Tabloid paper size is one of the most recognized large-format paper dimensions in North America. Frequently used in publishing, design, and engineering, this paper size plays a crucial role in industries where visual space, layout, and scalability are important. Whether you’re creating a brochure, a newspaper, or an architectural drawing, understanding tabloid paper size helps you choose the correct format and avoid scaling issues during print or digital publishing.
Definition and Overview
The tabloid paper size refers to a sheet that measures 11 inches by 17 inches. It is considered a large-format size and is twice the size of the standard letter paper (8.5″ x 11″). Tabloid paper is typically used in portrait orientation, whereas the same dimensions used in landscape orientation are often called ledger paper size.
This format has earned the term “tabloid” from its traditional association with tabloid-style newspapers, which are known for their compact size and concise storytelling. Over time, this paper size has become a staple not only in media but also in marketing, design, technical documentation, and education.
Quick Fact: Tabloid paper is not part of the international ISO 216 standard (like A3 or A4), making it a uniquely North American standard.
Tabloid Paper Size in Inches and Millimeters
Measurement Unit
Width x Height
Inches
11″ x 17″
Millimeters
279 mm x 432 mm
Points (desktop publishing)
792 pt × 1224 pt
This size gives designers and printers more space for visuals, columns, diagrams, and infographics. Its dimensions are also practical for folding into booklets, making it a common choice in zines, catalogs, and manuals.
U.S. vs International Standards
The United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico predominantly use the imperial paper size system, which includes letter, legal, ledger, and tabloid sizes. In contrast, most of the world uses the ISO 216 metric system, which includes sizes like A4, A3, and A2.
Here’s a quick comparison between tabloid paper size and its closest international counterpart:
Paper Type
Dimensions (inches)
Dimensions (mm)
Used In
Tabloid
11 x 17
279 x 432
U.S., Canada
A3
11.7 x 16.5
297 x 420
Global / ISO
Key Differences:
A3 paper is slightly wider but shorter than tabloid.
Tabloid is aligned with the American ANSI B paper size standard, while A3 is part of the international ISO 216 series.
Why It Matters
Understanding the distinction between tabloid and international paper sizes is crucial for:
Designers working with global clients
Exporting or importing printed materials
Ensuring correct scaling and layout during printing
When using design software like Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Publisher, selecting the correct paper format ensures that margins, bleed lines, and layout settings match industry standards for the intended audience.
FAQs for This Section
Q: What are the exact dimensions of tabloid paper size? A: Tabloid paper measures 11 x 17 inches or 279 x 432 mm.
Q: Is tabloid paper part of the ISO standard? A: No. Tabloid is part of the U.S. paper size system and is not included in ISO 216. Its closest ISO equivalent is A3.
Q: Why is it called “tabloid” paper? A: The term comes from tabloid-style newspapers, which are smaller than broadsheets and traditionally printed on 11 x 17 inch paper.
Common Uses of Tabloid Paper Size
The tabloid paper size (11 x 17 inches) is a versatile format used across multiple industries due to its wide layout and print-friendly dimensions. From creative projects to technical documentation, tabloid paper bridges the gap between readability and space efficiency. Its size provides more room for visual content, multiple columns, and large-scale presentations—making it ideal for both professional and creative use cases.
Printing Applications
Tabloid-sized paper is widely used in the printing and publishing industry because it offers ample space for detailed layouts and bold designs. Here are some of the most popular applications:
Newspapers: Traditional tabloid newspapers—known for their compact, reader-friendly layout—are commonly printed on 11×17 inch sheets folded in half.
Magazines and Zines: Independent publishers often use tabloid paper for zines or art magazines because it allows for expressive layouts and large imagery.
Flyers and Posters: Tabloid paper is ideal for posters, especially for events and marketing campaigns, as it offers more space for images and text without overwhelming the viewer.
Brochures: It’s often folded into bi-fold or tri-fold brochures to create a visually compelling piece for marketing materials.
