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Letterhead Print Size

US letterhead usually prints at 8.5 x 11 in, while international stationery commonly uses A4 at 210 x 297 mm.

Last checked: 2026-05-01

Source confidence: Editorial Last checked: 2026-05-01 Source: UPrinting: print sizing tips 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.

Quick answer

Copy-ready answer

Use 8.5 x 11 in for US letterhead. At 300 DPI, the trim size is 2550 x 3300 px; use A4 for metric-first business stationery.

215.9 x 279.4 mm

Dimensions and specs

Trim size 8.5 x 11 in
Metric trim 215.9 x 279.4 mm
Aspect ratio 17:22
300 DPI trim 2550 x 3300 px
Bleed canvas 8.75 x 11.25 in (222.25 x 285.75 mm)
300 DPI with bleed 2625 x 3375 px
Popular variants US Letter 8.5 x 11 in; A4 210 x 297 mm
Best for Business stationery, invoices, proposals, official letters

Pixels

Pixel dimensions by DPI

DPI / PPIWidthHeightUse
72 DPI 612 px 792 px Screen preview or draft layout check
96 DPI 816 px 1056 px Browser and presentation preview
150 DPI 1275 px 1650 px Economy print or larger viewing distance
300 DPI 2550 px 3300 px Recommended high-quality print target
600 DPI 5100 px 6600 px Fine line art or specialist production

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 result2,625 x 3,375 px

Add 3.18 mm per side before calculating pixels when artwork reaches the edge.

Common mistakes

Avoid these print setup mistakes

Designing only to trim

If artwork reaches the edge, add bleed before export so small cutting shifts do not leave a white border.

Putting live text near the edge

Keep names, prices, QR codes, and calls to action inside the safe area, not directly on the trim line.

Using one DPI for every job

Close-viewed print usually needs 300 DPI; large signs and banners can use lower effective PPI when viewed from farther away.

Calculator

Calculate pixels and bleed

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

Compare

Compare Letterhead Print Size

Open a curated comparison or send both sizes into the compare tool with a fragment URL.

Letterhead should match the paper your audience and office printers actually use. In the US, that usually means 8.5 x 11 in. In many international workflows, A4 at 210 x 297 mm is the standard.

Unlike flyers, letterhead often does not need full-bleed artwork. If the design uses a colored edge, watermark or background shape that reaches the paper edge, add bleed and export through a commercial print template. Leave generous margins for typed letters, signatures and scanning.

Workflow

Use Letterhead Print Size in a finished file

Start with trim

Set the finished product size before adding bleed or safe margin.

Add bleed and safe area

Extend backgrounds past trim and keep text inside the safe area.

Export and proof

Export PDF or raster files at the requested PPI and check crop marks before handoff.

Related

Related pages and tools

Same branch

Nearby pages

FAQ

Common questions

What size is US letterhead?

US letterhead is typically 8.5 x 11 in, the same as US Letter paper.

What is the letterhead size in pixels at 300 DPI?

An 8.5 x 11 in letterhead is 2550 x 3300 px at 300 DPI.

Is A4 letterhead the same as US letterhead?

No. A4 is 210 x 297 mm, while US Letter is 215.9 x 279.4 mm. Use the size expected by the recipient and printer.

Does letterhead need bleed?

Only if artwork reaches the edge. Many letterhead designs keep white margins and do not need bleed.

How much margin should letterhead have?

Leave enough clear space for typed content, signatures and scanning. A practical starting point is at least 0.5 in inside the page, with larger top space if the logo is prominent.

References

Sources and references

Commercial print dimensions are checked against reputable print-provider references. Bleed guidance follows Adobe and printer setup recommendations; final requirements should be confirmed with the printer.

Last checked: 2026-05-01