If you’re looking for a straight answer, here it is upfront: the size of long bond paper in centimeters is 21.59 cm × 33.02 cm. That measurement comes from the widely used long bond paper size of 8.5 × 13 inches, converted into centimeters.
But if you’ve ever been confused by printers, school requirements, or document settings that seem to mix up “long,” “legal,” and “A4,” you’re not alone. Let’s slow things down and clear everything up so you never have to guess again.
What Exactly Is Long Bond Paper?
Long bond paper is a paper size commonly used for school projects, legal forms, office documents, and government paperwork—especially in places where U.S.-based paper sizes are still popular.
Unlike A4 paper, which follows international standards, long bond paper comes from the inch-based paper system. That’s why it often causes confusion when people switch between inches, centimeters, and printer settings.
In simple terms, long bond paper is taller than short bond paper but slightly shorter than legal-size paper.
The Exact Size of Long Bond Paper in CM
Let’s break it down cleanly.
- Width: 21.59 cm
- Height: 33.02 cm
So when someone asks, “What is the size of long bond paper in cm?” the correct answer is:
21.59 cm × 33.02 cm
These numbers are precise conversions from inches:
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- 8.5 inches × 2.54 = 21.59 cm
- 13 inches × 2.54 = 33.02 cm
Why People Often Mix Up Long Bond and Legal Paper
One of the most common mistakes is confusing long bond paper with legal-size paper.
Here’s the difference:
- Long bond paper: 8.5 × 13 inches (21.59 × 33.02 cm)
- Legal paper: 8.5 × 14 inches (21.59 × 35.56 cm)
They have the same width, but legal paper is longer. If you select “Legal” instead of “Long” in your printer or document settings, your text spacing, margins, and page count can change.
That’s why teachers, offices, and printers often specify long bond very clearly.
How Long Bond Paper Compares to A4 Paper
A4 paper follows international standards set by International Organization for Standardization. It’s the default size in many countries, but it’s not the same as long bond paper.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Long bond paper: 21.59 × 33.02 cm
- A4 paper: 21.0 × 29.7 cm
Long bond paper is:
- Slightly wider than A4
- Significantly taller than A4
This difference matters when printing documents designed for one size onto the other. Content can get cut off or shrink unexpectedly.
When Should You Use Long Bond Paper?
Long bond paper is typically used for:
- School reports and projects
- Legal and administrative documents
- Government forms
- Office paperwork that requires extra vertical space
It’s especially useful when documents need more lines per page without increasing font size or reducing margins too much.
How to Set Long Bond Paper Size in Word or Google Docs
Sometimes “long bond paper” doesn’t appear as a preset option. In that case, you can set it manually.
Use these custom dimensions:
- Width: 21.59 cm
- Height: 33.02 cm
Once you save this custom size, your document layout will match long bond paper perfectly.
Printing Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes
Before hitting print, double-check:
- Paper size selected in the document
- Paper size selected in the printer settings
- Actual paper loaded in the tray
Even a small mismatch can cause cropped text or extra blank pages. Printers don’t guess—they follow settings exactly.
Why Knowing the CM Size Actually Matters
You might wonder why anyone needs the size in centimeters when paper is sold in inches. The answer is simple: most modern software, printers, and design tools allow metric input, especially outside the U.S.
Knowing the exact centimeter dimensions helps when:
- Designing layouts
- Printing internationally
- Converting files between systems
- Avoiding reprints and wasted paper
It saves time, money, and frustration.
Final Thoughts
So, to wrap it up clearly and confidently: the size of long bond paper in cm is 21.59 cm × 33.02 cm. It’s taller than A4, shorter than legal paper, and still widely used for academic and professional documents.
Once you understand where it fits among common paper sizes, choosing the right settings becomes easy. No more guessing, no more reprinting, and no more confusion at the print shop.