why is A4 such a strange size
A4 paper size, measuring 210 mm x 297 mm (8.27 in x 11.69 in), is part of the ISO 216 standard, which defines a range of paper sizes based on the metric system. The A series, including A4, is designed to have a consistent aspect ratio of √2:1 (approximately 1.414:1). This aspect ratio has several advantages:
Scaling: When you cut a sheet of A4 paper in half parallel to its shorter side, you get two A5 sheets, which maintain the same aspect ratio. This makes it easy to scale documents up or down without changing their proportions.
Efficiency: The sizes are designed to minimize waste when printing and copying. The A series sizes fit well into standard printing processes, allowing for efficient use of paper.
International Standardization: The A4 size is widely used around the world, particularly in Europe and many other regions, which helps standardize documents and printing practices.
While A4 may seem strange to those accustomed to letter-sized paper (8.5 in x 11 in) commonly used in the United States, its design is rooted in practicality and efficiency. The differences in paper sizes often reflect regional preferences and historical