ANSI Paper Sizes for CAD: A, B, C, D and E
ANSI A through E are common North American engineering paper sizes. Match both the standard name and its physical dimensions before plotting because similar ARCH names use different sheet sizes.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Recognize ANSI A–E dimensions and select the correct engineering sheet.
Where to start: Check the title block/client plotting standard.
Beginner rule: ANSI D (22 × 34 in) is not ARCH D (24 × 36 in). Similar letters do not mean identical paper.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Identify the ANSI size
Where: Title block / standard.
Do this: Read the intended size or dimensions.
Check: Exact paper is known.
Step 2 — Open Page Setup
Where: PAGESETUP > Modify.
Do this: Select the output device.
Check: Media list is active.
Step 3 — Choose matching ANSI media
Where: Paper Size.
Do this: Select A, B, C, D or E with correct dimensions.
Check: Title block fits.
Step 4 — Set orientation
Where: Drawing Orientation.
Do this: Match the Layout.
Check: Sheet is oriented correctly.
Step 5 — Check printable area
Where: Layout dashed boundary.
Do this: Keep border inside it.
Check: No clipping is expected.
Step 6 — Preview
Where: Ctrl+P > Preview.
Do this: Verify one representative output.
Check: ANSI setup is proven.
Beginner example
ANSI D is 22 × 34 in, while ARCH D is 24 × 36 in. Selecting the wrong ‘D’ size can create clipping or tempt users to Fit the sheet.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
| ANSI size | Dimensions | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI A | 8.5 × 11 in | Letter documents/sketches |
| ANSI B | 11 × 17 in | Tabloid details/reduced sets |
| ANSI C | 17 × 22 in | Medium engineering sheets |
| ANSI D | 22 × 34 in | Large engineering plans |
| ANSI E | 34 × 44 in | Very large engineering plans |
Useful next guides: Set ANSI A Paper Size · Set ANSI B Paper Size · Set ANSI C Paper Size · Set ANSI D Paper Size · Set ANSI E Paper Size
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI D border does not fit | Layout may be ARCH D | Measure the title block. |
| Media names differ | Driver labels paper differently | Compare dimensions. |
| Paper absent | Device/driver filtering | Check output configuration. |
| Output resized | Fit/viewer scaling | Use exact media. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
Create separate named Page Setups for the ANSI families actually used by the project and avoid near-size substitutions.
Official Autodesk references
AutoCAD labels and available media can vary by release, driver and output device. These Autodesk pages document the core workflow used in this guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is ANSI A US Letter?
Yes, 8.5 × 11 in.
Is ANSI B 11 × 17?
Yes.
Is ANSI D the same as ARCH D?
No.
Explore more in CAD Paper Sizes, Margins & Printable Area.