Legal vs Letter Size: What’s the Difference?
The majority of people don’t give a second thought to the size of the paper they use on a daily basis. However, there are actually quite a few different types and sizes of paper – all designed for specific purposes. Two of the most common types of paper are letter and legal size paper.
So, what exactly is the difference between letter size paper and legal size paper? Here’s a quick overview:
What is letter size paper?
Letter size paper is the most common paper size, used for everything from printer paper to notepads, to invoices, and cover sheets. It measures 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches long. This size of paper is also commonly used for printing documents such as resumes, flyers, and other marketing materials.
This size is typically used for correspondence, documents, and other professional communications. Letter paper can be found in a variety of weights and textures, depending on the intended use. Heavier weight paper is often used for printing contracts or other legal documents, while lighter weight paper is more commonly used for letters or invitations.
The finish of the paper (smooth or textured) can also vary depending on the purpose. Smooth paper is more commonly used for general correspondence, while textured paper may be used for invitations or other special communications. No matter what the intended use, letter size paper is a versatile option that can be used for a variety of purposes.
What is legal size paper?
Legal size paper is slightly larger than letter size paper. It measures 8.5 inches wide by 14 inches long. This size of paper is commonly used for legal documents such as contracts and other paperwork that needs to be filed with the court system.
If you have a need for legal size paper, when selecting a printer or copier, be sure to choose one that can accommodate legal size paper. Otherwise, you may need to purchase a special adapter in order to use this size paper. For businesses that frequently use legal documents, investing in a printer or copier that can handle legal size paper is a wise decision.
Why Do Lawyers Need Legal Size Paper?
Lawyers need special legal size paper for a variety of reasons.
- Legal documents are often quite long, and standard paper sizes simply do not provide enough space.
- Legal documents often contain a great deal of text.
- Some courts require documents to be filed on legal size paper, so using other paper sizes can simply lead to delays in the court process.
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