millimeters : 216 mm x 356 mm
  • Centimeters : 21.6 cm x 35.6 cm

These measurements ensure consistency across printers, copiers, and filing systems in North America.

Common Uses

  • Legal briefs, contracts, and court filings where extra lines fit naturally
  • Business forms, invoices, or agreements requiring multiple signatures
  • Government documents in the US and Canada

Unlike international A4 (210 x 297 mm), legal paper prioritizes length for dense text continuity.

Comparisons

Paper Type| Dimensions (inches)| Main Region| Best For
---|---|---|---
Legal| 8.5 x 14| US/Canada| Legal docs, contracts 13
Letter| 8.5 x 11| US/Canada| Everyday printing 1
A4| 8.27 x 11.69| Global (ISO)| International standard 1
Government Legal| 8.5 x 13| US Gov't| Official forms 5

Legal beats letter by 3 inches in height, ideal for lengthy content without page breaks.

Printing Tips

Set your printer to "Legal" size, match orientation (portrait usually), and scale to 100% to avoid cuts or mismatches—common in Word or Excel. Most office printers support it via a dedicated tray or manual feed.

Quick Facts

  • Originated for US legal needs; not ISO-standard like A-series
  • Fits more words per page than letter, aiding continuity in contracts
  • Available in standard weights like 20lb bond for everyday use

TL;DR : Legal paper is always 8.5 x 14 inches—longer than letter for legal and formal docs.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.