Prescription pad size and format
A5 or A4, what goes where on the page, paper weight, and how to get a pad printed that also works with a printer.
5 minute readUpdated 27 September 2026
Most Indian clinics use one of two sizes, and most pads follow the same layout: a header with the doctor's details, a band for the patient, a large space for the prescription, and a footer with the clinic. Here is how to choose, and what to tell the printing press.
Which size
| Size | Measures | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | The usual Indian Rx pad. Fits most OPD prescriptions and a pocket. |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | Long advice, specialists with several sections, or printing from an office printer. |
| Half letter | 140 × 216 mm | Some presses cut pads to this. Close to A5. |
If you will ever print on the pad from a computer, pick a size your printer takes. Almost every inkjet and laser printer takes A4 and A5; very few take odd custom sizes.
What goes where
Header (top 35–50 mm on A5). Your name in the largest type, qualifications underneath, then registration number with the council. Clinic name and a logo, if you have one, on the other side. The registration number is not optional: the medical council regulations ask for it on every prescription.
Patient band. A line or boxes for name, age/sex, date and patient ID. Leave room for "Allergies".
Vitals (optional). A strip of small boxes: BP, pulse, temperature, SpO₂, weight. Useful in general practice; many specialists leave it off.
The prescription. An Rx mark and as much empty space as you can give it. On A5 this is at least half the page.
Footer (15–25 mm). Address, phone, timings, and a line such as "Not valid for medico-legal purposes" only if you actually want that.
Paper and printing
- 70–80 gsm paper is standard for pads: thin enough for a pad of 100 and thick enough for a printer.
- Gummed top edge makes a tear-off pad. Ask for the gum on the short edge for A5.
- Keep the colours to one or two. Dark blue, teal or black on white photocopies well; light tints disappear on a cheap photocopier.
- Ask for the PDF proof, and check the registration number digit by digit.
Printing on a pad you already have
Pre-printed pads work with a computer too: you measure how tall the printed header and footer are, and the software prints only inside the blank space. The pre-printed pad guide explains how to line it up with one test sheet.
Make one now
The free prescription pad maker lays out your details in either size and eight colour schemes, and gives you a PDF to print at home or send to a press.