Document size guide

Resume Size: US Letter, A4 and Export Pixels

Resume size is usually US Letter in the United States and A4 for many international applications. Check dimensions, margins, PDF export, and 300 DPI pixels when an image upload is required.

Last checked: 2026-05-03

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At a glance

Use US Letter 8.5 x 11 in for most US resumes, or A4 210 x 297 mm for international CV-style submissions. Export as PDF first; use 2550 x 3300 px only when a raster upload is required.

Source confidence: Editorial Last checked: 2026-05-03 Source: ISO 216 paper size reference Specs may change; verify before final production. Found a spec change? Send correction.

How we calculate this

Methodology and source handling

We convert physical sizes to inches, multiply by the selected DPI/PPI value, and round to whole pixels.

Methodology Editorial policy

Quick answer

Copy-ready answer

Use US Letter 8.5 x 11 in for most US resumes, or A4 210 x 297 mm for international CV-style submissions. Export as PDF first; use 2550 x 3300 px only when a raster upload is required.

215.9 x 279.4 mm

Dimensions and specs

Pixels	2,550 x 3,300 px
Inches	8.5 x 11 in
Millimeters	215.9 x 279.4 mm
Centimeters	21.59 x 27.94 cm
Aspect ratio	17:22
Recommended DPI/PPI	300 DPI/PPI for raster exports

Pixels

Pixel dimensions by DPI

DPI / PPI	Width	Height	Use
150 DPI	1275 px	1650 px	Draft, large-format, or preview raster export.
300 DPI	2550 px	3300 px	High-quality print or sharp raster handoff when required.

Formula

How to calculate this size

Pixel formulapixels = millimeters / 25.4 x PPI

215.9 mm x 300 PPI = 2,550 px wide.

Trim result2,550 x 3,300 px

Use this when the artwork stops at the finished edge.

Bleed result2,550 x 3,300 px

Add 0 mm per side before calculating pixels when artwork reaches the edge.

Common mistakes

Avoid these document setup mistakes

Choosing pixels before page size

Set the physical page or trim size first, then calculate pixels only for raster export or upload requirements.

Forgetting bleed or safe margins

Keep text, logos, page numbers, and important details away from printer, binder, or preview edges.

Exporting a screenshot instead of a document

Use PDF, PPTX, or the required document format when text, links, vectors, and page size need to remain editable or searchable.

Calculator

Calculate pixels and bleed

Enter any DPI to calculate the pixel dimensions for this physical size.

Workflow

Practical setup workflow

Step	Check
Choose page size	Use US Letter for US roles unless the employer asks for A4; use A4 for many international CV workflows.
Keep margins readable	Use enough white space so the PDF scans cleanly in applicant tracking and human review.
Export PDF	Preserve text, links, and vector type; avoid uploading a flattened screenshot unless required.

Specs

Resume dimensions

Setting	Value
Primary size	US Letter, 8.5 x 11 in
Pixels	2,550 x 3,300 px at 300 DPI/PPI
Inches	8.5 x 11 in
Millimeters	215.9 x 279.4 mm
Centimeters	21.59 x 27.94 cm
Aspect ratio	17:22
Recommended DPI/PPI	300 DPI/PPI for raster exports
A4 alternative	210 x 297 mm / 8.27 x 11.69 in; 2480 x 3508 px at 300 DPI
Typical margins	0.5-1 in depending content density and recruiter readability

Checklist

Export checklist

Item	Why it matters
PDF copy	Keeps type, vectors, and page size predictable for review or print.
Raster copy	Use the DPI calculator when a printer, marketplace, or upload tool asks for pixels.
Bleed and safe area	Add bleed only when artwork must run to the edge.

Related pages and tools

hub Document sizes tool DPI calculator tool Print bleed calculator tool Aspect ratio calculator tool Compare sizes trust Methodology Formulas, rounding rules, bleed assumptions, platform confidence labels, and source handling. trust Editorial Policy How PixelMeasures reviews sources, labels confidence, and handles correction reports.

Same branch

Nearby pages

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FAQ

Common questions

What size should I use for resume?

Use US Letter 8.5 x 11 in for most US resumes, or A4 210 x 297 mm for international CV-style submissions. Export as PDF first; use 2550 x 3300 px only when a raster upload is required.

Do pixels matter for resume?

Pixels matter only for raster exports. Start with the physical page size, then use DPI or PPI to calculate pixels for the required output.

What aspect ratio is resume?

Resume uses an aspect ratio of 17:22 for the primary size on this page.

References

Sources and references

Document sizes combine official format references where available with common production conventions. Confirm printer-specific bleed before final production.

ISO 216 paper size reference
Source for A-series paper dimensions.
Adobe Photoshop Help: Set image size and resolution
Used for DPI/PPI and raster size interpretation.
Microsoft Support: change the size of your PowerPoint slides
Official Microsoft source for PowerPoint Standard 4:3 and Widescreen 16:9 slide-size options.
Adobe Express: business card maker
Adobe documents the common 3.5 x 2 in horizontal business card canvas.

Last checked: 2026-05-03