How to Change the Paper Size in a Google Docs Document

By default, whenever you create a new document in Google Docs, it assumes you are working in the United States and formats the digital page to match standard US “Letter” size (8.5 x 11 inches). While this is perfect for most everyday typing, it becomes a problem if you need to print a legal contract, create an A4 document for international correspondence, or design a smaller flyer. To ensure your digital document perfectly matches the physical paper coming out of your printer, you must manually change the paper size settings.

How to Change the Paper Size

Google Docs places all foundational document formatting options inside the “Page setup” menu.

1. Open your document in Google Docs.
2. Look at the main menu bar at the very top of the screen and click on File.
3. In the dropdown menu that appears, scroll down near the bottom and click on Page setup.
4. A “Page setup” dialogue box will appear in the center of your screen. Ensure you are on the Pages tab at the top of this box (not the “Pageless” tab).
5. Locate the dropdown menu labelled Paper size. It will likely say “Letter (8.5″ x 11″)”.
6. Click the dropdown menu to reveal the full list of available dimensions.
7. Select your required size. Common options include:
   • A4 (8.27″ x 11.69″): The standard paper size used throughout most of Europe and Asia.
   • Legal (8.5″ x 14″): A longer format commonly used for official contracts and legal documents in the US.
   • Tabloid (11″ x 17″): A large format used for small posters or newsletters.
8. Once you have selected the correct size, click the blue OK button at the bottom of the dialogue box.

Your document will instantly recalculate its layout. You may notice your text shifting or your page count changing, as the new paper dimensions dictate how many words can fit on a single line before wrapping to the next.

How to Set a New Default Paper Size

If you live outside the United States and constantly find yourself having to manually switch every single new document from “Letter” to “A4,” you can tell Google Docs to change its default behavior permanently.

1. Open any Google Doc and go to File > Page setup.
2. Change the Paper size to your preferred regional standard (e.g., A4).
3. Before clicking OK, look at the bottom left corner of the dialogue box.
4. Click the button that says Set as default.
5. Click OK.

From this moment forward, every brand new, blank document you create in Google Docs will automatically be formatted to your chosen paper size, saving you the hassle of changing it every time.