When you walk into a stationery store or office supply shop, you’ll find different types of paper labeled as short, legal, A4, and long bond. Among these, the long bond paper size is one of the most widely used for business, academic, and legal purposes.
This article explains what long bond paper is, its exact measurements, uses, and why it remains essential in offices and schools. We’ll also explore printing guidelines, comparisons with other paper sizes, and tips for choosing the right one for your needs.
What Is Long Bond Paper?
The term long bond paper refers to a paper type that is longer than the standard A4 or short bond paper. It is often used for official documents, contracts, resumes, and reports that require extra writing space.
The word “bond” comes from its high-quality composition, which makes it durable and professional-looking. Traditionally, bond papers were used for legal bonds or official agreements—hence the name.
In modern settings, it’s a popular choice for students, lawyers, accountants, and businesses that want their documents to appear clean, clear, and formal.
ALSO READ: Markets Review A Reliable Forex Broker
Standard Long Bond Paper Size in Inches and Millimeters
The long bond paper size varies slightly by region, but the most common standard is:
- 8.5 x 13 inches (width x height)
- 215.9 x 330.2 millimeters
This size is widely used in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian nations. In the United States and Canada, however, legal size paper (8.5 x 14 inches) is more common.
To make things clearer, here’s a comparison table:
| Paper Type | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Short Bond Paper | 8.5 x 11 | 215.9 x 279.4 |
| Long Bond Paper | 8.5 x 13 | 215.9 x 330.2 |
| Legal Paper | 8.5 x 14 | 215.9 x 355.6 |
| A4 Paper | 8.27 x 11.69 | 210 x 297 |
As shown, the long bond paper size is slightly longer than the short bond and shorter than the U.S. legal paper.
History and Origin of Bond Paper
Bond paper originated in the United Kingdom and United States during the early 19th century. It was used for printing important financial and legal documents.
Its high cotton content and smooth surface made it ideal for typewriters and fountain pens, as it prevented ink smudging. Over time, different sizes of bond paper emerged to serve different document requirements—leading to the creation of the long bond paper size.
ALSO READ: Does DFA Accept NSO Birth Certificate 2025
Today, even in the digital age, this paper size remains a staple in both corporate and educational environments.
Common Uses of Long Bond Paper
The long bond paper size is favored because it offers more space for content while maintaining portability. Below are the most common uses:
Legal and Official Documents
Government offices, law firms, and corporations often use long bond paper for contracts, agreements, affidavits, and business reports. The longer format provides additional space for formal signatures and stamps.
Academic Papers
In schools and universities, students use long bond paper for essays, reports, and research projects. Many institutions in Asia specifically require submissions in this format.
Printing Certificates and Letters
Certificates, diplomas, and professional letters are frequently printed on long bond paper because it provides a polished and professional look.
Business Proposals and Invoices
Companies prefer long bond paper for proposals, quotations, and invoices, as it accommodates more text and detailed breakdowns.
Forms and Applications
Many printed forms and applications are designed to fit this size, especially in administrative and government offices.
Difference Between Short and Long Bond Paper
While both are made from the same material, their size and purpose differ.
| Feature | Short Bond Paper | Long Bond Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 8.5 x 11 inches | 8.5 x 13 inches |
| Usage | Essays, reports, printouts | Legal, professional, and academic documents |
| Printing Setting | Letter (US) | Custom or Legal (Asia) |
| Appearance | Compact | Extended layout for more text |
In essence, the long bond paper size offers additional vertical space, making it perfect for documents that need more content or multiple sections.
How to Set Long Bond Paper Size in Microsoft Word
When typing or printing a document, you can easily adjust your page layout to fit the long bond paper size. Here’s how:
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Click Layout or Page Layout on the toolbar.
- Select Size → More Paper Sizes.
- In the Paper Size section, set the width to 8.5 inches and the height to 13 inches.
- Click OK to apply the settings.
Now your document will perfectly fit a long bond paper when printed.
For printers, make sure your paper tray supports 8.5 x 13 inches, or select Custom Paper Size in your print settings
Long Bond Paper in International Standards
While the long bond paper size (8.5 x 13 inches) is widely recognized in Asia, it’s not part of the ISO 216 paper size system used in most of the world.
ISO 216 uses the A-series (A4, A3, etc.), based on the metric system. However, countries influenced by U.S. standards, like the Philippines and Canada, often retain bond and legal sizes for business and educational documents.
This dual usage sometimes causes confusion when sharing or printing files internationally. For example, an A4 document might appear misaligned when printed on long bond paper unless properly adjusted.
Printing Tips for Long Bond Paper
When printing on the long bond paper size, consider the following tips to ensure the best quality:
- Set margins properly – Use 1-inch margins on all sides for readability and aesthetics.
- Check printer compatibility – Not all printers support 8.5 x 13-inch paper by default.
- Use high-quality paper – Choose paper with at least 80 GSM thickness for professional results.
- Adjust layout orientation – Decide whether portrait or landscape fits your document better.
- Preview before printing – Always check your print preview to ensure the text fits within the paper boundary.
Following these steps prevents paper jams, misalignment, and wasted ink.
Why the Long Bond Paper Size Is Still Popular
Despite the rise of digital documentation, the long bond paper size remains popular because of tradition and practicality.
Many legal systems, schools, and corporations still require physical documents for signatures and records. The long format gives documents a formal and detailed appearance.
Furthermore, since many templates and forms are designed in this size, it continues to be the default choice for professional and educational printing.
Long Bond Paper vs. Legal Paper: Key Differences
While they look almost identical, the long bond paper and legal paper have a subtle size difference.
- Long Bond Paper: 8.5 x 13 inches
- Legal Paper: 8.5 x 14 inches
That extra inch in legal paper may seem minor, but it can affect formatting. For example, if you print a 13-inch document on legal paper, it might leave uneven margins at the bottom.
Always confirm the required format before printing important documents.
How to Convert Long Bond Paper to Other Sizes
If you need to convert between paper sizes, it’s simple using Microsoft Word or PDF tools:
- Convert A4 to Long Bond: Adjust height to 13 inches.
- Convert Long Bond to A4: Set height to 11.69 inches.
- Convert Long Bond to Legal: Change height to 14 inches.
These adjustments maintain content layout while adapting to different regional standards.
Choosing the Right Paper for Printing
Selecting the correct long bond paper size and type depends on the purpose of your document.
| Paper Type | GSM | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| 70 GSM | Everyday printing | |
| 80 GSM | Office documents and reports | |
| 100 GSM | Certificates, resumes, official letters |
For high-quality printing, opt for 80 GSM or higher, as it resists smudging and looks professional.
Environmental Considerations
With the growing focus on sustainability, many paper manufacturers now produce eco-friendly long bond paper made from recycled materials.
Choosing such paper helps reduce deforestation and supports responsible production. You can also reuse single-sided printed papers for drafts to minimize waste.
Conclusion
The long bond paper size has stood the test of time as one of the most reliable and widely used paper formats for professional, educational, and legal use. Measuring 8.5 x 13 inches, it provides the perfect balance between compactness and spaciousness.
Whether you’re drafting a legal agreement, printing a school report, or preparing a business proposal, understanding and properly setting this paper size ensures your documents look polished and professional.
While technology continues to advance, the demand for physical documentation remains strong—and so does the importance of knowing the long bond paper size.