Yep.
2007-05-02 16:08:21 · 4 answers · asked by Pwnzer 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Back in the late 1600's, the Dutch invented the two-sheet mold. The average maximum stretch of an experienced vatman's arms was 44". Many molds at that time were around 17" front to back because the laid lines and watermarks had to run from left to right. Sounds big?...well to maximize the efficiency of paper making, a sheet this big was made, and then quartered, forming four 8.5" x 11" pieces.
2007-05-02 16:11:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Really don't know, but it has been for a long time. For a while the US Government, to try and be thrifty, used 8 x 10-1/2 paper, which was a royal pain you-know-where to paper manufacturers, but about 30 years ago, switched back to the regular size.
2007-05-02 16:13:43 · answer #2 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer from Blue Sky makes sense except that if you had a sheet of paper that was 44"x17" and you quartered it you would end up with pieces that were 8.5x22.
I think he is on the right trail of it going back to history but that there is a flaw in the explanation.
2007-05-02 16:20:38 · answer #3 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I thought it was 8 by 10.. but anyhow..it probably because this is the "handy" size of most sheets of paper..Its printing or writing on this size paper may be more legible for most people.
2007-05-02 16:14:44 · answer #4 · answered by J.T.B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