B4 vs Letter
| B4 | Letter | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 250 × 353 | 215.9 × 279.4 |
| Inches | 9.84 × 13.9 | 8.5 × 11 |
| Centimetres | 25 × 35.3 | 21.6 × 27.9 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.41 | 1:1.29 |
| Area | 882.5 cm² | 603.2 cm² |
Which is bigger
B4, by 46.3% in area. B4 is 34.1 mm wider than Letter. B4 is 73.6 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A Letter page fits inside B4 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 17 mm border down each side and 36.8 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| B4 artwork on Letter paper | 79.2% | 18 × 0 mm margin |
| Letter artwork on B4 paper | 115.8% | 0 × 29.5 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: B4 is 1:1.41 and Letter is 1:1.29. 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 18 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between B4 and Letter?
B4 is 250 × 353 mm and Letter is 215.9 × 279.4 mm. B4 is the larger of the two by 46.3% in area.
Can I print B4 on Letter?
Not at full size. Scale it to 79.2% and it fits inside Letter with 18 × 0 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, B4 or Letter?
B4 — 250 × 353 mm against 215.9 × 279.4 mm, which is 46.3% more area.
B4 in full · Letter in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes