A5 vs A4 NCR Forms: Which Size is Right for Your Business?
Mon, Aug 10, 2026
Choosing the right paper size for your NCR forms affects how practical they are in the field. Too small and there’s no room to write; too large and the form becomes unwieldy on site. Here’s a guide to every size available and when to use each one.
Available Sizes at a Glance
| Size | Dimensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 × 148mm | Small receipts, vouchers, quick transactions |
| DL | 99 × 210mm | Delivery notes, slim forms, envelope inserts |
| A5 | 148 × 210mm | Job sheets, invoices, service records |
| A4 | 210 × 297mm | Detailed forms, compliance records, gas certificates |
| A3 | 297 × 420mm | Site surveys, complex layouts with diagrams |
A5 — The Most Popular Choice for UK Trades
A5 is the most widely ordered size, and with good reason. Compact enough for a clipboard, van glovebox, or tool bag — but large enough to include all standard invoice or job sheet fields with comfortable writing space. For most tradespeople — plumbers, electricians, builders, pest controllers — A5 is the right call. When in doubt, start here.
A4 — When You Need More Room
A4 suits forms with a lot to capture. Common use cases:
- Gas engineer service records with boiler readings, pressure tests, and safety checks
- Pest control visit reports with COSHH data and site diagrams
- Builder’s records covering multiple trades and sign-offs
- Forms with a terms and conditions section printed alongside the working fields
A4 pads are slightly less convenient in the field than A5, but for detailed compliance or technical records the extra space is essential.
DL — For Delivery Notes and Simple Forms
DL (99 × 210mm) is ideal for narrow forms that need to stay slim: delivery notes that slip inside a label pouch on a parcel, basic order acknowledgements, or service confirmations. Less common than A5 but very useful for the right application.
A6 — For Receipts and Quick Transactions
Postcard size. Perfect for market traders, repair shops, and businesses issuing quick receipts. Small enough for a till or apron pocket, with just enough room for date, item, price, and signature. For anything more detailed, move up to A5.
How to Decide
Ask yourself: when a form is fully filled in, how much text sits in each field? One or two words per field and five fields total — A5 is more than adequate. A substantial work description section or detailed technical readings — go A4.
Default recommendation: A5. It’s the most versatile, most widely used, and easiest to carry. You can always move to A4 on a future order if you find you need more space.