A2 vs B2
| A2 | B2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 420 × 594 | 500 × 707 |
| Inches | 16.54 × 23.39 | 19.69 × 27.83 |
| Centimetres | 42 × 59.4 | 50 × 70.7 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.41 |
| Area | 2494.8 cm² | 3535 cm² |
Which is bigger
A2 and B2 carry the same number and are not the same sheet. The Japanese B series is defined by area — JIS B0 is 1.5 square metres where A0 is 1 — so a JIS B sheet is half again the area of the A sheet of the same number, and about 22% longer on each edge. The number tells you where a sheet sits in its own series and nothing about which standard it belongs to.
B2, by 41.7% in area. B2 is 80 mm wider than A2. B2 is 113 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A A2 page fits inside B2 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 40 mm border down each side and 56.5 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A2 artwork on B2 paper | 119% | 0.1 × 0 mm margin |
| B2 artwork on A2 paper | 84% | 0 × 0.1 mm margin |
These are the numbers for the "custom scale" box in a print dialog. "Fit to page" computes the same thing, but knowing the figure tells you in advance whether the result will look deliberate or accidental.
Why the shapes matter
Both sheets have the same 1:1.41 proportions, so artwork scales between them without any cropping or extra margin — only the size changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A2 and B2?
A2 is 420 × 594 mm and B2 is 500 × 707 mm. B2 is the larger of the two by 41.7% in area.
Can I print A2 on B2?
Yes, at 100% — A2 is smaller on both edges, so it lands inside B2 with a border all round.
Which is bigger, A2 or B2?
B2 — 500 × 707 mm against 420 × 594 mm, which is 41.7% more area.
Related comparisons
A2 in full · B2 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes