Toolman

B3 vs C3

B3C3
Millimetres353 × 500324 × 458
Inches13.9 × 19.6912.76 × 18.03
Centimetres35.3 × 5032.4 × 45.8
Aspect ratio1:1.421:1.41
Area1765 cm²1483.9 cm²

Which is bigger

B3, by 18.9% in area. B3 is 29 mm wider than C3. B3 is 42 mm taller.

Printing one on the other

A C3 page fits inside B3 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 14.5 mm border down each side and 21 mm top and bottom.

You wantSet the print scale toLeaves
B3 artwork on C3 paper91.6%0.7 × 0 mm margin
C3 artwork on B3 paper109%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

The proportions differ: B3 is 1:1.42 and C3 is 1:1.41. 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 0.7 mm of unwanted margin.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between B3 and C3?

B3 is 353 × 500 mm and C3 is 324 × 458 mm. B3 is the larger of the two by 18.9% in area.

Can I print B3 on C3?

Not at full size. Scale it to 91.6% and it fits inside C3 with 0.7 × 0 mm to spare.

Which is bigger, B3 or C3?

B3 — 353 × 500 mm against 324 × 458 mm, which is 18.9% more area.

B3 in full · C3 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes