Why Is the Paper Size Called Foolscap? Origin and Meaning Explained
Discover why the paper size is called Foolscap, its historical watermark origin, and how it relates to legal-sized paper.
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The term Foolscap originally refers to a type of paper size, traditionally measuring 8.5 by 13.5 inches. The name is derived from the watermark of a fool’s cap (a jester’s hat) that was commonly used on the paper. Historically, this watermark was a symbol used by paper manufacturers in the 15th century, indicating the size and quality of the paper. Over time, the term became synonymous with legal-sized paper, even as the use of actual watermarks faded away.
FAQs & Answers
- What is Foolscap paper size? Foolscap is a traditional paper size measuring approximately 8.5 by 13.5 inches, historically used for official documents.
- Why is it called Foolscap? The name Foolscap comes from the watermark of a fool’s cap, or jester’s hat, used by paper manufacturers in the 15th century to signify the paper size and quality.
- Is Foolscap paper still used today? While less common, Foolscap paper is still used in some regions, particularly for legal documents, although modern paper sizes like A4 are more prevalent.