How to Change Page Size in Google Docs (Complete Guide)

Whether you are formatting a manuscript for publishing, preparing a document for international printing, or creating a custom-sized booklet, knowing how to change page size in Google Docs™ is essential. This guide covers every method available — from the built-in Page setup dialog to using a free add-on for truly custom dimensions.

How to Change Page Size Using Google Docs™ Built-In Settings

Google Docs™ includes a Page setup dialog that lets you choose from a set of predefined page sizes. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open your document in Google Docs™.
2. Click File in the top menu bar.
3. Select Page setup from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Page setup dialog, click the Paper size dropdown.
5. Choose your desired page size from the list.
6. Optionally, adjust the margins (top, bottom, left, right) and switch between Portrait and Landscape orientation.
7. Click OK to apply the changes to your document.

If you want every new document to start with your chosen size, click Set as default before clicking OK. This saves your preferred paper size, margins, and orientation for all future documents.

All Built-In Page Sizes in Google Docs™

The Paper size dropdown in the Page setup dialog offers the following options:

That’s a total of 11 preset sizes. For most everyday documents — letters, reports, school assignments — these options work fine. But for many real-world use cases, they fall short.

The Limitations of Google Docs™ Page Setup

While the built-in Page setup dialog is straightforward, it has some significant restrictions:

• No custom dimensions. You cannot type in an arbitrary width and height. You are limited to the 11 sizes listed above.
• No book publishing sizes. Common self-publishing formats like 6” x 9”, 5” x 8”, or 5.25” x 8” are not available.
• Missing ISO sizes. A6, A7, B6, and other international paper sizes are absent from the list.
• No photo or postcard sizes. If you need 4” x 6”, 5” x 7”, or any photo-oriented format, you’re out of luck.
• No unit flexibility. The dialog shows dimensions in inches or centimeters depending on your locale, but you cannot freely switch between inches, centimeters, millimeters, and points.

If you’ve ever hit this wall, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common complaints about Google Docs™. For a deeper look at working with custom page sizes in Google Docs™, see our dedicated guide.

How to Set Any Custom Page Size with DocSize

DocSize is a free Google Docs™ add-on that removes the limitations of the built-in Page setup. It lets you set any page width and height you need, with support for inches, centimeters, millimeters, and points.

Installing DocSize

1. Visit the DocSize listing on the Google Workspace™ Marketplace.
2. Click Install and grant the required permissions (document access and UI display — DocSize does not collect any personal data).
3. Open any Google Doc, go to Extensions > DocSize, and the sidebar will appear.

Setting a Custom Page Size

Once the DocSize sidebar is open:

1. Choose a preset from the dropdown (50+ options including Amazon KDP, ISO A-series, US standard, photo sizes, and more) — or skip this step and enter dimensions manually.
2. Enter your width and height in your preferred unit. The unit selector lets you switch between inches, cm, mm, and points, and values convert automatically.
3. Adjust margins independently for top, bottom, left, and right.
4. Set a background color if needed, using the color picker or a hex code.
5. Click Apply. Your document updates instantly.

That’s it. No workarounds, no exporting to another application, no fiddling with print settings.

Common Page Sizes

Many users come to Google Docs™ needing a specific page size for a project. Here are the most frequently requested dimensions and how to get them:

A5 (148 x 210 mm / 5.83 x 8.27 in)

A5 is popular for notebooks, planners, small booklets, and journals. While Google Docs™ does include A5 in its preset list, the built-in dialog gives you no control beyond selecting it. With DocSize, you can select A5 from the ISO A-Series presets and fine-tune margins to match your exact requirements.

6” x 9” (152.4 x 228.6 mm)

This is the most popular size for self-published books on Amazon KDP and other print-on-demand platforms. Google Docs™ does not offer this size at all. DocSize includes it as a one-click KDP preset.

5” x 8” (127 x 203.2 mm)

Another common book size for fiction paperbacks and compact non-fiction. Not available in Google Docs™ natively, but included in DocSize’s KDP presets.

5.5” x 8.5” (139.7 x 215.9 mm)

The half-letter or “digest” size, used for workbooks, manuals, and self-published titles. Google Docs™ calls this “Statement” in its built-in list, but DocSize also includes it in both the US Standard and KDP preset categories for easy access.

4” x 6” and 5” x 7” (Photo Sizes)

Used for postcards, invitations, photo prints, and small flyers. Neither is available in Google Docs™ by default. DocSize has a full Photo Sizes preset category.

B6, A6, and Other International Sizes

If you work with international paper standards beyond what Google Docs™ offers, DocSize covers the full ISO A-series (A0 through A10), B-series, and more.

For a complete reference on converting between pixels, inches, and centimeters for Google Docs™ page sizes, see our guide on Google Docs™ page size units.

Changing Page Size on Mobile

If you are using the Google Docs™ app on Android or iOS, you can change page size through the mobile interface:

1. Open your document in the Google Docs™ app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (top right).
3. Select Page setup.
4. Tap Paper size and choose from the available presets.

The mobile app offers the same 11 built-in sizes as the desktop version. For custom dimensions, you will need to use Google Docs™ on a desktop browser where the DocSize add-on is available.

Tips for Choosing the Right Page Size

• Check your printer first. If you plan to print at home, confirm your printer supports the page size you have chosen. Most consumer printers handle Letter and A4 but may not support larger formats like Tabloid or A3.
• Match your publishing platform. If you are self-publishing, check your platform’s requirements. Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Lulu each have specific supported trim sizes.
• Consider your audience. International readers expect A4; US readers expect Letter. Choose accordingly for the best reading experience.
• Account for margins and bleed. Especially for print publishing, your effective content area is smaller than the page size. Set appropriate margins in DocSize before you start writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the page size of just one page in Google Docs™?

No. Google Docs™ applies page size uniformly across the entire document. You cannot set different page sizes for individual pages or sections within a single document. If you need different sizes, create separate documents for each size.

Will changing the page size affect my existing content?

Yes. When you change the page size, Google Docs™ reflows all text and repositions images to fit the new dimensions. If you switch to a smaller page, your document will have more pages. If you switch to a larger page, it will have fewer. Review your formatting after making changes, especially for images and tables.

What is the difference between page size and margin size?

Page size is the total physical dimension of the page (width and height). Margins are the blank space between the edge of the page and where your content begins. Both affect how your document looks on screen and in print, but they control different things. You can adjust both simultaneously using DocSize or independently through the built-in Page setup dialog.

Does changing page size in Google Docs™ affect the PDF export?

Yes. When you download your document as a PDF (File > Download > PDF Document), the PDF will match the page size you set in your document. This is one of the main reasons to set the correct page size before writing — it ensures your exported PDF is print-ready at exactly the dimensions you need.

Get Started with Custom Page Sizes

The built-in Google Docs™ Page setup gives you 11 standard sizes, which works for many common tasks. But when you need precise control over your document dimensions — whether for book publishing, international printing, custom stationery, or creative projects — DocSize fills the gap. It is free, installs in seconds, and gives you the flexibility that Google Docs™ lacks out of the box.

Install DocSize free from the Google Workspace™ Marketplace and start formatting your documents with exactly the dimensions you need.