* Academic context: A "short paper" in academia can range from 2-5 pages, sometimes even slightly longer depending on the field and specific requirements. Undergraduate short papers might be on the shorter end, while graduate-level short papers could be longer. Always check the specific guidelines provided by your professor or institution.
* Professional context: In professional settings, a short paper could be a white paper, a brief, a report, or a case study. Lengths can vary considerably, from just a few pages to 10-15 pages, depending on the topic's complexity and intended audience.
* Conference submission: Short papers submitted to conferences have very specific length restrictions, often dictated by page limits and formatting guidelines set by the organizers. These limits can range from 2 to 8 pages, sometimes even stricter.
In short: To determine the appropriate length, always refer to the specific instructions or guidelines provided by the assigning authority (professor, employer, conference organizers). If no guidelines exist, aim for a length that thoroughly addresses the topic without being unnecessarily verbose.