In the UAE you will see two main paper sizes for office filing: A4 and fullscape (also written F/S, foolscap or FC). Buying box files, lever arch files or ring binders in the wrong size is one of the most common stationery mistakes. This guide explains the sizes, spine widths and materials so you can order the right file first time.
A4 vs fullscape: what is the difference?
| Size | Paper dimensions | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | Standard printing and copying paper used in most offices |
| Fullscape / foolscap | About 216 x 330–343 mm (taller than A4) | Traditional filing size, still widely used by UAE companies, banks and government departments |
A fullscape file is slightly taller than an A4 file, so it holds A4 paper as well as longer documents. Many UAE offices buy fullscape box files for everything for this reason. An A4 file is more compact and fits A4 shelving and drawers better.
Tip: measure your shelves or cabinet drawers before you order. If you store files upright on standard office shelving, both sizes usually fit, but fullscape needs a little more height.
Box file spine widths
The spine width tells you how much paper the file holds. As a rough guide for 80gsm paper:
- Narrow spine (about 5 cm / 2 inch): up to around 400 sheets. Good for monthly files and individual projects.
- Standard or large spine (about 7.5–8 cm / 3 inch): up to around 600 sheets. The most common choice for archives and accounts.
Lever arch files are usually 5 cm or 8 cm wide. Ring binders come in more widths, from 1/2 inch up to 4 inches.
Materials: card, PVC or PP?
- Cardboard (marble or board) box files are economical and the standard choice for archives.
- PVC-covered box files are stronger, wipe clean and come in many colours, which helps with colour-coding departments.
- PP (polypropylene) box files are light, water-resistant and durable.
Box file, lever arch file or ring binder?
- Box file: loose documents that don’t need punching, such as invoices, contracts and correspondence. The spring clip holds papers in place.
- Lever arch file: punched documents you add to often and need to keep in order.
- Ring binder: reports, manuals and presentations. 2-ring and 4-ring options are available.
Quick buying checklist
- Choose the size: A4 or fullscape.
- Choose the spine width for the amount of paper.
- Choose the material: card for archives, PVC or PP for daily use.
- Pick colours if you colour-code by department or year.
- Add dividers and spine labels so files are easy to find.
For more ideas on organising documents, read our office filing system tips.
Buy box files and binders in the UAE
SOL Trading stocks box files, ring binders and files and folders from FIS, Elfen, Leitz, Al Baaz, Atlas and more, in A4 and fullscape. Send us your list on WhatsApp for bulk prices, a tax invoice and free UAE-wide delivery on bulk orders.