Good Morning, and happy Tuesday! One thing we’re noticing here in SW Florida is that it definitely feels like Fall for a change. How long this will last, we do not know. Hopefully it hangs around for a bit!
Today, I’d like to touch on another subject of abbreviations. This time, on two that can help influence the decision on what copier or printer to put in your office!
A3 and A4 are two common abbreviations you’ll see and hear when you’re looking for a new copier. These refer to paper sizes, and in this case, indicate what paper sizes the machine can print to.
A3 copiers are the most common machines out there. A3 machines can generally print up to a 12×18 sheet of paper, meaning you can load any size of paper in the machine up to 12×18. This includes the three most common page sizes: Letter (8.5×11), Legal (8.5×14), and Ledger (11×17). A3 machines generally have a decently sized footprint, but offer the greatest flexibility in page sizes.
A4 copiers, on the other hand, have a much smaller footprint sizewise, but sacrifices some paper compatibility in the process. Unlike A3, A4 machines can only handle up to an 8.5×14 sheet of paper. While this encompasses two of the common sizes, Letter and Legal, A4 machines are generally unable to print to the larger Ledger size sheets. A4 machines are less flexible when it comes to page sizes
While A3 machines are the most common type of copier in an office environment due to their high flexibility on paper sizes, A4 machines are often favored for their compact design, allowing them to be easily set up in small offices. A4 machines are also excellent for those who are unlikely to need a paper size larger than Legal, and don’t need the paper flexibility that an A3 machine can offer. After all, when it comes to the most popular paper size, Letter, Both machines can handle that with ease!
Of course, paper sizes go well beyond A3 and A4. It’s interesting how page sizes get bigger the LOWER the A number is. There is also A2 (16×23), A1 (23×33) and A0, which is a whopping 33×46! Of course, CopyLady can help you with ALL of these paper sizes! A3 and A4 are generally the most common sizes you will deal with in an office environment. Beyond A3, you start getting into plotter territory, aka the CAD designer’s playground! How exciting!