B5 vs C5
| B5 | C5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 176 × 250 | 162 × 229 |
| Inches | 6.93 × 9.84 | 6.38 × 9.02 |
| Centimetres | 17.6 × 25 | 16.2 × 22.9 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.42 | 1:1.41 |
| Area | 440 cm² | 371 cm² |
Which is bigger
B5 and C5 carry the same number and are not the same sheet. The Japanese B series is defined by area — JIS B0 is 1.5 square metres where A0 is 1 — so a JIS B sheet is half again the area of the A sheet of the same number, and about 22% longer on each edge. The number tells you where a sheet sits in its own series and nothing about which standard it belongs to.
B5, by 18.6% in area. B5 is 14 mm wider than C5. B5 is 21 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A C5 page fits inside B5 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 7 mm border down each side and 10.5 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| B5 artwork on C5 paper | 91.6% | 0.8 × 0 mm margin |
| C5 artwork on B5 paper | 108.6% | 0 × 1.2 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: B5 is 1:1.42 and C5 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 0.8 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between B5 and C5?
B5 is 176 × 250 mm and C5 is 162 × 229 mm. B5 is the larger of the two by 18.6% in area.
Can I print B5 on C5?
Not at full size. Scale it to 91.6% and it fits inside C5 with 0.8 × 0 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, B5 or C5?
B5 — 176 × 250 mm against 162 × 229 mm, which is 18.6% more area.
Related comparisons
B5 in full · C5 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes