Printing Tips: A4 vs Letter, Ink Saving, and Cutting Sheets
A good print takes thirty seconds to set up and saves a lot of frustration. Here is what to check before you press print.
A4 or US Letter?
A4 is the standard paper size in most of the world. US Letter is the standard in the United States and Canada. Every worksheet on this site is available in both. Pick the size that matches the paper in your printer.
If you are not sure, look at the paper tray or the paper packaging. Letter paper is slightly wider and shorter than A4.
Print at 100 percent
In your print window, choose "Actual size" or "100 percent". Avoid "Fit to page" if there is a choice, since it can shrink the margins. If your printer cuts off the edges, that setting is usually the cause. Our worksheets already have generous margins.
Save ink with black and white
Every worksheet has a black-and-white version. It prints crisply on any printer and uses far less colored ink. Children can color the pictures themselves, which turns a counting sheet into a counting-and-coloring activity.
If you print many sheets, choose "Draft" or "Economy" mode for the color versions.
Choosing a level
Select easy, standard, or challenge before you print, since each level is a separate PDF. You can print more than one if you are unsure.
Cutting and gluing sheets
Some sheets, such as sorting and ordering pages, have pictures to cut out and glue. For a firmer result, print these on slightly thicker paper. Cut the pieces out yourself for younger children, or turn it into a scissor skills session for older ones. Always supervise scissors.
Reuse and protect
- Slip a page into a plastic sleeve and use a dry-erase marker for a reusable version.
- Keep finished pages in a folder to see progress at the end of the term.
- Recycle misprints as drawing paper.
If something does not look right
If a worksheet downloads blank or looks different from the preview, try opening the PDF in a different viewer or browser. If the problem continues, please let us know through the contact page.
Try it with a worksheet
These weeks of the plan fit this guide:
Week 4: Patterns and Sizes Week 5: Colors and Sorting Week 9: Shapes Around Us
More guides
- What Is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
- A Relaxed TK Readiness Checklist for Parents
- Pencil Grip and Fine Motor Skills for Four-Year-Olds
This guide is general information for families and is not medical or professional advice. If you have concerns about your child's development, talk to your pediatrician or your school.