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The Difference Between an A3 and A4 Copier

There are many options in the market available when looking for office machine equipment, and sometimes, it can be just overwhelming. You might think you need to read a lot and be tech savvy first, and technical terms regarding this multifunction printer or an A4 copier can add more confusion to your search. But just a little assessment of essential needs has to get right in front of your list. 

If you are looking for a copier or multifunction printer to lease or buy, you have more likely stumbled on A3 or A4 printers during your research. Basically to give you a hint or idea, A3 and A4 are labels to different paper sizes that a print machine can handle. There is an organization that is responsible for defining paper sizes and is relevant in all other nations and that is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

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Let’s compare the details of A3 and A4 printers to understand the key differences between them. These two terms refer to paper sizes a multifunction printer is capable of printing. It’s just that these are two different models.

Table of Contents

A3 Printers

An A3 printer handles paper up to 11.69 x 16.53 inches, allowing printing of a wider variety of sizes. For printing A3, legal, ledger, small A4, envelopes, and postcards, an A3 multifunction printer is recommended. If your essential needs everyday calls for a need to print small sized papers, you need this in your office. 

You might ask what is the edge of this from the A4 printer. An A3 printer handles various paper sizes, making it faster to operate and print than an A4 printer. It also has a higher page per minute, or which tech savvy call (PPM). But do not be mistaken, the A3 printer is a larger machine because it has a larger ink cartridge. This saves money on ink and toner, reducing long-term repair or replacement costs for minor damage.

Because of the actual machine size of an A3, it can handle more workload in an hour than an A4 printer can. Business owners needing faster, high-quality printing should opt for this printer.

A4 Printer

Paper sizes suitable for A4 printers are sizes 8.27 x 11.69, similar to 8.5” x 11” on US letter-sized paper. Because it prints larger paper sizes, A4 multifunction printers are more compact, and they manage to print letters and even select smaller-sized paper such as envelopes and postcards. But, it cannot be used to print A4or ledger-sized papers.

For non-business use, an A4 printer is recommended as it’s more common and handles typical letter-sized documents. Its consumables used with this printer can be easily found, like paper and ink.

An A3 machine takes up more space but offers sturdier, more durable parts for heavy-duty use. An A4 device saves space, but an A4 multifunction printer isn’t suitable as a desktop printer.

Determine what is right for you or your business. Before purchasing or leasing, consider multiple factors and the papers you’ll need to produce, whether A3 or A4.