Legal Size vs Letter Size: Major Differences and the Best Way to Convert

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Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 12/23/2024 / Knowledge

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Due to multiple paper sizes available, many people get confused while choosing a paper for their assignments or projects. Are you one of those? Don’t worry because we have compared two widely used paper sizes in this blog. You can read about legal size vs letter size papers in this blog.

Moreover, we will also show you how to change PDF paper size effectively to make it suitable for your work requirements. In short, this guide will help you learn deeply about this comparison as well as help you resizing your PDF pages for smooth and effective usage.

By the end, you will have a deep understanding with legal page size and its different from letter size. Let’s get started and explore this comparison.

Part 1. What is Letter Paper Size?

Letter paper size measures 8.5 x 11 inches, making it the standard for most documents in the U.S.A. Its larger and compact dimensions make it perfect for everyday printing and fits accurately into standard folders and binders.

This size is widely accepted for personal and professional use due to its convenience and compatibility with common printers.

Uses of Letter Paper Size

The lightweight and smooth texture of letter paper makes it ideal for printing reports, resumes, and academic assignments. It’s neat finish ensures crisp prints for presentations and official documents.

This paper is also commonly used for letters, memos, and general correspondence. Moreover, its size and quality make it a preferred choice for flyers, brochures, and advertising content. This offers a professional yet versatile presentation.

Part 2. What is Legal Size Paper?

Legal-size papers measure the dimensions of 8.5 x 14 inches. This paper offers extra length compared to letter size. It is commonly used for government filings, court documents, and other marketing material.

This longer format is more useful for contracts, agreements, and legal filings, ensuring that important details are accommodated without overcrowding.

Uses of Legal Size Paper

Due to its larger size, legal paper is frequently used for legal documents, real estate paperwork, and formal agreements.

The texture of legal paper is slightly more rigid, offering a premium feel suitable for official contracts and important records. Its strength and durability make it ideal for long-term storage of critical documents.

Part 3. What is the Difference Between Legal and Letter Size Paper?

Are you confused about which paper size to use for your important documents? For this understanding the key differences between legal and letter size paper is crucial.

legal size vs letter size dimensional comparison

Choosing the right paper can impact the layout and professionalism of your documents. Let’s explore the key differences:

Dimensions

The key difference between these two papers (legal and letter) is their dimensions. Letter paper measures 8.5 x 11 inches, while legal size paper measures 8.5 x 14 inches.

This slight difference makes legal papers more useful for those who want to add more information. Although both share the same width, the added length of legal paper allows more content to fit without compromising clarity.

Nature of Papers

When considering the paper’s nature, legal size paper is typically stiffer and more rigid than letter paper. The firmness of legal size paper gives it a professional and durable feel for important documents.

This makes it the best choice for contracts, agreements, and other formal documentation that require a sturdy feel. On the other hand, letter size paper is more flexible and lighter in weight for everyday use.

It makes it ideal for printing letters, reports, presentations, and other general documents without compromising flexibility. The different textures reflect their specific intended uses and purposes in daily tasks.

On the Base of Uses

The uses of legal and letter size paper also differ based on their size and texture. Letter size paper is used for general purposes, such as business correspondence, school assignments, and everyday printing. Its compact size is perfect for quick tasks and standard printers.

In contrast, legal size paper is designed for documents that require extra spacing. This paper is widely used for legal contracts, real estate forms, and formal agreements. The extra length provides space for detailed content, making it the preferred choice for professional and legal paperwork.

Part 4. Best Way to Convert Letter Size to Legal Size

Have you also been stuck in a situation when you need legal size paper but have letter-sized paper? Converting paper sizes is a very difficult task, especially when you don't know the easiest way to do it.

To solve this problem, many free software options are available, like PDNob PDF Editor. This software provides a wide range of editing features, including paper size conversion.

pdnob pdf editor download page

It helps resize documents without losing formatting. The software is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to anyone. With its simple interface, converting letters to legal size or vice versa becomes a quick and effort-free task.

Here are a few features of this PDF editing software that help you to convert letter size to legal size paper or any other form.

Precise Paper Size Conversion

PDNob PDF Editor offers easy conversion from letter to legal size with accurate resizing tools. Users can adjust dimensions while preserving document layout.

This feature ensures high-quality results without compromising formatting. It is ideal for creating documents that meet specific size requirements efficiently and effectively.

Batch Conversion

Resizing multiple documents manually from letter to legal size can be time-consuming and error-prone. PDNob PDF Editor’s batch processing feature solves this by converting multiple files simultaneously.

It ensures consistent formatting, saves time, and delivers accurate results, making it ideal for professionals handling large volumes of document resizing tasks.

Retained Document Formatting

Manually adjusting formatting after converting paper sizes can be frustrating and time-consuming. PDF editing software solves this by retaining the original layout, text alignment, and formatting during size conversion.

This ensures the converted document looks professional without the need for further adjustments, saving time and effort.

Annotation and Markup Tools

When reviewing documents, users often need to highlight key points or add comments. This PDF editing software offers annotation and markup tools that help you add comments, highlight text, and underline key sections.

This improves collaboration, ensures clear communication, and enhances

document interaction during team reviews and feedback.

How to Print a Document to Legal or Letter Size?

Are you also searching for how to print your documents without losing quality or size? Printing documents in the right size is essential for maintaining credibility.

Whether you need legal or letter size paper, here is a quick guide. Simply follow these easy steps to ensure your document prints correctly, saving you time and effort. Follow the steps and print your document easily.

Upload the Document

Start by opening PDNob PDF Editor and uploading your document. You can simply drag and drop your file into the editor.

Select Paper Size

Once your document is uploaded, choose the paper size option. Select either "Legal Size" or "Letter Size" based on your needs.

legal size vs letter size options in pdnob pdf editor

Print the Document

Click on the "Print" option in the editor, then select your desired printer settings. Make sure the paper size settings match your selection.

print option in pdnob pdf editor

Finalize and Print

Once you’ve confirmed the settings, click "Print" to get your document in the selected paper size.

Part 5. Summary

Choosing between legal size vs letter size paper is necessary for ensuring your documents are properly formatted. Legal size is ideal for contracts and larger documents, while letter size is best for everyday printing.

Using software like PDNob PDF Editor you can easily convert letter-sized documents to legal size, ensuring professional results every time.

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