How to Choose the Ideal Letterhead Size

The letter-half size is exactly one-half of the US letter size (8.5 x 5.5 inches or 215.9 x 139.9 mm) and goes by many names:

• Invoice
• Statement
• Memo
• Stationery

This letterhead size, which is part of the North American loose paper size series, is ideal for postcards, greeting cards, invitation cards, and personal letter writing.

As its name suggests, the US letterhead uses the standard paper size in the US. Thus, it is the go-to dimension for many brands because it aligns perfectly with the common document sizes here, resulting in a professional and consistent look.

This letterhead size is an ideal choice if your business primarily engages with US clients and partners.

If your business correspondence spans different countries or your brand often interacts with international clients and partners, the A4 letter size is the most ideal option.

This letterhead size is recognized and used widely across the globe, ensuring that your branding toolkit looks professional and standardized.

Another benefit of A4 letterhead is its practical dimensions that allow both text and design elements to shine through, making it a highly versatile option for many brands.

Since the legal size is longer than typical letter dimensions, it’s highly suitable for legal documents that require more space.

In professions and industries that typically require extensive paperwork, such as law and real estate, the legal letterhead size is commonly used. It allows you to fit more text on a single page without affecting readability.

The tabloid size offers the most space, making it suitable for publications like newspapers and large diagrams. Consequently, it’s a common format used in news media and architecture.

With the tabloid format, you can present comprehensive details on a single page.

It’s important to choose the ideal letterhead paper size based on your business needs, branding style, and professional correspondence with clients and partners.

The right letterhead size also allows you to create a visually appealing layout that catches people’s attention and leaves a lasting impression. Plus, it enhances the readability of your document.

To sum it up, a well-proportioned custom letterhead can serve as a powerful branding tool to help you build a professional and authoritative image.

Here are some best practices when designing your letterhead:

• Add the basics: Who you are, where you are, and ways to get in touch with you. Think of the details you would normally put on a business card.
• Follow the standard industry practices: For example, some industries, such as law, medicine, and charitable organizations, include the names of partners, directors, or members in their letterheads.
• Less is more: Letterheads are for written communication, which means you need to leave room for the content. A good rule of thumb is to use just the right amount of designs, so you won’t create any visual distraction.

Now that you know the most common letterhead dimensions and their applications, you can check out UPrinting’s free print guidelines, which come with proper bleeds and margins. In this way, your print design will turn out accurate.

Find Print Inspiration in These Related Articles:

• Standard Postcard Size Printing Guide
• A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Dimensions for Your Project
• Standard Business Card Sizes
• Your Guide to Standard Poster Sizes
• Banner Sizes: Your Guide to Effective Banner Sizes