Legal Size Paper: Dimensions, Uses & Free Printable
What is legal document size? Legal paper dimensions 8.5×14 in. When to use legal size. Free printable legal lined paper.
Legal size paper is an ANSI standard paper size measuring 8.5 × 14 inches (216 × 356 mm). It is longer than US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) and is often used for legal documents, contracts, and forms where extra vertical space helps. What is legal document size? It refers to this 8.5×14 format, common in North American legal and business practice.
Legal paper dimensions: exact measurements
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 8.5 in (216 mm) |
| Height | 14 in (356 mm) |
| Aspect ratio | ~1:1.65 |
What are the measurements of a legal size paper? 8.5 inches wide by 14 inches tall. The extra 3 inches in height compared to Letter allow more content per page—useful for contracts and tables.
When to use legal size paper
Legal paper is common for:
- Legal documents (contracts, pleadings, affidavits)
- Government forms that specify legal size
- Spreadsheets and tables needing more rows
- Long reports where you want fewer page breaks
In everyday printing, Letter remains more common. Use legal only when required or when the extra length clearly helps.
Legal vs Letter vs A4 (quick comparison)
| Size | Dimensions | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Letter | 8.5 × 11 in | US, Canada |
| Legal | 8.5 × 14 in | US, Canada |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | International |
Legal shares the same width as Letter, so it fits in many standard binders and folders—just taller.
Free printable legal lined paper
We offer college-ruled lined paper in legal size:
- Legal college ruled paper—7.1mm line spacing, red margin
Print at Actual Size / 100% so line spacing stays accurate.
Printing tips
- Set your printer to legal size (8.5 × 14 in)
- Print at 100% scale—avoid "Fit to page"
- Match the template’s paper size in the print dialog
For more on paper standards: A4 vs Letter and paper size comparison.