Blueprint sizing standards are a common source of confusion for contractors, architects, and engineers. Choosing the wrong standard can lead to scale issues, rejected permit sets, or costly reprints. This guide explains the difference between ARCH and ANSI blueprint sizes, their typical use cases, and which standard you should use for construction and engineering drawings when preparing files for professional blueprint printing.
ANSI sizes are based on traditional paper dimensions commonly used in offices. These sizes are often produced on standard printers and plotters and are widely used for documents, schematics, and smaller technical drawings.
| ANSI Name | Dimensions (inches) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI A | 8.5 × 11 | Documents, notes, markups |
| ANSI B | 11 × 17 | Small drawings, reference plans |
| ANSI C | 17 × 22 | Engineering diagrams |
| ANSI D | 22 × 34 | Large technical drawings |
| ANSI E | 34 × 44 | Oversized engineering plans |
ARCH sizes are specifically designed for architectural and construction drawings. These dimensions maintain consistent scaling relationships and provide better legibility for floor plans, elevations, and detailed construction documents.
| ARCH Name | Dimensions (inches) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH A | 9 × 12 | Reference sheets |
| ARCH B | 12 × 18 | Small plans, sketches |
| ARCH C | 18 × 24 | Scaled drawings |
| ARCH D | 24 × 36 | Construction plans (most common) |
| ARCH E | 36 × 48 | Large-format architectural sets |
| Category | ANSI | ARCH |
|---|---|---|
| Primary users | Offices, engineers | Architects, contractors |
| Scaling consistency | Less standardized | Highly standardized |
| Most common size | 11 × 17 | 24 × 36 |
| Job-site use | Limited | Preferred |
If you are printing architectural or construction plans, ARCH sizes — especially 24 × 36 (ARCH D) — are almost always the correct choice. ANSI sizes are better suited for office documents, reference drawings, or engineering schematics that do not require large-format presentation.
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• 24×36 (ARCH D) Blueprint Printing
• How to Fold or Roll Blueprints
• Blueprint Shipping & Delivery Options
24 × 36 is an ARCH D blueprint size and is the most commonly used format for architectural and construction drawings.
Yes, ANSI drawings can be scaled and printed as ARCH sizes, but scaling must be handled carefully to maintain accuracy.
Most contractors use ARCH sizes, particularly 24 × 36, for job-site plans and permit sets.
Choosing the wrong size can result in incorrect scaling, reduced legibility, rejected permit submissions, or the need for costly reprints.