The world of paper sizes can be surprisingly complex. Whether you’re working in an office, a print shop, or a creative studio, understanding common paper dimensions and their names is essential.
Among the many formats used in North America, one size stands out for its versatility and frequency of use: the 11×17 inch sheet.
If you’ve ever come across a sheet that measures exactly 11 inches by 17 inches, you may have wondered about its official name. Is there a standard designation?
Does it go by other names in different industries? Grasping the answer can help streamline your print jobs, avoid confusion at the copy shop, and ensure your projects meet professional standards.
The Official Name: Tabloid
In North America, the 11×17 inch paper size is officially known as Tabloid. This name is widely recognized in printing, publishing, and office environments.
It is part of the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) paper size series, which includes several other commonly used dimensions.
“Tabloid” refers specifically to paper that measures 11 inches wide by 17 inches tall. This size is double that of the standard Letter size (8.5×11 inches) when placed side by side.
The term “Tabloid” is not exclusive to paper. In publishing, “tabloid” can refer to a style of newspapers known for their compact size and often sensational headlines.
However, in the context of paper, it strictly denotes the 11×17 inch format.
Comparison of Common North American Paper Sizes
To better understand where Tabloid fits within the broader context of standard paper sizes, here’s a comparison of the most frequently used formats in the United States and Canada:
| Name | Dimensions (inches) | ANSI Code | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 8.5 x 11 | ANSI A | Office documents, schoolwork, letters |
| Legal | 8.5 x 14 | ANSI B (short) | Legal documents, contracts |
| Tabloid | 11 x 17 | ANSI B | Posters, diagrams, architectural plans |
| Ledger | 17 x 11 | ANSI B | Spreadsheets, accounting, large-format printing |
| Half Letter | 5.5 x 8.5 | ANSI A (half) | Notepads, organizers |
As the table indicates, Tabloid is the ANSI B size in portrait orientation. When rotated to landscape, it’s often referred to as Ledger.
The dimensions themselves do not change—only the orientation and primary use shift.
Why the Name “Tabloid”?
The name “Tabloid” has historical roots in the publishing industry. Early in the 20th century, newspapers seeking to differentiate themselves from the larger, unwieldy broadsheets adopted a smaller format that was easier to handle.
This format, roughly 11×17 inches, became synonymous with the term “tabloid.”
Over time, the name stuck and extended beyond newspapers to represent the paper size itself. Today, printers, designers, and office workers all recognize “Tabloid” as the go-to name for 11×17 inch sheets.
“Tabloid” has become a standard term in North American paper sizing, ensuring consistency across industries and making it easy to specify the correct size for print jobs.
Ledger vs. Tabloid: What’s the Difference?
You may have heard the term “Ledger” used interchangeably with “Tabloid.” While both refer to the same physical size (11×17 inches), the distinction comes down to orientation and intended use.
| Name | Orientation | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tabloid | Portrait (11” wide x 17” tall) | Posters, magazines, architectural drawings |
| Ledger | Landscape (17” wide x 11” tall) | Spreadsheets, accounting sheets, ledgers |
In practice, “Tabloid” and “Ledger” are often used interchangeably, but specifying the orientation can help avoid confusion, especially when submitting files for print or working on large-format documents.
International Perspective: ISO Paper Sizes
While Tabloid is standard in North America, most of the world uses the ISO 216 standard for paper sizes, commonly known as the “A” series (such as A4, A3, etc.).
The closest ISO equivalent to Tabloid (11×17 inches) is A3, which measures 297 x 420 mm (approximately 11.7 x 16.5 inches). Although not identical, A3 is widely used in Europe, Asia, and many other regions for similar purposes as Tabloid in the US and Canada.
| North American Name | Dimensions (inches) | ISO Equivalent | ISO Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter | 8.5 x 11 | A4 | 210 x 297 |
| Tabloid | 11 x 17 | A3 | 297 x 420 |
| Ledger | 17 x 11 | — | — |
This difference in standards is important for international businesses, designers, and anyone who works across borders. When specifying paper size for printing, always clarify whether you’re using ANSI (North American) or ISO (International) standards.
Common Uses of 11×17 (Tabloid) Paper
Tabloid paper is prized for its larger surface area compared to standard Letter size. This makes it ideal for a variety of creative, professional, and technical applications.
- Posters and Flyers: The 11×17 inch size provides ample space for attention-grabbing designs, making it a favorite for promotional materials.
- Architectural and Engineering Drawings: Blueprints, floor plans, and technical diagrams often utilize Tabloid for its ability to display intricate details.
- Newsletters and Brochures: When folded or saddle-stitched, Tabloid sheets can create multi-page booklets or attractive newsletters.
- Menus and Presentation Materials: Restaurants and businesses often use Tabloid for menus or visual aids during presentations.
- Scrapbooking and Art Projects: Artists and crafters appreciate the extra room for creativity.
Tabloid’s versatility and size make it a staple in industries where visual impact and detail are paramount.
