What is Standard Legal Paper?

A notepad containing legal paper is typically bound at the top.

Paper is something many people use every day. There are many and varied paper types and sizes, and standard legal paper is one of the most commonly used sizes.

Features

Standard legal-sized paper measures 8 1/2 inches wide by 14 inches high. It typically comes in the form of a note pad with a binding at the top. The writer flips a page vertically to write on the next page. Legal paper is available in many styles; white and yellow paper are popular.

Geography

According to BusinessDictionary.com, the main areas of the world that use legal paper are the United States, the United Kingdom and commonwealth countries.

Function

As the name implies, in the past people in legal professions were the primary users of standard legal paper. Over time, usage spread beyond the legal profession as writing on legal paper became more popular.

Organization

To keep legal papers organized, using legal-sized folders that are the appropriate size to hold standard legal paper is necessary.

Broader Definition

Often when people think of standard legal paper, they don't just include the 8 1/2-by-14 inch size. They may also be simply referring to a notepad that is bound at the top, even if it is 8 1/2 inches wide by 11 inches in height.

References

• Paper Sizes: Loose Sizes
• BusinessDictionary.com: Legal Size Paper
• All Business: Paper Sizes
• Legal Affairs: The Illustrious History of the Yellow Legal Pad

Resources

• Paper Sizes: All About Paper