US Legal paper size
The standard us legal size is 215.9 × 355.6 mm (8.5 × 14 inches), or 2550 × 4200 pixels at 300 DPI.
Last updated:
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (px) | 2550 × 4200 px |
| Aspect ratio | 17:28 |
| Size (inches) | 8.5 × 14 in |
| Size (cm) | 21.59 × 35.56 cm |
| Size (mm) | 215.9 × 355.6 mm |
| Supported formats | PDF, PNG, JPG, TIFF |
| Color mode | CMYK |
US Legal in pixels at different DPI
| Resolution | Width | Height | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 DPI | 612 px | 1008 px | Screen / web |
| 96 DPI | 816 px | 1344 px | Windows default |
| 150 DPI | 1275 px | 2100 px | Draft print / large posters |
| 300 DPI | 2550 px | 4200 px | High-quality print |
Design at this size with Moda
Start with a canvas pre-set to 2550×4200px and let AI generate your design.
Create an us legal →Design tips
US Legal paper is 8.5×14 inches (215.9×355.6mm). At 300 DPI, that's 2550×4200 pixels. Legal-size paper is 3 inches taller than standard Letter, providing extra space for contracts, legal agreements, and government forms where more content needs to fit on a single page.
- •Design at 2550×4200px (300 DPI). Legal is 8.5×14" — same width as Letter but 3" taller.
- •Make sure your printer supports Legal size — select it manually in print settings.
- •Use the extra height for content, not density — keep margins and line spacing the same as Letter.
What you need to know
US Legal paper is the same width as Letter (8.5 inches) but 3 inches taller (14 inches vs 11 inches). This extra length makes it the standard for contracts, legal agreements, court filings, and certain government forms. The name 'legal size' comes directly from its use in the legal profession.
Legal-size paper requires a printer that supports the format — most standard home printers handle it, but you'll need to manually set the paper size in print settings and use the correct paper tray. Legal-size envelopes (#10 long envelopes) are specifically made for tri-folded legal documents.
When designing for Legal paper, keep in mind that the extra height tempts designers to cram more content per page. Maintain the same margins (typically 1 inch) and line spacing you'd use on Letter — the benefit of Legal is fitting more content per page while keeping it readable, not making the content denser.
How to create an us legal at the right size
- 1Open Moda and create a new canvas at 2550×4200 pixels.
- 2Design your us legal using AI generation or start from a blank canvas.
- 3Export as PDF and upload to your platform.
Frequently asked questions
What size is Legal paper?
US Legal paper is 8.5×14 inches (215.9×355.6mm). At 300 DPI, that's 2550×4200 pixels.
What's the difference between Letter and Legal paper?
Both are 8.5 inches wide. Legal is 14 inches tall (3 inches taller than Letter's 11 inches). Legal is used for contracts and legal documents.
What is Legal size in cm?
US Legal is 21.59 × 35.56 cm (8.5 × 14 inches).
What is Legal size in pixels?
At 300 DPI: 2550 × 4200 px. At 150 DPI: 1275 × 2100 px. At 72 DPI: 612 × 1008 px.
Specs last verified: March 19, 2026. Dimensions may change as platforms update their requirements.