Error code
PC LOAD LETTER and paper size mismatch messages
PC LOAD LETTER means the printer wants Letter-size paper in its tray. See what it and other paper size mismatch messages mean, and how to get the job printing.
Printer display · HP
What it means
PC LOAD LETTER is how older HP LaserJets said paper cassette: load Letter-size paper. The job asked for Letter paper (8.5 × 11 inches), and the tray, which those printers called the paper cassette, was empty or set to a different size, so the printer waited. Printers of every brand now say the same thing more plainly, with messages along the lines of Load Tray 1, Paper size mismatch or Unexpected paper size. The fix is the same: make the job, the tray setting and the paper in the tray agree.
When you’ll see it
- The tray holds A4 but the document is set to Letter, or the reverse
- The tray is empty or not pushed fully in
- After printing a document or template made in another country
- After loading a different paper size without changing the tray setting
- When printing from a browser or phone that defaults to Letter
Usually caused by
- Most commonThe document is set to Letter but the tray holds A4, or vice versa
- Most commonThe tray is empty or not seated fully
- SometimesThe tray’s size setting doesn’t match the paper loaded
- SometimesThe app or driver defaults to the wrong paper size
- Less commonA faulty tray size sensor or guide switch
How to clear it
Work down the list in order. Tick off each step as you go: your progress is saved on this device.
On the printer itself
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Read the size and tray the message asks for
Note the paper size and tray named on the screen. PC LOAD LETTER means Letter in the main tray; newer messages usually name the tray and size outright.
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Load the requested paper
Pull the tray out, load paper of the size asked for, slide the guides snug against the stack without bending it, and push the tray all the way in.
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Set the tray size on the printer
Many printers ask what you loaded when you close the tray; choose the matching size and type. If yours doesn’t, set it in the tray or paper setup menu, and on older cassettes check for a size dial or switch inside the tray.
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Print this job on the paper you have
To print a waiting job on whatever is loaded, many LaserJets accept OK or the continue button at the prompt. Expect small margin shifts if the sizes differ.
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Turn on A4/Letter override if offered
Many HP LaserJets have a setting called something like A4/Letter override in the paper or system setup menu. With it on, the printer prints Letter jobs on A4 paper, and the other way round, instead of stopping.
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Print a test page
Print a configuration or test page from the printer’s reports menu, then resend your document.
You should see: The page prints without a prompt, and your job follows it.
Windows 11 and 10
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Set the page size in your document
In Word, go to Layout > Size and pick the paper you actually use, such as A4 or Letter. Other apps have a similar page setup option.
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Match the size in the print dialog
In the print dialog, open Printer Properties or Preferences and set the paper size to the paper in the tray.
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Scale PDFs and web pages to fit
When printing a PDF or web page made for the other size, choose a scale option such as Fit or Fit to printable area so it fits your paper.
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Change the default paper size
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, choose the printer, open Printing preferences and set the default paper size so future jobs start out right.
You should see: New jobs ask for the paper you load, and the prompt stops appearing.
macOS
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Check Page Setup in the app
In apps that offer it, choose File > Page Setup and set Paper Size to the paper in your tray.
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Choose the paper size when printing
In the print dialog, set Paper Size to match the tray. If the dialog looks short, expand it to show all the options.
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Scale to fit the paper
In the print dialog’s Paper Handling section, choose to scale to fit the paper size and pick your paper as the destination size.
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Set a default paper size
Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners and set Default paper size to the paper you normally use.
You should see: New documents and print dialogs start with your paper size selected.
Common questions
What does PC stand for in PC LOAD LETTER?
Paper cassette, the old name for the printer’s paper tray. The whole message means load Letter-size paper into it.
Can I print a Letter document on A4 paper?
Yes. Letter is about 6 mm wider and 18 mm shorter than A4, so use a scale-to-fit option or the printer’s A4/Letter override, and expect the margins to shift a little.
Why does my printer ask for Letter when I never chose it?
Many apps, templates and browsers default to Letter, especially if they were set up for North America. Set your paper size once in the app, the driver and the printer, and new jobs will follow.