Design Tip: The larger format allows for higher DPI (dots per inch) in printing, resulting in sharper, clearer images, especially important in photography and high-resolution graphics.
Tabloid Paper in Office and Graphic Design
In professional office environments, tabloid paper size is often used for tasks that require extended layout space. This includes charts, presentations, and document designs that go beyond what letter-size can accommodate.
Common Office Uses:
Organizational Charts
Large-format Spreadsheets
Engineering or Manufacturing Drawings
Presentation Handouts
Calendars and Planners
In graphic design, tabloid paper offers room for creativity. Designers frequently use it to layout mock-ups, mood boards, and drafts before finalizing content in a digital format. It’s especially useful in:
Storyboarding for Film and Animation
Marketing Collateral
Product Packaging Mockups
Educational and Academic Uses
In the education sector, tabloid paper is often employed for visual learning and project-based assignments. Teachers and students use it for:
Poster presentations
Science fair projects
Art classes
Bulletin board designs
The large size is especially helpful in collaborative classrooms where students work on group assignments and require ample space for creativity and content display.
Case Study: A public school district in Texas transitioned to tabloid-sized templates for student reports and visual assignments. The result? Increased student engagement and more expressive project outcomes, as students felt less constrained by page size.
Summary: Where Tabloid Paper Size Shines
Use Case
Industry
Why It’s Ideal
Newspapers & Magazines
Publishing
Foldable, high-contrast layouts
Posters & Flyers
Marketing
Wide layout for images and typography
Charts & Spreadsheets
Corporate
Space for data visualization
Technical Drawings
Engineering/Design
Precision layout and detailed annotation
School Projects
Education
Creative flexibility and space for collaboration
Tabloid vs Ledger Paper – What’s the Difference?
One of the most commonly asked questions when discussing tabloid paper size is whether it’s the same as ledger paper. Technically, tabloid and ledger refer to the same dimensions: 11 x 17 inches (279 x 432 mm). The difference lies not in size, but in orientation and usage context. Understanding this distinction is crucial for selecting the right format for your printing, design, or documentation needs.
Same Size, Different Orientation
While tabloid paper is typically used in a portrait orientation (taller than it is wide), ledger paper refers to the exact same size used in a landscape orientation (wider than it is tall).
Here’s a quick comparison:
Name
Dimensions
Orientation
Typical Use Cases
Tabloid
11″ x 17″
Portrait
Newspapers, Posters, Newsletters
Ledger
11″ x 17″
Landscape
Spreadsheets, Charts, Financial Reports
This difference becomes especially important in software programs like Microsoft Excel or Adobe Acrobat, where page orientation determines how data fits and prints.
Helpful Tip: In programs like Microsoft Word, you can easily switch between tabloid and ledger by adjusting the page orientation under Layout > Orientation.
When to Use Tabloid vs When to Use Ledger
Choosing between tabloid and ledger depends largely on the content and how the document will be consumed. Here’s a breakdown:
✅ Use Tabloid Paper when:
Creating magazines, zines, or newsletters
Designing event posters, restaurant menus, or real estate flyers
Formatting content with vertical layouts that favor top-to-bottom reading
Orientation isn’t just a visual decision—it affects how readers interact with your content. For example:
A financial analyst may prefer ledger orientation to fit large tables on one page without wrapping columns.
A graphic designer creating a street poster might prefer tabloid orientation for bold, vertical layouts.
If you’re sending materials to a professional printer, specifying “tabloid portrait” or “ledger landscape” ensures your design is printed exactly as intended. Miscommunication can result in stretched or cropped content.
Tabloid vs Ledger Paper – What’s the Difference?
One of the most commonly asked questions when discussing tabloid paper size is whether it’s the same as ledger paper. Technically, tabloid and ledger refer to the same dimensions: 11 x 17 inches (279 x 432 mm). The difference lies not in size, but in orientation and usage context. Understanding this distinction is crucial for selecting the right format for your printing, design, or documentation needs.
Same Size, Different Orientation
While tabloid paper is typically used in a portrait orientation (taller than it is wide), ledger paper refers to the exact same size used in a landscape orientation (wider than it is tall).
Here’s a quick comparison:
Name
Dimensions
Orientation
Typical Use Cases
Tabloid
11″ x 17″
Portrait
Newspapers, Posters, Newsletters
Ledger
11″ x 17″
Landscape
Spreadsheets, Charts, Financial Reports
This difference becomes especially important in software programs like Microsoft Excel or Adobe Acrobat, where page orientation determines how data fits and prints.
Helpful Tip: In programs like Microsoft Word, you can easily switch between tabloid and ledger by adjusting the page orientation under Layout > Orientation.
When to Use Tabloid vs When to Use Ledger
Choosing between tabloid and ledger depends largely on the content and how the document will be consumed. Here’s a breakdown:
✅ Use Tabloid Paper when:
Creating magazines, zines, or newsletters
Designing event posters, restaurant menus, or real estate flyers
Formatting content with vertical layouts that favor top-to-bottom reading
Why Orientation Matters
Orientation isn’t just a visual decision—it affects how readers interact with your content. For example:
A financial analyst may prefer ledger orientation to fit large tables on one page without wrapping columns.
A graphic designer creating a street poster might prefer tabloid orientation for bold, vertical layouts.
If you’re sending materials to a professional printer, specifying “tabloid portrait” or “ledger landscape” ensures your design is printed exactly as intended. Miscommunication can result in stretched or cropped content.
Industry Insight: According to Xerox’s guide on paper sizes, ledger paper is one of the most preferred sizes in finance and accounting departments due to its ability to accommodate complex data tables.
How Does Tabloid Paper Size Compare to Other Paper Sizes?
When deciding on the best paper format for a project, it’s essential to understand how tabloid paper size (11 x 17 inches) stacks up against other commonly used sizes. Whether you’re choosing a format for printing a marketing flyer, laying out an architectural blueprint, or exporting a PDF, knowing how tabloid compares to other paper dimensions helps ensure accuracy, cost-efficiency, and design integrity.
Tabloid vs A3 Paper
The most frequent international comparison to tabloid paper is A3 size, which belongs to the ISO 216 international paper standard.
Paper Size
Dimensions (inches)
Dimensions (mm)
Common Use Case
Tabloid
11 x 17
279 x 432
U.S. newspapers, posters, charts
A3
11.7 x 16.5
297 x 420
International posters, artwork
Key Differences:
A3 is slightly wider and a bit shorter than tabloid.
Tabloid follows the U.S. ANSI B series, while A3 adheres to the ISO 216 standard.
A3 is widely used outside North America in offices, schools, and commercial printers.
Letter size is the standard U.S. document size. It’s the most commonly used paper size in everyday office and home printing.
Comparison Metric
Tabloid (11 x 17)
Letter (8.5 x 11)
Dimensions (inches)
11 x 17
8.5 x 11
Area (sq inches)
187
93.5
Orientation Flexibility
Portrait/Landscape
Mostly Portrait
Common Usage
Posters, blueprints
Resumes, letters
Key takeaway: Tabloid is exactly twice the size of letter paper when folded. This makes tabloid ideal for printing booklets or folded materials that are read like a magazine or newsletter.
📎 External Guide: See the U.S. Government’s publication standards on paper size at the Government Publishing Office (GPO).
Tabloid vs Legal Size
Legal paper (8.5 x 14 inches) is a longer version of letter size, commonly used for legal documents and contracts.
Paper Size
Dimensions (inches)
Aspect Ratio
Common Use
Tabloid
11 x 17
1:1.54
Design, newspapers
Legal
8.5 x 14
1:1.65
Legal filings
Difference in purpose:
Tabloid paper size is preferred for design-intensive layouts.
Legal paper is better suited for text-heavy documents that require more vertical space.
Paper Size Comparison Table
Below is a comprehensive table that compares tabloid paper to other standard paper sizes, both U.S. and international:
Paper Type
Dimensions (inches)
Dimensions (mm)
Standard Type
Notes
Letter
8.5 x 11
216 x 279
ANSI A
Standard U.S. document size
Legal
8.5 x 14
216 x 356
ANSI
Legal contracts and court filings
Tabloid
11 x 17
279 x 432
ANSI B
Posters, newspapers, design layouts
Ledger
11 x 17
279 x 432
ANSI B
Used in landscape orientation
A4
8.27 x 11.69
210 x 297
ISO 216
Standard paper size globally
A3
11.69 x 16.54
297 x 420
ISO 216
Closest international equivalent to tabloid
Why These Comparisons Matter
Choosing the right paper size is not just a matter of printing convenience—it impacts:
Layout design (more columns, whitespace)
Cost of printing (tabloid is more expensive than letter)
Many design tools like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Microsoft Publisher provide templates for tabloid and A3 sizes, but understanding their subtle differences ensures your design translates perfectly from screen to paper.
How to Print on Tabloid Paper Size
Printing on tabloid paper size (11 x 17 inches) requires proper setup in both your printer hardware and your software. Because of its larger dimensions, tabloid printing is commonly handled by office-grade or commercial printers capable of supporting large-format paper. Whether you’re printing posters, newsletters, or architectural plans, this section will guide you through everything you need to know to print accurately and professionally on tabloid paper.
Printer Compatibility
Not all printers are capable of handling tabloid-size paper. Most consumer inkjet or laser printers are designed for letter-size (8.5 x 11 inches) or legal-size (8.5 x 14 inches) paper.
Printer types that support 11×17 tabloid printing:
Multifunction office printers Common in schools and corporate environments Examples: HP OfficeJet Pro 7740, Brother MFC-J6945DW
Commercial digital presses Found in print shops and publishing companies Examples: Xerox Versant series, Ricoh Pro C series
Source: Review HP’s official guidelines for wide-format printing on 11 x 17 paper at HP Support.
Before printing, check your printer’s documentation to ensure it supports paper sizes beyond the standard US letter format. Many printers will require manual tray loading or adjustable paper guides to correctly align the paper.
Setting Up Tabloid Printing in Software
Once you confirm hardware compatibility, the next step is to configure your print settings in software. Whether you’re designing a newsletter, a report, or a flyer, setting up your project correctly will ensure your final print has no scaling issues or cut-off edges.
Software-Specific Setup:
1. Microsoft Word / Excel / Publisher
Go to File > Page Setup or File > Print
Choose paper size: 11 x 17″
Select appropriate orientation: Portrait (Tabloid) or Landscape (Ledger)
2. Adobe Illustrator / InDesign / Acrobat
In Document Setup, define custom size as 11 x 17 inches
Under Print Settings, choose “Fit to Page” or adjust Bleed and Trim settings
Ensure DPI is at least 300 DPI for high-resolution prints
3. Google Docs / Sheets
Tabloid printing is not natively supported in the print dialog
Workaround: Export as PDF > Open in Acrobat or Preview > Print using tabloid settings
Printing Tips for Best Quality
When printing on tabloid paper, especially for visual or client-facing documents, quality matters. Here are best practices to follow:
1. Use High-Quality Paper
For brochures or presentations: use 120–160 GSM coated paper
For architectural drawings: use 90–100 GSM bond paper
2. Set Resolution to 300 DPI or Higher
Avoid blurry images or pixelated text
Always use vector graphics when possible for sharpness
3. Color Management
Calibrate monitor and printer for color consistency
Use CMYK color mode for professional print jobs
4. Margins and Bleeds
Leave at least 0.25-inch margin on all sides
For edge-to-edge designs, include a 0.125-inch bleed
5. Test Print Before Mass Printing
Print one copy to check alignment, color accuracy, and layout
Make adjustments as necessary before printing in bulk
Common Printing Mistakes to Avoid
Not checking printer capability before sending large files
Ignoring software bleed and trim settings, resulting in unaligned prints
Using low-resolution images which appear blurry on large formats
Choosing the wrong orientation, leading to sideways prints or misaligned content
Printing in RGB mode which may produce inaccurate color tones when printed commercially
As digital publishing continues to evolve, the tabloid paper size has found relevance not only in physical print but also in digital publishing, PDF formatting, and design tools. Creators, marketers, and publishers often use tabloid-sized digital layouts for interactive magazines, downloadable templates, eBooks, and digital brochures. With the growing need for accessible, professional layouts across digital platforms, understanding how to effectively work with tabloid-sized formats online is more essential than ever.
