Which Size Printer Should I Get for My Office?

Choosing between an A3 and an A4 printer is one of the first decisions WA businesses face when buying or leasing an office device. The right answer depends on your office size, how much you print, and what you actually need to print.

This guide walks through the key considerations so you can make the decision with confidence. Or use our Print Finder Tool to get a recommendation tailored to your specific office.

A4 or A3: what is the actual difference?

An A4 printer handles standard paper size (210 x 297mm). An A3 printer handles that same size plus double it, which is useful for plans, spreadsheets, brochures and any document that needs to be read across a wider format.

Beyond paper size, A3 devices typically offer:

• Higher monthly volume capacity

• Faster print speeds

• More advanced scanning, including large-format document scanning

• Broader finishing options such as stapling, hole-punching and booklet making

An A4 multifunction device is a capable, space-efficient choice for offices with straightforward needs. An A3 device is the right call when your workload demands more output, wider formats, or advanced document workflows.

Small offices (under 10 staff)

Small offices typically print under 3,000 pages per month and have basic document needs: correspondence, invoices, short reports and the occasional proposal.

For most small offices, a compact A4 multifunction device is the right starting point. It handles print, scan, copy and cloud integration without taking up workroom space.

Where small offices benefit from stepping up to A3:

• Legal and professional services firms scanning A3 documents or producing client-facing colour materials

• Architectural or design studios that work with larger format drawings

• Offices that are growing and expect their print volume to increase over the next 12 to 24 months

Medium offices (10 to 30 staff)

Medium offices are where the A3 decision becomes more clear. A team of 15 to 30 people sending regular print jobs through a single device needs speed, reliability and volume capacity.

At this size, an A3 colour multifunction device typically makes more sense than an A4 device, even if the team does not regularly print in A3 format. The additional speed, volume headroom and scanning capability pay for themselves in reduced downtime and fewer service calls.

Look for devices with print speeds of 30 to 45 pages per minute and monthly volume capacity of 20,000 to 50,000 pages.

Large offices (30+ staff)

Large offices need devices built for production-level workloads. High monthly volume, multiple paper trays, finishing options and advanced security are baseline requirements.

At this scale, the question is less about A3 versus A4 and more about which A3 device matches the volume and workflow. Devices rated for 50,000 to 150,000 or more pages per month, with speeds of 45 ppm and above, are the right range.

Other factors worth considering

Your monthly print volume

This is the single most important variable. If you are not sure where your office sits, your current device usage data is a reliable starting point. Most modern multifunction devices track monthly page count in the settings or usage report.

Print volume tells you more about the right device than headcount alone.

Colour or mono?

Colour multifunction devices cost more to run per page than mono. If your team prints mostly internal documents, mono is the more cost-efficient choice. If you print client-facing materials or any document where presentation matters, colour is worth it.

Scanning requirements

If your office scans regularly, look closely at the scanner specification. Duplex scanning (both sides in one pass), automatic document feeders with high sheet capacity, and OCR capability are features that pay for themselves quickly in offices that digitise large volumes of documents.

Not sure which device fits your office?

Our Print Finder Tool asks a few quick questions about your office size, monthly volume and workflow, and returns a tailored recommendation in under two minutes.

Alternatively, our Perth team is happy to talk through your requirements and suggest the right device for your budget.