In Europe, paper sizes are based on an aspect ratio of the square root of 2 (that is, the long side is 1.4142 times the short side). Thus, each size is exactly one half of the next larger size, and folded brochures of any size can be made by using sheets of the next larger size.
The advantages of an aspect ratio of √2 were noted in 1786, but the current system wasn't introduced until 1922, where the base format (A0) is a sheet of paper measuring 1 square meter, A1 is half that, A2 is half that again, and so forth. A4 is approx. 8.3" × 11.7". A8 (business cards) are approx 2.9" × 2".
Today the standard has been adopted by all countries in the world except the United States and Canada.
By contrast, the American Forest and Paper Association think 8.5" x 11" originates from manual paper making, where 11" is "a quarter of the average maximum stretch of an experienced vatman's arms."
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