What are the dimensions of standard letter-sized paper?

Standard letter-sized paper measures 8.5 inches by 11 inches, which is the most commonly used size for documents in the United States. This dimension is recognized for its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from printing letters and reports to creating handouts and flyers. The standardization of this size simplifies printing processes since most printers are designed to accommodate letter-size paper efficiently.

In contrast, other dimensions listed serve different purposes. For instance, the 8.5 x 14 size is typically used for legal documents, while 11 x 17 is a tabloid size often used for large graphics or detailed layouts. Lastly, the 9 x 12 size is not a standard paper size and is primarily used for envelopes or portfolios rather than typical printing applications. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for effective graphic design and document preparation.