Long Bond Paper Size

Long Bond Paper Size

The long bond paper size holds a special place in offices, schools, and businesses across the Philippines. Whether you’re printing important legal documents, school research papers, or official certificates, you’ve likely encountered this uniquely Filipino standard. Despite the popularity of this paper size, many remain unsure of its exact dimensions, how it differs from international sizes, and the best ways to use it for printing and document creation.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the long bond paper size—including its history, common uses, setup instructions, and more—to help you make informed decisions in your daily tasks.

What Is Long Bond Paper Size?

In the Philippines, long bond paper is a staple for formal documents, schoolwork, and various professional tasks. The phrase “long bond paper” often creates confusion because of differences between local Philippine practices and international standards. While in the United States “legal size” typically refers to 8.5 x 14 inches, Filipinos generally use 8.5 x 13 inches as the standard for long bond paper.

  • Common Philippine standard for long bond paper: 8.5 x 13 inches
  • Common US legal size: 8.5 x 14 inches

This subtle 1-inch difference can lead to confusion if you’re dealing with international templates or printing services. Understanding the exact dimension—8.5 x 13 inches—is crucial to ensure that your documents, borders, and margins align correctly when printing in the Philippines.

A Quick Overview of Paper Sizes in the Philippines

Before diving deeper into the specifics of long bond paper, let’s take a quick look at the commonly used paper sizes in the Philippines. Understanding these sizes gives you context for why 8.5 x 13 inches stands out.

  1. Short (Letter) Size
    • Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches
    • Also referred to as “letter size” in many countries, short bond paper is a go-to for everyday office tasks like memos and letters.
  2. A4 Size
    • Dimensions: 8.27 x 11.69 inches
    • Part of the ISO 216 standard, A4 is popular worldwide for various applications, including reports, resumes, and official documents.
  3. Long Bond Paper (Philippine Standard)
    • Dimensions: 8.5 x 13 inches
    • Known locally simply as “long,” this is frequently used in schools and offices for more formal or detailed documents.
  4. Legal Size (US Standard)
    • Dimensions: 8.5 x 14 inches
    • Often considered the standard for legal forms in the United States, it’s less common in the Philippines but still recognized due to imported paper and global business practices.

Why Is It Called “Long Bond Paper”?

The term “bond paper” historically referred to a high-quality, durable paper used for official documents, such as government bonds—hence the name “bond.” Over time, “bond paper” evolved into a generic term for relatively sturdy office paper, often available in various thicknesses and colors.

In the Philippines, “short bond paper” is 8.5 x 11 inches, and “long bond paper” is 8.5 x 13 inches. The simplest explanation is that “long” is simply longer than the short variant. This nomenclature stuck, particularly in educational and official settings, making 8.5 x 13 inches a de facto standard in the country.

Key Differences Between Long Bond Paper and Other Common Sizes

Understanding how long bond paper compares to other commonly used sizes helps you decide when to use it.

  1. Dimensions and Layout
    • Long bond paper is 8.5 inches wide and 13 inches tall.
    • This extra length offers more space than short or letter-sized paper, providing additional room for content without drastically changing formatting.
  2. Usage in Official Documents
    • Government offices and schools in the Philippines often require long bond paper for certain forms, projects, and legal processes.
    • In contrast, international organizations may prefer A4 or US letter sizes.
  3. Availability
    • Because of its widespread use in the Philippines, you can easily purchase long bond paper at local bookstores, office supply shops, and online marketplaces.
    • However, it can be harder to find in countries that do not commonly use 8.5 x 13 inches.
  4. Printing Templates and Software Settings
    • Many word processors have built-in settings for Letter, A4, and Legal (8.5 x 14), but not always for 8.5 x 13.
    • You often have to customize margins and paper size manually to get the correct long bond dimensions.

Practical Uses of Long Bond Paper

Long bond paper’s extra length makes it versatile for a range of tasks:

  1. Legal and Government Documents
    • While some legal documents use 8.5 x 14 inches, certain Philippine government agencies and local offices still accept or prefer 8.5 x 13.
  2. School Papers and Assignments
    • Many teachers request long bond paper for quizzes, projects, or essays. The extended length accommodates more content without additional pages.
  3. Certificates and Awards
    • The slightly longer format can create a more formal look for certificates of completion, training awards, or recognition documents.
  4. Contracts and Business Forms
    • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) might use long bond paper for internal forms, receipts, or informal contracts.
  5. Reports and Proposals
    • If you need just a bit more room for tables or graphs, long bond paper can prevent awkward page breaks and preserve readability.

How to Set Your Document to Long Bond Paper Size

Setting Up in Microsoft Word

  1. Open a New Document
    • Launch Microsoft Word and click on “Blank Document.”
  2. Go to Page Layout or Layout Tab
    • On older versions, it’s typically labeled “Page Layout.” In newer versions, it might be just “Layout.”
  3. Click on Size
    • A dropdown menu will display common sizes like Letter, A4, and Legal.
  4. Select “More Paper Sizes”
    • In some versions, you might see “Custom Size” or “Manage Custom Sizes.”
  5. Enter the Dimensions
    • Set the width to 8.5 inches and the height to 13 inches.
    • Make sure the orientation is set to “Portrait” if that’s your desired layout.
  6. Adjust Margins if Needed
    • Margins can be set to 1 inch on each side or any other custom measurement required by your document guidelines.
  7. Save as Default (Optional)
    • If you frequently use long bond paper, click on “Set As Default” so you don’t have to repeat these steps.

Setting Up in Google Docs

  1. Open Google Docs and Create a New Document
  2. Access Page Setup
    • Click on “File” in the top-left corner, then select “Page setup.”
  3. Switch to Custom Page Size
    • In the “Paper size” dropdown, scroll to the bottom and select “Page setup” or “Custom size” if available.
  4. Input 8.5 x 13 Inches
    • For the width, type 8.5 in. For the height, type 13 in. Ensure the unit is inches.
  5. Set Your Preferred Margins
    • Similar to Microsoft Word, choose your margin sizes. One-inch margins are standard, but this can vary based on requirements.
  6. Click “OK”
    • Now your document is formatted to long bond paper size.

Setting Up in Other Software

  • Adobe Acrobat / PDF Readers: When printing, look for “Page Setup” or “Print Settings.” Select “Custom Size” and enter 8.5 x 13.
  • LibreOffice / OpenOffice: Navigate to “Format” → “Page” → “Paper Format,” then set width to 8.5 inches and height to 13 inches.

Where to Buy Long Bond Paper in the Philippines

Thanks to the widespread use of long bond paper in the Philippines, you have plenty of purchasing options. Here are the most common:

  1. Local Bookstores and Stationery Shops
    • National Book Store, Expressions, and Fully Booked typically carry reams of long bond paper in various thicknesses.
  2. Office Supply Stores
    • Branches of Office Warehouse and other specialized shops often offer competitive prices on bulk purchases.
  3. Supermarkets and Department Stores
    • Major chains like SM, Robinsons, and Puregold usually have office supply sections where you can find long bond paper.
  4. Online Marketplaces
    • Platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora sell reams of long bond paper, sometimes at discounted prices.
    • Check reviews for quality and seller ratings before you buy.
  5. Wholesale Paper Suppliers
    • If you need large quantities, consider going directly to a wholesale supplier. You’ll often get a better price per ream if you buy in bulk.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Tips

Even seasoned users of long bond paper can run into problems. Here are some issues and how to fix them:

  1. Printing on the Wrong Size
    • Issue: Your printer cuts off the bottom of your document, or there’s extra white space.
    • Solution: Double-check your document’s page size settings. Make sure your print dialogue box also reflects 8.5 x 13 inches.
  2. Margins Not Aligned
    • Issue: Text gets truncated on the top or bottom, or your margins look off-center.
    • Solution: In your word processor, manually set or adjust margins. Some default templates might revert to Letter or A4 margins.
  3. Paper Jams
    • Issue: Long paper can cause jams if your printer isn’t aligned or doesn’t support custom sizes.
    • Solution: Verify that your printer model supports 8.5 x 13 inches. Adjust the paper tray guides to fit snugly against the edges of the paper.
  4. Incorrect Orientation
    • Issue: You intended a portrait layout, but your text prints horizontally.
    • Solution: In “Print Settings,” ensure “Portrait” is selected. Alternatively, if you want “Landscape,” confirm the orientation is intentionally set that way.
  5. Document Formatting Discrepancies
    • Issue: Your table or images shift when switching between different software or computers.
    • Solution: Save your document as a PDF before sending or printing. This preserves formatting and reduces compatibility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Bond Paper Size

Is long bond paper size the same as legal size in the Philippines?

No. In the Philippines, long bond paper is typically 8.5 x 13 inches, while the legal size recognized in the United States is 8.5 x 14 inches. However, some Filipinos use the term “legal size” loosely to refer to 8.5 x 13 inches, which can cause confusion.

Can I use long bond paper for official government documents?

Many Philippine government offices do accept or even require documents printed on long bond paper. However, some offices might specify other sizes. Always check the specific requirements of the agency you’re dealing with.

How do I ensure my printer won’t cut off text at the bottom?

Make sure you set both your document page size and printer preferences to 8.5 x 13 inches. Also, leave adequate margins (e.g., at least 0.5 inches or 1 inch at the bottom) to account for printer hardware limitations.

What is the typical weight or thickness for long bond paper?

Long bond paper weight usually ranges from 70 gsm (grams per square meter) to 80 gsm, which is standard for everyday printing. Some premium versions may go up to 100 gsm or higher for special purposes.

Is long bond paper more expensive than short (letter) paper?

It can be slightly more expensive due to the extra length, but the price difference is generally minimal. Bulk or wholesale purchases often minimize any price gaps between sizes.

How do I format a resume or CV on long bond paper?

If you’re applying within the Philippines and the company specifically requests long bond paper, just set your document to 8.5 x 13 inches and adjust your margins as needed. For international applications, it’s often safer to stick with A4 or US letter, depending on the norms of the country you’re applying to.

Can I recycle long bond paper the same way as other paper types?

Yes. Long bond paper is typically made of the same material as short bond paper or A4 paper. You can recycle it through standard paper recycling facilities.

Conclusion

The long bond paper size remains a mainstay in the Philippines, deeply ingrained in the local education system, government processes, and day-to-day office work. Knowing it measures 8.5 x 13 inches, understanding how to set it up in your word processor or printer, and recognizing its differences from other paper sizes ensures you’ll present professional-looking documents every time. Whether you’re a student submitting a school project, a business owner preparing contracts, or someone simply looking to print personal documents, long bond paper gives you that extra space to create well-structured content.

Choosing the correct dimensions not only streamlines your workflow but also helps avoid costly printing errors. Now that you’re equipped with the facts—dimensions, usage, and setup tips—you can confidently format and print documents on long bond paper without the usual hassles. We hope this guide cleared up any confusion and provided you with valuable insights into why this paper size is so widely used in the Philippines.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and reflects the commonly accepted standards for long bond paper size in the Philippines. Printing requirements can vary depending on individual printers, local regulations, and specific organizational policies. Always confirm the required paper size and format with the relevant institution, office, or printer manufacturer. The author and publisher are not liable for any inaccuracies or losses arising from the application of this information.

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