A3 vs JIS B4
| A3 | JIS B4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 297 × 420 | 257 × 364 |
| Inches | 11.69 × 16.54 | 10.12 × 14.33 |
| Centimetres | 29.7 × 42 | 25.7 × 36.4 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.42 |
| Area | 1247.4 cm² | 935.5 cm² |
Which is bigger
A3, by 33.3% in area. A3 is 40 mm wider than JIS B4. A3 is 56 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A JIS B4 page fits inside A3 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 20 mm border down each side and 28 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A3 artwork on JIS B4 paper | 86.5% | 0 × 0.6 mm margin |
| JIS B4 artwork on A3 paper | 115.4% | 0.5 × 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: A3 is 1:1.41 and JIS B4 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 0.6 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A3 and JIS B4?
A3 is 297 × 420 mm and JIS B4 is 257 × 364 mm. A3 is the larger of the two by 33.3% in area.
Can I print A3 on JIS B4?
Not at full size. Scale it to 86.5% and it fits inside JIS B4 with 0 × 0.6 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A3 or JIS B4?
A3 — 297 × 420 mm against 257 × 364 mm, which is 33.3% more area.
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A3 in full · JIS B4 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes