How to Print Paper Templates Without Scaling

Printing a paper template should be simple, but one setting can ruin everything: scaling. If a “5mm grid” prints as 5.3mm, your notes, drawings, and measurements drift quickly.

This guide helps you print templates at true size (100% / Actual Size) on both ISO (A4) and ANSI (Letter) paper.

Step 1: Confirm the paper size

Before you print, match the template paper size to the sheet in your printer.

• A4 (ISO 216): 210 × 297 mm
• Letter (ANSI): 8.5 × 11 in (216 × 279 mm)

If you print an A4 template on Letter (or the reverse), the printer may auto-fit to page and shrink/expand the content.

If you need a quick start, use these generators:

• US Letter note paper: College ruled template
• US Letter graph paper: 1/4 inch graph paper

Step 2: Use “Actual Size” / “100%”

In most PDF viewers and print dialogs, you want one of the following:

• Actual Size
• 100%
• Scale: 100

Avoid these (they almost always change dimensions):

• Fit to Page
• Shrink to Printable Area
• Fit / Fill

Step 3: Turn off “auto rotate and center” (if it changes output)

Some print dialogs auto-rotate and then apply scaling to fit. If you see unexpected size changes, try:

• Paper orientation: match the template (portrait vs landscape)
• Disable “Auto rotate and center”

Step 4: Understand margins (printable area)

Even with 100% scale, most printers cannot print edge-to-edge. That means:

• The outermost lines may get clipped if the template goes too close to the edge
• You may need larger margins for certain printers

If you want full-bleed printing, you need a printer that supports borderless mode and the correct paper type settings.

Quick checklist (copy/paste)

• Paper size: A4 or Letter matches the template
• Scale: Actual Size / 100%
• Orientation: correct
• Margins: acceptable (no important lines too close to the edge)
• Preview: verify grid intersections look square and consistent

A small sizing test you can do

If you have a ruler, print a grid template and check:

• 10 grid squares at 5mm should measure exactly 50mm
• 4 squares at 1/4 inch should measure exactly 1 inch

If it’s off, scaling is still enabled somewhere in the print pipeline.

FAQ

Why does my printer keep changing the size?

PDF viewers may “help” by fitting content into the printable area. The safest approach is selecting Actual Size and ensuring your paper size matches the document.

A4 vs Letter: which should I use?

Use the standard expected by your region and printer stock. Internationally, A4 is most common under ISO 216; in North America, Letter is common under ANSI standards.