A4 vs B5
| A4 | B5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 210 × 297 | 176 × 250 |
| Inches | 8.27 × 11.69 | 6.93 × 9.84 |
| Centimetres | 21 × 29.7 | 17.6 × 25 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.42 |
| Area | 623.7 cm² | 440 cm² |
Which is bigger
A4, by 41.8% in area. A4 is 34 mm wider than B5. A4 is 47 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A B5 page fits inside A4 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 17 mm border down each side and 23.5 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| A4 artwork on B5 paper | 83.8% | 0 × 1.1 mm margin |
| B5 artwork on A4 paper | 118.8% | 0.9 × 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: A4 is 1:1.41 and B5 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 1.1 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A4 and B5?
A4 is 210 × 297 mm and B5 is 176 × 250 mm. A4 is the larger of the two by 41.8% in area.
Can I print A4 on B5?
Not at full size. Scale it to 83.8% and it fits inside B5 with 0 × 1.1 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, A4 or B5?
A4 — 210 × 297 mm against 176 × 250 mm, which is 41.8% more area.
A4 in full · B5 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes