Research Paper Sizes

Mar 23, 2023

A number of learning institutions are quite particular with their requirements regarding research paper sizes and formats. This is to ensure uniformity and consistency not just in its content but writers should also use the right orientation, margin size, and layout.

Research Paper Sizes Standard

Letter Size

The US Letter paper size measures 8.5 × 11 inches or 215.9 × 279.4 mm and is best suited for business and academic documents such as college theses, manuscripts, and research papers because of its ideal length and width. The paper’s layout and dimensions will be able to accommodate each important section of the said document.

Legal Size

School students and scholars can also use a Legal paper size to create their research paper, together with its outline, heading, and other important categories needed to complete the document. This paper has a size measurement of 8.5 × 14 inches or 215.9 × 355.6 mm.

A4 Size

Another commonly used paper size in the A series is the A4 paper which measures 8.27 × 11.69 inches or 210 × 297 mm. Not only is this used for research papers but is a practical choice for application forms, review papers, office documents and etc.

Research Paper Sizes for Print

Although a lot of documents have gone digital, printed papers are still widely for personal and business use. As for research papers, teachers do require these documents to be submitted in printed format. That said, the ideal research paper sizes would be the ones mentioned earlier which are the Letter paper size (8.5 × 11 inches), Legal paper size (8.5 × 14 inches), and the A4 paper size ( 8.27 × 11.69 inches) however it should be noted that some schools or teachers may have their own set of paper and margin size requirements.

Research Paper Sizes for MS Word

Microsoft Word or MS Word in short is a word-processing software that can be installed or is readily available on Windows. This application is widely used by those who need to create, edit and save all kinds of documents including research papers. As for its paper sizes, by default MS Word’s paper size is set at Letter format (8.5 × 11 inches) but if teachers have their standard sizes requirements then you can simply change its paper size and its orientation to landscape or portrait by selecting the layout icon, click on the size or orientation tab for adjustments.

Research Paper Sizes for Apple Pages

Another frequently used word processing software is Apple Pages which is a built-in application found in Apple products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Research paper authors can create and edit their documents with this application and as for the paper sizes, users can use any sizes that deem fit or whatever is required of them. For research papers, the three standard sizes apply which are Letter (8.5 × 11 inches), Legal (8.5 × 14 inches), and A4 ( 8.27 × 11.69 inches) yet like most word processors users can always make their own adjustments by tapping the paper size pop-up menu and then select manage custom sizes tab.

Research Paper Sizes for Google Docs

For those on the go or those who want to open and edit their research papers without the need for a built-in application then Google Docs is the right platform to use. Officially launched in 2006, Google Docs is free to use as long as users have their own Google account, and documents are automatically saved without much hassle. Should there be a need to edit and print a research paper document using this application then Google Docs’ default paper size is in Letter format (8.5 × 11 inches) but if the document has a particular page or paper size then all necessary adjustments are possible by selecting the page set up tab.

Research Paper Sizes FAQs