The standard letterhead size in the United States and Canada is 8.5 × 11 inches (216 × 279 mm), known as US Letter. Internationally, the standard is A4, which measures 8.27 × 11.69 inches (210 × 297 mm). These are the two dominant sizes for business letterhead worldwide, and most design and printing workflows are built around them.
Why Size Matters for Letterhead
Letterhead is more than a decorative header; it is the first impression of a business document. The size of the paper determines how the header, body, and footer align, and it affects everything from envelope fitting to filing. Using a non-standard size can cause printing errors, misalignment in scanners, and difficulty when inserting into standard binders or file folders. Most office printers and copiers are configured for either US Letter or A4, and mixing sizes in a single workflow often leads to paper jams or cut-off text.
US Letter vs. A4: The Core Difference
The two standards exist because of historical and regional preferences. US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) is slightly wider and shorter than A4 (8.27 × 11.69 in). A4 is taller and narrower, based on the metric system and the ISO 216 standard, which uses a consistent aspect ratio (1:√2) so that scaling between A sizes is seamless. This difference matters when you design a letterhead: margins and logo placement that look balanced on US Letter may appear off-center or cramped on A4, and vice versa. If you send documents internationally, you must choose one standard and stick to it, or create a separate version for each region.
How to Choose the Right Letterhead Size
Your choice of letterhead size should be driven by your primary audience and printing environment. Consider the following factors:
- Location of clients and partners: If you operate mainly in the US or Canada, use US Letter. If you work with European, Asian, or Australian counterparts, A4 is the safer default.
- Printer compatibility: Check your printer’s specifications. Most modern printers handle both sizes, but some older or budget models may not have an A4 tray.
- Filing and binding: If you store documents in standard US ring binders, US Letter fits without punching extra holes. A4 is the norm for international filing systems.
- Envelope size: US Letter pairs with the standard #10 envelope (4.125 × 9.5 in), while A4 typically uses a C5 or DL envelope. Using the wrong size can force folding or look unprofessional.
Common Problems with Letterhead Sizes
One frequent issue is designing letterhead on a computer that defaults to one size, then printing on paper of another size. This results in the header or footer being cut off, or the margins being uneven. Another problem is sending a PDF created for US Letter to a printer in Europe; the printer may automatically scale it to fit A4, which shrinks the text and makes the letterhead look slightly different. To avoid these issues, always set the page size in your design software to match the paper you will actually use, and embed fonts so that scaling does not distort the layout. Also, be aware that some online printing services require a specific size; always check their guidelines before uploading your file.
Letterhead Template
Company Name
Street Address, City, State ZIP
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | Email: info@example.com
_________________________________________
Date: _________________________
Recipient Name
Recipient Title
Company
Address
Dear [Recipient],
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Sincerely,
_________________________
Your Name
Your Title
Sample (fictional):
Acme Widgets Co.
123 Industrial Blvd, Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: (555) 987-6543 | Email: hello@acmewidgets.com
_________________________________________
Date: March 15, 2025
Ms. Jane Doe
Procurement Manager
Global Traders Inc.
456 Commerce Ave, New York, NY 10001
Dear Ms. Doe,
Thank you for your interest in our products. We are pleased to provide the attached quote for your review.
We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
_________________________
John Smith
Sales Director
Cost and Printing Considerations
The cost of letterhead varies by paper quality, printing method, and quantity. Standard 20 lb bond paper is inexpensive, but heavier 24 lb or 32 lb paper with a cotton fiber content gives a more professional feel and is more durable. Digital printing is cost-effective for small runs (e.g., 100–500 sheets), while offset printing becomes more economical for larger quantities. Always request a proof before printing to verify that the colors and layout match your design. Also, consider that letterhead is often printed on one side only; if you plan to use both sides, you may need a lighter paper to avoid show-through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard letterhead size in inches?
In the US and Canada, the standard is 8.5 × 11 inches. This is the same size as standard printer paper and is used for most business correspondence.
What is the standard letterhead size in cm?
For US Letter, it is 21.59 × 27.94 cm. For A4, it is 21.0 × 29.7 cm. When designing in software, you can set the page size in either inches or centimeters.
Can I use A4 letterhead in the US?
Yes, you can, but it may not fit standard US binders or file folders, and some printers may not have an A4 tray. If you are sending documents to US recipients, it is safer to use US Letter.
How do I make a letterhead in Word or Google Docs?
Open a new document, go to the layout or page setup, and set the page size to your chosen standard (8.5 × 11 in or A4). Then insert your logo and contact information in the header section. You can also use a table or text box for precise placement.
What is the standard margin for letterhead?
There is no universal rule, but a common margin is 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides. For a more professional look, you might use 0.75 inches for the top and bottom, and 1 inch for left and right. The header should sit within the top margin.
Should letterhead be printed on both sides?
Typically, letterhead is printed on the first page only. If you are printing a multi-page letter, the second page should be on plain paper matching the same color and weight, without the letterhead header.
Alternatives to Traditional Letterhead
While standard paper letterhead remains common, many businesses now use digital letterhead in PDF format, which can be emailed or uploaded to online portals. This avoids printing costs and ensures consistent branding across all devices. Another alternative is a letterhead template in cloud-based document editors, which allows team members to generate branded letters on demand. For formal legal documents, some organizations use a slightly larger size (e.g., 8.5 × 13 in, known as legal size) but that is not typical for general correspondence. Always consider your audience and the purpose of the document when choosing between traditional and digital formats.