What is E size paper?
“E size” means two different sheets, depending on the series. ARCH E is 36 x 48 inches, the architectural size. ANSI E is 34 x 44 inches, the engineering size. The architectural series also has three in-between E sizes: E1 is 30 x 42, E2 is 26 x 38 and E3 is 27 x 39.
The E-family sizes in inches
| Size | Inches | Series | We print it as-is? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH E | 36 x 48 | Architectural | Yes |
| ARCH E1 | 30 x 42 | Architectural | Yes |
| ARCH E2 | 26 x 38 | Architectural | No |
| ARCH E3 | 27 x 39 | Architectural | No |
| ANSI E | 34 x 44 | Engineering | No |
Sizes are from HP’s DesignJet list of standard large-format paper sizes. HP adds that “Not all printers have settings for all page sizes shown.” The same is true of print shops.
Why the numbers don’t line up
The E sizes aren’t steps of one system. ARCH E is the next size up from ARCH D (24 x 36). ANSI E is the next size up from ANSI D (22 x 34). E1, E2 and E3 are extra architectural sizes between the two. None of them is simply a smaller E. E2 and E3 are actually narrower than E1. If someone says “E size,” ask which series they mean, or check the PDF itself with our PDF page size checker. Our ARCH vs ANSI guide lays out both series side by side.
Which E sizes we print
We print 18×24, 24×36, 30×42, 36×46 and 36×48. In the E family, that covers ARCH E (36×48) and ARCH E1 (30×42). We don’t print ARCH E2, ARCH E3 or ANSI E as their own sizes. Those drawings need to be set up at a size we do print before you order.
You have two ways to do that:
- Keep the scale. Put the sheet on the next size up at 100%, with a white border around it. A 26 x 38 or 27 x 39 sheet fits on 30×42. A 34 x 44 sheet fits on 36×48. The drawing doesn’t change size, so its scale stays true. Whoever made the drawing can usually re-export it this way.
- Fit to the sheet. Scaling to fit fills more of the paper but enlarges the drawing. A 34 x 44 sheet fit to 36×48 grows by about 6%, so it no longer measures at its written scale. That’s fine for a display copy. It’s not fine for a permit or construction set.
We print the PDF at its page size. We don’t resize files, so the PDF you upload has to be the size you order.
Printing E sizes
ARCH E and E1 cost the same as every other size we print: $1.95 per sheet in black and white, $3.75 in color, with no minimum. For more on picking a size, see blueprint sizes we print, or the biggest standard blueprint size if you’re deciding how big to go. Order by 3 PM ET, ships same day, arrives as soon as the next day.
FAQ
Is E size the same as 36×48?
In the architectural series, yes: ARCH E is 36 x 48. In the engineering series, E is 34 x 44. A PDF labeled “E size” could be either one, so check the page size before you order.
What size is ARCH E3?
27 x 39 inches. ARCH E2 is 26 x 38. Neither is one of our print sizes. Set the sheet up on a 30×42 page at 100% to keep the scale.
Is ANSI E bigger than ARCH E1?
Yes. ANSI E (34 x 44) is larger than ARCH E1 (30 x 42) in both directions, and smaller than ARCH E (36 x 48).
