To build an apartment, house, or office building, architects and engineers first draft a blueprint or floor plan.
This is a two-dimensional drawing that provides a view from above of the relationships between rooms, spaces, and other physical features at a specific level in the building.
The entire floor plan is printed on one sheet of paper. Having this plan on hand will be helpful during the construction process.
Due to this, the floor plan should be printed on a standard size sheet of paper. You will need to find out what size paper are plans printed on. This will ensure that the blueprint will be able to fit in a standard-sized frame.
We will discuss the standard paper sizes used for floor plans and drawings so that you can use the optimal size for your project.
What Size Paper are Plans Printed on? Details Guide
When you want to print a floor plan, the size of the paper is an important consideration. Choosing the wrong paper size for your plans can cause all sorts of problems down the road.
For one thing, you’ll end up with a lot of wasted paper. But more importantly, you might find that your plans don’t fit on the page or worse that they don’t fit in the printer.
To avoid these disasters, be sure to determine what size paper you need before beginning to print. Otherwise, you’ll just be wasting your time and your paper.
Also, the blueprint or drawing should be clear and easy to read, so you will need to use the appropriate paper size. Below are the standard paper sizes for floor plans and drawings:
1. 18×24 Inches
The standard size for building plans is 18×24 inches However, why do building plans have this particular size? It turns out that there are a few reasons why this size is so popular.
First, 18×24 inches is a convenient size for carrying and storing. Plans can be easily rolled up and transported without taking up too much space.
Second, this size allows for plenty of detail to be included on the page. Plans at this scale can show a fair amount of detail, making them useful for both construction workers and architects.
Finally, 18×24 inches is large enough to be easily read, but not so large that it’s unwieldy. This makes it the perfect size for studying and referencing during the construction process.
So, next time you see a set of building plans, take a closer look at the size. You might be surprised to learn why it’s such a popular choice.
2. 24×36 Inches
The other popular size for construction plans is 24×36 inches. This size offers a few advantages over the 18×24 inch format. Primarily, it provides more space for detailing the floor plan.
Furthermore, it’s easier to read from a distance, making it ideal for large projects where workers need to be able to see the plans from a distance. In addition, this size is also more convenient for storage and transport.
Therefore, if you’re working on a large project, or perhaps you need to include more detail in your plans, the 24×36 inch format might be the right choice for you. This dimension is known as ARCH D size.
3. 30×42 Inches
The largest size for floor plans is 30×42 inches. This size is typically only used for the biggest and most complex projects. It provides ample space for detailing the floor plan, and it can be easily read from a distance.
However, this size is not as convenient for storage and transport. If you’re working on a small project, or if you don’t need to include a lot of detail, the 18×24 inch or 24×36 inch format will probably be a better choice.
4. 36×48 Inches
Another large size for floor plans is 36×48 inches. When printed at this size, floor plans can be quite detailed.
For more expensive and large-scale projects, this size is often used in order to provide the workers with a clear and concise blueprint.
Nevertheless, just like the 30×42 inch format, the 36×48 inch format is not as convenient for storage or transport. This size falls into the ARCH E category.
What Size Should You Use for Your Projects? Final Decision
Now that you know the standard sizes for floor plans and drawings, you can decide which size is right for your project.
If you’re working on a small project, the 18×24-inch format will probably be sufficient.
For medium projects, the 24×36 inch format will likely be a better choice. And for large projects, you might need to use the 30×42 inch or 36×48 inch format.
Keep in mind that these are just the standard sizes for floor plans and drawings. If you have a special project that requires a different size, don’t be afraid to use it.
The important thing is that you choose a size that is convenient for you and that will allow you to include all the detail you need.
So there you have it, the standard paper sizes for floor plans and drawings. Now that you know what size paper to use, you can avoid the many disasters that can occur when printing your plans.
Therefore, before you start your next project, make sure you have the right paper size so that everything goes smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few frequently asked questions related to blueprint paper sizes. Below you will find some answers to the most commonly asked questions.
1. Which Kind of Device is Used for Printing Building Plans?
A plotter is used to print building plans. This is an output device that prints large documents, usually on rolls of paper.
2. What Type of Paper is Used for Building Plans?
The most common type of paper used for building plans is bond plotter paper. This is a strong, durable type of paper that can withstand multiple folding and unfolding.
3. How Do I Store My Building Plans?
Building plans can be stored in a number of ways. One option is to roll them up and place them in a tube. Another option is to fold them and place them in a binder.
4. What is Included in a House Plan?
A house plan typically includes a floor plan, elevations, sections, and details. The floor plan shows the layout of the rooms and spaces in the house. Elevations depict the front, back, and sides of the house. Sections illustrate how the house is constructed, while details illustrate specific details of the house such as windows and doors.
Conclusion
We hope that after reading this article, you now have a better understanding of what size paper are plans printed on. You are now able to choose the right size for your project and know what type of paper to use.
With this knowledge, you can avoid the many disasters that can occur when printing your plans. Be sure you have the correct paper size before you begin your next project.