Creating Digital Tabloid PDFs
PDFs remain the most widely used format for digitally distributing tabloid-sized documents. They preserve layout integrity across devices and platforms, ensuring a consistent viewing experience.
Best Practices for Tabloid-Size PDFs:
Document size should be set to 11 x 17 inches in the design software before exporting.
Use vector-based content for sharp resolution when zooming or printing.
Embed fonts and color profiles to ensure consistency across different devices.
Enable accessibility tags for screen readers and search indexing.
Popular tools for creating tabloid PDFs include:
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Canva Pro (Custom Dimensions)
Affinity Publisher
Scribus (open-source)
Tabloid Format in Online Publishing Platforms
Online publishing tools and platforms allow users to publish tabloid-sized content directly to the web or cloud. This is ideal for newsletters, magazines, catalogs, and downloadable resources.
Tools That Support Tabloid Layouts:
Canva: Use custom dimensions to create tabloid-sized designs for social media or print. Canva’s design guide offers clear steps on how to customize document sizes.
Lucidpress: A browser-based design and brand management platform that supports tabloid layouts. Learn more on Lucidpress’s template page.
Adobe Express: Formerly Adobe Spark, useful for creating interactive and animated tabloid layouts. Learn more on adobe express.
Flipsnack: A flipbook tool for converting tabloid PDFs into interactive online magazines.
Digital Tip: Always export your tabloid layouts with 300 DPI resolution, even for web, to ensure high-quality downloads and printability.
Tabloid Templates for Download
Many users prefer starting with pre-designed tabloid templates. These templates are widely available from both free and paid sources and are essential for:
Consistency in layout
Time savings in design
Professional formatting
Where to Find Tabloid-Size Templates:
Adobe Stock: Offers professional tabloid templates for newsletters, newspapers, brochures, and reports. Visit Adobe Stock
Microsoft Office Templates: Browse newsletter and poster templates compatible with Word and Publisher. Microsoft Office Templates
Template.net: Offers a wide range of tabloid-sized flyer, magazine, and brochure templates. Explore template
Why Digital Tabloid Formats Matter
Digital tabloid formats are not just about mimicking their print counterparts. They enable:
Easy digital distribution of high-impact visual documents.
Seamless transition between print and digital workflows.
Enhanced reader engagement through interactive layouts.
Scalability for print-on-demand or client presentations.
For publishers and businesses, digital tabloid files allow for:
Online magazine publishing
Email marketing attachments
Downloadable PDFs for lead generation
Cross-platform content reuse (web, print, social)
Industry Insight: According to the Pew Research Center, digital publications now outpace traditional newspapers in reach and engagement, making digital tabloid formats more relevant than ever for marketers and content creators.
Choosing the Right Paper Stock for Tabloid Printing
When working with tabloid paper size (11 × 17 inches), selecting the right paper stock is crucial to ensure professional print results, visual appeal, and suitability for the intended use. Whether you’re producing a high-volume newspaper, a glossy tabloid magazine, or corporate brochures, the type of paper you choose influences everything from readability to cost.
