Legal vs Letter Size: What’s the Difference?
When choosing paper in the United States, many people compare Legal size vs Letter size.
The main difference is length, not width. This affects how much content fits on a page and what the paper is best used for.
Letter Size (US Standard)
Letter size is the most common paper size in the United States. It’s used for everyday printing at home, school, and offices.
Letter size dimensions:
- Width: 8.5 inches
- Height: 11 inches
Common uses:
- School assignments
- Office documents
- Resumes
- Letters and forms
Legal Size
Legal size paper is longer than letter size. It’s often used when more vertical space is needed.
Legal size dimensions:
- Width: 8.5 inches
- Height: 14 inches
Common uses:
- Legal documents
- Contracts
- Agreements
- Government forms
Legal vs Letter Size Comparison Table
| Feature | Letter Size | Legal Size |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 8.5 in | 8.5 in |
| Height | 11 in | 14 in |
| Length Difference | — | 3 inches longer |
| Common Use | Everyday documents | Legal & official papers |
How Much Bigger Is Legal Than Letter?
- Legal paper is 3 inches longer
- Width is exactly the same
- Legal paper gives more space for text, tables, or clauses
Simple Example
- Letter size → standard office page
- Legal size → longer page for detailed documents
Which Paper Size Should You Choose?
Choose Letter Size if:
- You are printing regular documents
- You want wide printer compatibility
- You’re sharing files digitally
Choose Legal Size if:
- You need extra space at the bottom
- You are printing contracts or legal forms
- The document format requires it
Printer Compatibility (Important)
- Most printers default to Letter size
- Legal size printing may require:
- Tray adjustment
- Paper size setting change in printer options
Final Thoughts
- Letter size is the everyday standard in the US
- Legal size is longer and used for special documents
- The only difference is height, not width
Choosing the right paper size helps avoid printing issues and keeps documents easy to read.
