Posted on Thursday, 17 December 2009
Image and text from Wikipedia:
ISO 216 specifies international standard (ISO) paper sizes used in most countries in the world today. It is the standard which defines the commonly available A4 paper size. The underlying principle is that when folded in half length-wise the paper retains its original aspect ratio: 1:√2
I think 1:√2 is a lovely ratio, don’t you? Now someone please tell me why we don’t use the ISO 216 system in America. Go on, then.
I miss sensible, common sizes like A3-5—they just felt right in your hands—but americans love to reject anything metric. And of course, 8.5” x 11” is such a natural size for Letter paper, 8.5”x14” makes whatever you wrote much more Legal, and of course, 11”x17” is perfect for selling Tabloid(s).
