When discussing standard paper sizes, one that often comes up is the 11 x 17 inch paper, also known as the ledger or tabloid size. This size is widely used in various applications, from printing maps and posters to creating large-scale artworks and engineering drawings.
But what exactly is the 11 x 17 paper also called? The answer lies in its alternative names and their origins, which we'll delve into in this article.
Understanding the 11 x 17 Paper Size
The 11 x 17 inch paper size is part of the standard paper sizes defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It's also part of the North American paper sizes, which are based on the imperial system of measurements.
To better understand its alternative names, let's first explore its dimensions and uses.
Dimensions and Uses
The 11 x 17 inch paper size, as the name suggests, measures 11 inches in width and 17 inches in length. This size is often used for:
- Printing large maps and posters
- Creating architectural and engineering drawings
- Making large-scale artworks and photographs
- Printing brochures and flyers in a larger format
Now that we've established its dimensions and uses, let's explore its alternative names.
Alternative Names
The 11 x 17 inch paper is also known by several names, each with its own historical or cultural significance.
Ledger Size
The most common alternative name for the 11 x 17 inch paper is ledger size. This name originates from the accounting ledgers used in the past, which were typically printed on this size of paper.
In the context of accounting, a ledger is a book that records financial transactions. The use of the 11 x 17 inch paper for ledgers allowed for ample space to record detailed information.
Tabloid Size
Another common name for the 11 x 17 inch paper is tabloid size. This name comes from the tabloid newspaper format, which is also 11 x 17 inches. Tabloid newspapers are smaller than broadsheet newspapers but larger than standard letter-sized paper.
The use of the term 'tabloid' for both the newspaper format and the paper size is a result of the size's popularity in printing and publishing industries.
Ansel Adams Size
In the world of photography, the 11 x 17 inch paper is also known as the Ansel Adams size. Ansel Adams, a renowned American landscape photographer, popularized this paper size for printing his large-format photographs.
Adams preferred this size because it allowed for a high level of detail and a wide dynamic range, which was crucial for his black-and-white landscape photographs.
Comparing the 11 x 17 Paper Size with Other Standard Sizes
To better understand the 11 x 17 inch paper size, it's helpful to compare it with other standard paper sizes.
Comparison with Letter and Legal Sizes
The 11 x 17 inch paper is significantly larger than the standard letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) and legal size (8.5 x 14 inches). While the width is the same as the letter size, the length is much larger, allowing for more content or a larger image.
Comparison with A3 and B2 Sizes
In the ISO standard, the 11 x 17 inch paper corresponds to the A3 size (297 x 420 mm or 11.7 x 16.5 inches) and the B2 size (503 x 707 mm or 19.8 x 27.8 inches). However, the 11 x 17 inch paper is not exactly the same as these sizes, as the conversions between the imperial and metric systems result in slight differences.
In conclusion, the 11 x 17 inch paper, also known as ledger or tabloid size, is a versatile paper size with a rich history. Its large dimensions make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from printing maps and posters to creating large-scale artworks and engineering drawings. Understanding its alternative names and comparing it with other standard sizes can help you better appreciate this paper size's unique qualities.