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What Paper Size & Type Should You Use for Legal Documents
Master legal document formatting with this guide to 8.5 × 14-inch paper. Learn when to use it, how it compares to Letter and A4, plus printing tips.
Every detail matters in legal documents—from font type to paper size—to ensure they’re professional, clear, and easy to read.
If you’re unsure about what size paper you should use for a legal document, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about legal paper size (8.5 × 14 inches) step-by-step.
Quick Answer About Legal Paper Size
Legal paper size is 8.5 × 14 inches (216 × 356 mm).
It’s longer than Letter and A4 paper, and many courts, law firms, and government offices require it for contracts, filings, and real-estate documents. If you’re preparing PDFs for legal use, choose Legal (8.5 × 14 inch) when printing or exporting.
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What Is Legal Paper Size?
Legal paper size measures 8.5 × 14 inches (216 × 356 mm), making it 3 inches longer than standard letter-size paper. This longer format sets it apart from letter-size paper, offering more versatility for complex legal documents.
Here are the key facts about legal paper size:
Standard in US and Canada - Part of the North American paper size series
ANSI paper size standards - Officially recognized format for government and legal use
Also known as “US Legal” - Distinguished from international paper sizes
Legal vs Letter vs A4: Paper Size Comparison
Understanding the differences between these three common paper sizes helps you choose the right format for your documents:
Paper Size Comparison:
Legal Paper: 8.5 × 14 inches (216 × 356 mm) - North America
Letter Paper: 8.5 × 11 inches (216 × 279 mm) - North America
A4 Paper: 8.27 × 11.69 inches (210 × 297 mm) - International (ISO 216)
All three share similar widths, but legal paper provides the most length for detailed content. While letter and legal are both 8.5 inches wide, A4 follows different proportions entirely as part of the international ISO 216 standard.
When to Use Legal Paper Size
Legal documents often need to communicate information clearly and concisely. The paper size for legal documents ensures there’s ample space for details like clauses, terms, and signature lines, all while maintaining standard formatting that courts and legal professionals recognize.
Legal paper’s extra length makes it ideal for:
Legal contracts: Multiple signature lines and detailed clauses
Court documents: Pleadings, motions, and briefs
Real estate papers: Deeds, titles, and property agreements
Government forms: Official applications and permits
Using the wrong size or type of paper can lead to confusion and may make your documents look unprofessional.
How to Print and Export PDFs in Legal Size with Smallpdf
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Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Paper Size
Is Legal paper the same as A4?
No. Legal paper is 8.5 × 14 inches, while A4 is 8.27 × 11.69 inches. Legal is longer and used mainly in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines. A4 is the international standard.Why do lawyers use Legal-size paper?
The extra length gives more space for long clauses, signature lines, and detailed sections that appear in contracts, pleadings, and other formal documents.Can I print Legal-size documents on a regular printer?
Most home and office printers support legal paper. Open your printer settings and choose Legal (8.5 × 14) before printing.What’s the difference between Legal and Letter size?
Both are 8.5 inches wide, but Legal paper is 14 inches long and Letter is 11 inches long.Which countries use Legal-size paper?
Legal paper is common in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines. Most other regions use the A-series sizes from ISO 216.Do courts still require Legal-size paper?
It depends on the jurisdiction. Some courts now accept letter-size filings, while others still request Legal size for certain documents. Check the rules of the specific court before submitting.Can I scan Legal-size documents?
Yes. Many office scanners support Legal paper, but flatbed or multifunction devices may crop the bottom if the scanner bed is built for Letter-size only. Always select Legal in your scanner settings.Are margins different on legal-size documents?
Some courts and agencies have required margin settings (for example: 1-inch top and bottom, wider left margins for binding). Always follow the formatting rules provided by the court, agency, or law firm.How do I export a Word document to legal-size PDF?
In Word, go to “Layout,” then “Size” and select “Legal (8.5 × 14).” Adjust layout if needed, then export to PDF. You can then make final changes or check sizing in Smallpdf’s PDF Editor.Is Legal paper the same as “folio” or “US foolscap”?
No. Folio paper is 8.5 × 13 inches, and foolscap is 8.5 × 13.5 inches. Legal paper is 8.5 × 14 inches. The names are often confused, but the sizes differ.Convert legal documents into clean, print-ready PDFs on Smallpdf
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David Beniček
Engineering Manager at Smallpdf