ARCH vs ANSI Blueprint Sizes: A Practical Guide for Contractors & Engineers
If you’ve ever ordered blueprints online or prepared drawings for permitting, you’ve probably seen references to ARCH and ANSI sizes. While both are industry standards, choosing the wrong format can cause scaling issues, printing errors, or even permit delays.
This guide explains the difference between ARCH vs ANSI blueprint sizes, when to use each format, and how to ensure your plans print correctly the first time.
What Are ARCH Blueprint Sizes?
ARCH sizes (short for Architectural) are most commonly used for building design and construction drawings. These formats provide more layout space, making them ideal for floor plans, elevations, and detailed construction documents.
Common ARCH sizes include:
- ARCH A — 9 × 12
- ARCH B — 12 × 18
- ARCH C — 18 × 24
- ARCH D — 24 × 36 (most common)
- ARCH E — 36 × 48
Most residential and commercial construction plans are printed at ARCH D (24×36).
What Are ANSI Blueprint Sizes?
ANSI sizes (American National Standards Institute) are widely used for engineering drawings, technical diagrams, and schematics. These formats scale more predictably across multiple sheet sizes and are common in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering work.
Common ANSI sizes include:
- ANSI A — 8.5 × 11
- ANSI B — 11 × 17
- ANSI C — 17 × 22
- ANSI D — 22 × 34
- ANSI E — 34 × 44
ANSI formats are often used for supporting documentation or engineering-only plan sets.
ARCH vs ANSI: Key Differences
ARCH sizes are typically used for architectural and construction plans, while ANSI sizes are more common for engineering and technical drawings.
ARCH D (24×36) and ANSI D (22×34) may look similar, but they are not interchangeable. Printing a drawing at the wrong size can alter scale, affect measurements, and cause problems during review or permitting.
When in doubt, always match the size of the original plan set.
Which Blueprint Size Should You Choose?
Use these general guidelines:
Choose ARCH if you are printing:
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Site plans
- Permit drawing sets
Choose ANSI if you are printing:
- Engineering diagrams
- Mechanical or electrical schematics
- Supporting technical documentation
If you’re unsure which format to select, reviewing the original drawings or consulting your permit requirements is the safest approach.
Printing ARCH and ANSI Blueprints Online
Modern online blueprint printing services support both ARCH and ANSI sizes, making it easy to upload PDF files and select the correct format.
When ordering online, look for:
- Clear ARCH and ANSI size options
- Accurate scaling
- Black-and-white and color printing
- Multiple set quantities
- Reliable shipping options
You can view all supported sizes, pricing, and turnaround times on our
https://www.azulprints.com/blueprint-printing
Common Blueprint Printing Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues when ordering blueprints:
- Resizing drawings to “fit” standard paper
- Mixing ARCH and ANSI sheets in the same set
- Printing permit drawings at the wrong scale
- Assuming ANSI D and ARCH D are the same size
Taking a few moments to confirm the correct format can prevent costly reprints and delays.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between ARCH and ANSI blueprint sizes ensures your plans print accurately, scale correctly, and meet professional standards.
Whether you’re submitting drawings for approval or distributing plan sets to a job site, choosing the right size helps everything run smoothly.
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