How Does Tabloid Compare to Other Large Paper Sizes?
While Tabloid is considered a “large” paper size, it is by no means the largest available. For projects that require even more space, such as banners, posters, or architectural plans, other sizes may be used.
| Name | Dimensions (inches) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Tabloid | 11 x 17 | Posters, newsletters, diagrams |
| Super B | 13 x 19 | High-end prints, portfolio pieces |
| Arch C | 18 x 24 | Architectural plans, large posters |
| Arch D | 24 x 36 | Engineering drawings, blueprints |
| Arch E | 36 x 48 | Large format architectural projects |
Tabloid serves as a convenient middle ground: large enough to display significant detail, but still practical for most printers and copy machines. Anything larger typically requires specialized equipment and is used for professional or industrial purposes.
Printing and Handling Tabloid Paper
Not all home or office printers are capable of handling Tabloid-sized paper. Most standard inkjet and laser printers are designed for Letter or Legal size.
However, many multifunction printers and commercial printing equipment do support Tabloid.
When preparing documents for print, always check your printer’s specifications to ensure compatibility with 11×17 paper. If you plan to use a professional print shop, specify “Tabloid” as the required size and clarify whether you want portrait or landscape orientation.
Tip: When designing documents for Tabloid, set up your design file to the correct dimensions (11 x 17 inches) with appropriate bleed and margin settings to avoid unwanted cropping during printing.
Tabloid in Digital Design and Publishing
With the rise of digital publishing and design tools, working with Tabloid size has become easier than ever. Most professional design software, such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Microsoft Publisher, includes preset templates for Tabloid (11×17 inches).
When exporting designs for print, ensure your PDF or print-ready file is set to the correct dimensions. This ensures that the final printed piece matches your intended layout, with no surprises in scale or orientation.
Environmental Considerations
Because Tabloid sheets are larger, they use more paper per page than Letter or Legal. If environmental impact is a concern, consider the necessity of the larger size and explore options for recycled or sustainably sourced paper.
Many paper manufacturers now offer eco-friendly Tabloid options, including recycled content and FSC-certified products. Choosing these can help reduce your ecological footprint without sacrificing quality or performance.
Ordering 11×17 Paper: What to Ask For
When purchasing paper from a supplier or specifying a print job, always use the term “Tabloid” for 11×17 sheets. This ensures you receive the correct product.
If you need the sheets in landscape format, clarify that you require “Ledger” orientation.
Be aware that some vendors may list 11×17 as “11 x 17 paper,” “Tabloid,” or even “B size.” If in doubt, double-check the actual dimensions to avoid costly mistakes.
Always specify both the size and the orientation when placing large print orders. This prevents confusion and ensures your materials are produced exactly as needed.
Summary Table: Key Facts about Tabloid (11×17) Paper
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tabloid |
| Dimensions | 11 x 17 inches (279 x 432 mm) |
| Orientation | Portrait (Tabloid), Landscape (Ledger) |
| ANSI Code | ANSI B |
| ISO Equivalent | A3 (approximate) |
| Common Uses | Posters, diagrams, architectural plans, newsletters |
Fun Facts and Trivia about Tabloid Paper
- The Tabloid size is exactly double the area of Letter size paper. Two Letter sheets placed side by side create one Tabloid sheet.
- Tabloid paper is often used for “spread” layouts in magazines and newspapers, allowing for more creative design.
- Many offices use Tabloid for organizational charts, workflow diagrams, or multi-column spreadsheets that won’t fit on standard Letter.
- In publishing slang, “tab” is a common abbreviation for Tabloid size.
- Some printers can produce “full-bleed” Tabloid prints, meaning the ink covers the entire sheet with no white borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tabloid the same as Ledger? Yes, both refer to paper measuring 11 x 17 inches.
“Tabloid” is typically used for portrait orientation, while “Ledger” is for landscape.
Can I print Tabloid size at home? Only if your printer supports 11×17 inch paper.
Many home printers do not, but office or commercial-grade printers often do.
Is Tabloid used outside North America? The term “Tabloid” for 11×17 is mainly used in the US and Canada.
Internationally, A3 size (297 x 420 mm) is more common.
What projects are best suited for Tabloid paper? Posters, diagrams, booklets, menus, and technical drawings are all excellent candidates for Tabloid.
Conclusion: The Importance of Knowing Paper Names
Whether you’re a designer, an architect, an educator, or simply someone preparing a special print job, knowing the correct name for 11×17 paper is invaluable. Tabloid is the standard term in North America, denoting a versatile and widely used format.
Its larger size opens up creative possibilities, accommodates detailed plans, and makes a visual impact in ways that smaller formats cannot.
By understanding the nuances between Tabloid, Ledger, and international equivalents like A3, you can communicate your needs clearly with printers, suppliers, and collaborators. The result?
Fewer mistakes, better-looking projects, and a smoother workflow.
Next time you need a sheet that’s bigger than Letter but smaller than a full poster, remember: 11×17 is Tabloid—your go-to for impactful, professional results.
