Map sizes, enlargements and reductions

During the initial Map Orders checkout process, you are prompted to choose the size of item required in the 'Please select an item type' drop-down list.

Our historic maps do not match modern paper sizes. This page provides clarification of the associated terms Original Size and Enlargements and Reductions.

Original Size

The original size will be at the same size as the original item.

Enlargements and reductions

Our Historic Maps do not match modern paper sizes. We can enlarge or reduce the size of the print, but to avoid distorting the map, we will maintain the aspect ratio. The map print may therefore not entirely fill a standard sheet of paper. To help fit in a tube for postage, blank areas of paper may be trimmed.

In all cases please wait until you have received your map before buying a frame.

Enlargements and reductions are made to the standard copy sizes as given in the table below:

Standard copy sizes
A4 = 21.0 cm x 29.7 cm or 8.3" x 11.7"
A3 = 29.7 cm x 42.0 cm or 11.7" x 16.5"
A2 = 42.0 cm x 59.4 cm or 16.5" x 23.4"
A1 = 59.4 cm x 84.1 cm or 23.4" x 33.3"
A0 = 84.1 cm x 118.9 cm or 33.3" x 46.8"

By default when we assign a standard copy size to an item (ie. A4, A3, etc.), we round up the size of the original item to the next larger size. So, for example, an original item with extents of 38 x 48 cm is classed as being A2 size, as it is larger than A3, but smaller than A2.