Japanese Paper and Envelope Sizes — A and JIS B paper, postcards, envelopes, business cards and photo prints in mm, cm and inches
A quick reference for the paper sizes used in Japan: A0 to A8, JIS B0 to B8, postcards, nagagata and kakugata envelopes, business cards and L, 2L and KG photo prints, with dimensions in mm, cm and inches and what each is used for.
Pick a category and a unit to see the dimensions and typical uses of every size.
Paper Size Chart: tips and things to know
- A sizes are international (ISO 216); Japan's B sizes follow the JIS standard and are larger than ISO B sizes of the same number.
- To mail an A4 sheet unfolded use a kakugata 2 (角形2号) envelope; folded in three, a nagagata 3 (長形3号).
- The standard Japanese business card is 91 × 55 mm, slightly larger than the US 89 × 51 mm.
- An L-size photo print (89 × 127 mm) is close to postcard size and is the everyday print size in Japan.
How to use the Paper Size Chart
Choose a category
Switch between A, B, postcards, envelopes, business cards and photos.
Choose the unit
Show dimensions in mm, cm or inches.
Read the table
Each size lists its width, height and typical uses; A and B sizes also get a scaled visual comparison.
Paper sizes you will meet in Japan
Japan uses A4 for almost all documents, the same as Europe; US Letter is rare and printers may not stock it. Japan's B series, though, is its own JIS standard: B5 (182 × 257 mm) is the classic school notebook and weekly magazine size, and B4 is common for flyers. These JIS B sizes are about 6 percent larger than the ISO B sizes used elsewhere.
Envelopes have their own naming system: nagagata (長形, long) envelopes hold folded sheets, kakugata (角形, square) envelopes hold flat sheets, and yogata (洋形, Western) envelopes are landscape and used for cards and invitations. The numbers are catalogue sizes, not dimensions; nagagata 3 and kakugata 2 are the two you will need most.
Postcards (hagaki) are 100 × 148 mm, and the post office sells pre-stamped ones. Photo prints are ordered by names such as L, 2L and KG rather than by inches.
Paper Size Chart FAQ
What size is A4 in centimeters?
21.0 × 29.7 cm (210 × 297 mm). It is the standard document size in Japan and follows ISO 216.
How do A sizes and Japanese B sizes differ?
A sizes are international; B sizes here follow the JIS standard, which is larger than the ISO B series. B5 is 182 × 257 mm and A5 is 148 × 210 mm. Both series keep a 1:√2 ratio.
Nagagata 3 or kakugata 2?
Nagagata 3 (120 × 235 mm) takes an A4 sheet folded in three and is the everyday business envelope. Kakugata 2 (240 × 332 mm) takes A4 flat, for contracts, résumés and anything that should not be folded.
What size is an L photo print?
89 × 127 mm, about postcard size and the most common print size in Japan. 2L is 127 × 178 mm, twice the area.
Are Japanese business cards a different size?
Yes. Japan's standard is 91 × 55 mm, the US uses 89 × 51 mm (3.5 × 2 inches) and Europe 85 × 55 mm. Card holders and printing templates are sized accordingly.