It’s been a while since we had the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a magazine. For most of us, the last time may have been at the doctor’s or dentist’s office. With our busy lives, it can be hard to find time for leisurely reading.
The standard magazine size is 8-3/8 x 10-7/8 inches (21 x 30 centimeters), however, there are also larger magazines measuring 8-1/2 x 11 inches (22 x 28 centimeters) and smaller digest-size magazines measuring 5-3/8 x 8-3/8 inches (14 x 21 centimeters).
To learn more about the different magazine sizes, keep reading. I’ll go into greater detail below.
What are standard magazine sizes?
Magazine size can vary depending on the country in which it is printed. For instance, magazines printed in North America are typically letter-size paper while those printed in Europe are A4 size paper. The letter-size paper measures 8-1/2 × 11 inches (22 × 28 centimeters), and the A4 paper is 8-3/8 × 10-7/8 inches (21 × 30 centimeters).
Digest-sized magazines are slightly smaller, measuring 5-3/8 x 8-3/8 inches (14 x 21 centimeters). These are usually found in supermarkets and convenience stores.
Common magazine sizes are typically categorized by their dimensions. Here are some examples.
- Standard European: 8-3/8 × 10-7/8 inches (21 × 30 centimeters)
- Standard NA: 8-1/2 × 11 inches (22 × 28 centimeters)
- Digest European: 5-1/2 × 8-1/2 inches (15 × 21 centimeters)
- Square European: 5-3/8 × 5-3/8 inches (14 × 14 centimeters) or 8-1/4 × 8-1/4 inches (21 × 21 centimeters)
- Digest NA: 5-3/8 × 8-3/8 inches (14 × 21 centimeters)
- Square NA: 5-1/2 × 5-1/2 inches (14 × 14 centimeters) or 8-1/2 × 8-1/2 inches (22 × 22 centimeters)
What are uncommon magazine sizes?
Despite the standard sizes used for magazine prints, some magazines may choose to go with irregular paper size. This can result in increased manufacturing costs, as each sheet of paper needed is more expensive to procure and print on than standard letter or A4 sheets.
Examples of magazines that have utilized irregular paper sizes include Fortune Magazine, Nylon Magazine, and People Magazine.
A random sampling project conducted by Spokane Falls Community College has documented various irregular magazine dimensions. These measurements will be useful for those wishing to print or bind magazines of an atypical size.
- 9 × 10-13/16 inches (23 × 27 centimeters)
- 7-7/8 × 10-7/16 inches (20 × 27 centimeters)
- 8 × 10-7/8 inches (20 × 28 centimeters)
- 8-7/8 × 12 inches (23 × 30 centimeters)
- 8 × 10-1/2 inches (20 × 27 centimeters)
- 9 × 10-3/4 inches (23 × 27 centimeters)
Magazine thickness measurements:
Magazine thickness measurements range from 1/8 inch (0.3 centimeters) up to one inch (3 centimeters). Generally, magazines that are printed on thicker paper can be expensive and more durable than those printed on thinner paper.
The thickness of a magazine can vary widely depending on the publisher and issue. Different companies have different standards when it comes to the thickness of their magazines, meaning that no two issues are exactly alike.
According to Coruna Magazine, the number of pages in an issue should range from 8 to 160, depending on the scope and complexity of the topics being discussed.
Magazine companies often print a maximum of 240 pages, usually in increments of four or sixteen. This allows them to construct the magazine in an efficient and cost-effective way.
Closing thoughts:
The size of a magazine is determined by the company that produces it, as well as how much they are willing to invest in production and distribution. In North America, magazines typically measure 8-1/2 × 11 inches (22 × 28 centimeters), while those in Europe tend to measure 8-3/8 × 10-7/8 inches (21 × 30 inches).
FAQs:
Is A4 standard magazine size?
Yes! A4 (210x297mm) is the traditional size for magazines. To make a magazine stand out, its cover paper stock tends to be heavier and often has a glossy varnish finish compared to the content.
What is the size of Vogue magazine?
Vogue is printed at 8” by 10 7/8”, which falls within the range of most magazines. Other magazine covers can vary in size but generally measure around 8.5” by 11” give or take.
What are the 3 types of magazines?
Magazines come in three distinct types: consumer magazines, trade magazines and organization magazines. Each type encompasses an array of popular subsections and genres, providing a wealth of content for readers.
What is the layout of a magazine?
Creating a balanced layout for magazines is all about arranging text, images and white space in an aesthetically pleasing way. CorelDRAW makes designing magazine layouts easier than ever, allowing you to drag and drop elements into place and quickly make changes if needed.
How many pixels is a magazine cover?
Companies often require a specific resolution and image quality when working with photographers. Full-page images should be 3200 × 2400 pixels, while quarter-page images should be 1600 × 1200 pixels. To meet this requirement, it is recommended that photographers use cameras with 4- or 5-megapixel resolutions for their images.
What type of paper is used to print magazines?
Magazine paper is specifically designed to be thin and lightweight, while still delivering a high-quality print. Generally speaking, magazine paper is much thinner than the standard type of paper used for printing business and school documents.
Can I print my own magazine?
If you’re looking to print your own magazine, there are plenty of printing companies ready to take on the job. From local businesses to large corporations, the options are plentiful, allowing you to create a magazine that meets your needs and vision.
Are magazines recyclable?
Magazines can be recycled, regardless of their ink usage. Therefore, it is possible to reuse the paper used in print magazines after it has served its initial purpose.