A2 vs B3
| A2 | B3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 420 × 594 | 353 × 500 |
| Inches | 16.54 × 23.39 | 13.9 × 19.69 |
| Centimetres | 42 × 59.4 | 35.3 × 50 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.42 |
| Area | 2494.8 cm² | 1765 cm² |
Which is bigger
A2, by 41.3% in area. A2 is 67 mm wider than B3. A2 is 94 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A B3 page fits inside A2 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 33.5 mm border down each side and 47 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A2 artwork on B3 paper | 84% | 0 × 0.8 mm margin |
| B3 artwork on A2 paper | 118.8% | 0.6 × 0 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
The proportions differ: A2 is 1:1.41 and B3 is 1:1.42. That difference is why a layout moved between them never quite lines up — scale it to fit one edge and the other is left with 0.8 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A2 and B3?
A2 is 420 × 594 mm and B3 is 353 × 500 mm. A2 is the larger of the two by 41.3% in area.
Can I print A2 on B3?
Not at full size. Scale it to 84% and it fits inside B3 with 0 × 0.8 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A2 or B3?
A2 — 420 × 594 mm against 353 × 500 mm, which is 41.3% more area.
A2 in full · B3 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes