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Foolscap is a traditional paper size, typically 13.5 x 17 inches, commonly divided into halves. It was widely used in Europe and the British Commonwealth until the introduction of ISO standard A4. Foolscap can still be found at specialty stationers and is known as legal paper in the US.
Foolscap is a paper size, traditionally 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) by 17 inches (43.2 cm), although it could be a bit smaller. It is commonly divided into halves, and the paper size of 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) by 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) is known as sheet paper or simply sheet paper; the word “folio” means half a sheet of paper. In some cases, the folio size might even be called “insane.” Foolscap and Foolscap folio were once widely used in parts of the world, such as England, but they have become less common than they once were. The term “foolscap” could also be loosely used to refer to any large format card.
History
This paper size became a standard paper size during the 15th century when it was first produced in Germany. It gets its name – typically pronounced full-scap or full-scape – from the watermark that was once used to identify it. The watermark was in the shape of a jester’s hat, or fool’s cap. Full-size protocol sheets were divided into halves, quarters, and eighths to produce other standardized paper sizes, called folios, quarters, and eighths, respectively.
Less common today
Foolscap folio was the most widely used paper size across Europe and the British Commonwealth of Nations until the introduction of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 216 in 1975. This standard defined many paper sizes, including A4 it is most commonly used today. A4 paper, measuring 8.3 inches (21.0 cm) by 11.7 inches (29.7 cm), is considered standard for most of the world. Some notable exceptions are the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which typically use letter-size paper that is 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) by 11 inches (27.9 cm).
Availability
The term “foolscap” is heard most often in England, Australia and Canada. In some Spanish-speaking countries, the protocol sheet is known as the oficio. This paper size can sometimes be found at specialty stationers and less commonly at stores that sell office or school supplies. In the United States, a similar paper size is called legal paper, which is standardized as 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) by 14 inches (35.6 cm).