Key Factors in Selecting Paper Stock for Tabloid Prints
There are several key considerations when choosing the ideal paper type for tabloid-size printing:
Factor
Consideration
Weight (GSM / lb)
Heavier stocks (e.g., 100 lb text or 200+ GSM) offer durability and premium feel
Finish
Glossy, matte, or uncoated, depending on the intended use and aesthetic
Brightness
Higher brightness improves readability and color vibrancy
Opacity
Prevents text/images from showing through, crucial for double-sided printing
Print Compatibility
Offset vs. digital printing — different paper reacts better to each method
Common Paper Types for Tabloid Size Printing
Here are the most widely used paper stocks for printing on tabloid-size sheets:
Newsprint Paper
Weight: 30–35 GSM (50–60 lb)
Use Case: Newspapers and flyers
Pros: Low-cost, lightweight, easily foldable
Cons: Not suitable for long-term durability or high-quality imagery
Example: Local newspapers or event bulletins
Matte Coated Paper
Weight: 80–120 GSM
Use Case: Magazines, catalogs, menus
Pros: Reduced glare, easy to read, better color absorption
Cons: Colors may appear slightly muted compared to gloss
Gloss Coated Paper
Weight: 90–200 GSM
Use Case: Photo-heavy tabloid magazines and brochures
Pros: Vibrant color reproduction, premium feel
Cons: Susceptible to fingerprints and glare
Uncoated Paper
Weight: 70–100 GSM
Use Case: Manuals, forms, and eco-friendly printouts
Pros: Writable surface, natural texture
Cons: Less vibrant image output
Cardstock (Cover Paper)
Weight: 200+ GSM (up to 350 GSM)
Use Case: Tabloid-size posters, covers, and rigid documents
Pros: Sturdy, professional presentation
Cons: Not ideal for large-volume printing due to cost
Tabloid Paper Stock Use Cases
Let’s explore real-world use cases for tabloid-sized prints and how paper choice affects the result:
Tabloid Newspapers: Printed on uncoated or lightly coated newsprint for fast production and low costs. Widely used by local presses.
Event Programs or Calendars: Often printed on matte or semi-gloss stock for visual clarity and smooth feel.
Marketing Posters: Typically use heavyweight gloss paper for high visual impact and durability in displays.
Folded Brochures or Menus: Designed with coated or uncoated stock depending on whether users need to write on them.
Pro Tip: If you’re printing on both sides of the sheet, opt for higher opacity paper (above 90%) to prevent ink bleed-through and maintain visual clarity.
Environmental Considerations
With increasing awareness of sustainability, many organizations opt for FSC-certified or recycled paper options for tabloid prints.
FSC Certification ensures paper comes from responsibly managed forests
Recycled Stocks reduce environmental impact and are often competitively priced
Look for options with the “Green Seal” or “EcoLogo” certifications
Cost and Availability of Tabloid Paper Size
The cost and availability of tabloid paper size (11 × 17 inches) play a vital role in its selection for various print and office tasks. Whether you’re running a commercial print shop or a small office setup, understanding pricing trends, sourcing channels, and regional availability helps you make informed decisions about budgeting and procurement.
How Much Does Tabloid Paper Cost?
The price of tabloid-size paper depends on several factors including paper weight, coating type, quantity, brand, and eco-certifications.
Here’s a breakdown of average price ranges (as of 2024):
Paper Type
Weight
Average Price (per ream)
Use Case
Uncoated copy paper
20–24 lb (75–90 GSM)
$10–$20
Office printing, reports
Premium inkjet paper
24–28 lb (90–100 GSM)
$18–$35
Color prints, photos
Gloss/matte coated paper
80–120 GSM
$30–$50
Brochures, flyers, menus
Newsprint rolls
~30 GSM
$15–$40 per roll
Newspapers, newsletters
Heavy cardstock (tabloid)
200–300 GSM
$40–$70
Posters, signage, covers
Note: Prices may vary depending on region, distributor discounts, and brand. Bulk orders can significantly reduce per-sheet cost.
Where to Buy Tabloid Size Paper
Tabloid paper size is widely available through both online and offline suppliers. Below are popular high-authority and reliable platforms for purchasing:
These platforms also allow filtering by size (11×17), brightness, finish, and eco-credentials, making your sourcing more streamlined.
Cost Efficiency Tips
If you’re printing regularly or in high volume, here are some cost-saving strategies when purchasing tabloid paper:
Buy in Bulk: Reams or boxes of 500–2500 sheets offer significant price breaks.
Subscribe & Save: Use auto-restock or subscription services from vendors like Amazon or Staples.
Choose Uncoated for Everyday Use: It’s cheaper and suitable for internal documents or drafts.
Recycle & Reuse: If the back side of prints isn’t used, consider reusing for internal memos or drafts.
Evaluate Local Print Shops: For small runs, outsourcing tabloid prints to a local shop may be cheaper than maintaining a printer.
Regional Availability and Import Considerations
While tabloid paper size is standard in North America, its availability in Europe, Asia, or Africa can vary. In these regions, A3 size (297 × 420 mm) is more common, which closely resembles tabloid dimensions.
However, international buyers can still source 11 × 17 paper through platforms like:
Tip: Always check printer compatibility and regional electrical standards if you’re importing printers alongside paper stock.
Tabloid Paper Size vs. Other Standard Paper Sizes
Understanding how tabloid paper size compares to other standard paper sizes is crucial for designers, publishers, and businesses that operate globally. Since paper dimensions can vary significantly across regions and applications, choosing the right size ensures better output, compatibility, and cost-efficiency.
Comparing Tabloid Paper to Common North American Sizes
In North America, paper sizes follow the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard. Here’s a breakdown comparing tabloid paper (11 × 17 inches) to the most commonly used formats:
Paper Size
Dimensions (inches)
Common Use
Letter
8.5 × 11
Office documents, reports
Legal
8.5 × 14
Contracts, legal agreements
Tabloid
11 × 17
Newsletters, posters, folded booklets
Ledger
17 × 11
Financial statements, spreadsheets
Executive
7.25 × 10.5
Memos, formal correspondence
Fun Fact: Tabloid and ledger sizes have the same dimensions (11 × 17 inches), but orientation differs. Tabloid is portrait, while ledger is landscape.
Tabloid Size vs. ISO A Series Paper Sizes (Used Internationally)
In most of the world outside North America, the ISO 216 standard (A series) is used. The closest match to tabloid size in the ISO standard is A3.
ISO Paper Size
Dimensions (mm)
Inches Approx.
Closest ANSI Equivalent
A5
148 × 210
5.8 × 8.3
Half of Letter
A4
210 × 297
8.3 × 11.7
Letter
A3
297 × 420
11.7 × 16.5
Tabloid
A2
420 × 594
16.5 × 23.4
Larger posters
A1
594 × 841
23.4 × 33.1
Large format prints
So while tabloid size is not an ISO standard, A3 is almost the same size and often used interchangeably in international workflows.
For global compatibility, designers may need to adjust margins or scaling when switching between tabloid and A3.
Though they share the same dimensions, tabloid and ledger differ in orientation and application:
Feature
Tabloid Paper
Ledger Paper
Size
11 × 17 inches
17 × 11 inches
Orientation
Portrait
Landscape
Common Uses
Newspapers, booklets
Accounting, spreadsheets
Print Format
Vertical
Horizontal
Knowing this distinction is important when setting up page layout in design software or printers, as incorrect orientation can distort your layout.
Tabloid Paper vs. Poster Sizes
While tabloid paper is frequently used for small posters and flyers, it’s important to distinguish it from true poster sizes, which start much larger.
Poster Size
Dimensions
Use Case
Small Poster
11 × 17 in (Tabloid)
Event flyers, menus
Medium Poster
18 × 24 in
Advertisements, wall decor
Large Poster
24 × 36 in
Movie posters, promotions
If you’re creating posters for outdoor or large displays, you’ll typically need larger formats and wide-format printers, which are not compatible with standard office printers.
Key Takeaways
Tabloid paper size (11 × 17 in) is significantly larger than standard Letter (8.5 × 11 in) and ideal for layouts that need extra width or height.
International equivalent: A3 (297 × 420 mm) is nearly the same size, though slight differences exist.
When switching regions or printing systems, double-check margins, DPI, and scaling to avoid layout issues.
rinting and Printer Compatibility with Tabloid Paper Size Printing on tabloid paper size (11 × 17 inches) requires specific hardware capabilities and setup configurations. Not every standard office printer can handle tabloid dimensions, making it essential to understand which devices are compatible, what print settings to adjust, and how this affects cost and performance.
Can All Printers Handle Tabloid Paper Size? No. Most consumer-grade home and office printers are designed to print up to Letter (8.5 × 11″) or Legal (8.5 × 14″) paper sizes. Tabloid-size printing typically requires: Wide-format inkjet printers Laser printers with tabloid tray compatibility Commercial digital presses For example, HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 and Epson WorkForce WF-7840 are widely used inkjet models that support 11 × 17 printing. On the laser side, models like the Brother HL-L8360CDWT offer dual tray configurations with tabloid support. Tip: Always check the printer’s specifications for “max paper size” and “media support” before purchasing for tabloid use.
Printer Settings for Tabloid Paper To print correctly on tabloid-sized paper, adjust the following settings: Paper Size Selection In the print dialog box (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P), select “Tabloid” (11 × 17) or manually input dimensions if the option isn’t available. Orientation Choose Portrait for traditional tabloid use or Landscape if you’re working with ledger layouts. Scaling & Margins Make sure “fit to page” is unchecked if you’re printing at full size, and set margins according to your design needs (typically 0.25–0.5 inches). Media Type If using thicker paper or specialty stock, adjust the media setting in your printer driver for better output quality and fewer jams.
Compatible File Formats for Tabloid Printing When preparing documents for tabloid printing, file format matters. Common file formats include: PDF (Preferred) – Preserves fonts, layout, and images. Ideal for professional results. TIFF – Common for high-resolution images and large-format raster graphics. AI, INDD, PSD – Design software formats for Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. These should be exported to print-ready PDFs. Microsoft Word or PowerPoint – Acceptable for internal documents but may cause formatting inconsistencies across devices.
Software Tools for Tabloid Layout Design To design for tabloid size printing, the following programs offer full control: Adobe InDesign – Industry standard for layout and publishing. Ideal for newspapers, catalogs, and booklets. Microsoft Publisher – A budget-friendly alternative for newsletters and flyers. Canva Pro – Supports custom dimensions (11 × 17 in) and drag-and-drop design. Useful for quick tabloid poster creation. Affinity Publisher – Cost-effective desktop publishing tool with professional-level control.
Cost Considerations for Tabloid Printing Printing on tabloid-size paper can increase costs due to: Larger paper stock requirements Higher ink or toner consumption Specialty printer purchase or leasing Outsourcing to commercial print shops for high-volume runs Here’s a rough cost comparison: Print Type Average Cost (Per Page) Letter-sized inkjet print $0.05–$0.20 Tabloid-sized inkjet print $0.15–$0.60 Commercial print shop $0.30–$1.50 (bulk pricing)
Where to Buy Tabloid Paper While not always stocked in local stores, tabloid paper is widely available online. You can purchase it from:
Neenah Paper – for premium quality tabloid cardstock Make sure to check the paper weight (measured in gsm or lb) and finish type (matte, glossy, satin) depending on your project.
Environmental Considerations in Tabloid Printing Due to the larger size, tabloid printing consumes more resources. Here’s how you can reduce environmental impact: Use recycled tabloid paper Print double-sided (duplex) Choose eco-friendly ink cartridges Work with FSC-certified print vendors
Key Takeaways Not all printers support tabloid paper — ensure you have a wide-format or multi-tray printer. Set proper layout and orientation settings for best results. Opt for PDF for high-quality, layout-safe prints. Outsourcing can reduce costs and improve quality for large-scale tabloid printing. Consider eco-conscious printing methods to lower environmental footprint.
