B5 vs Half Letter
| B5 | Half Letter | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 176 × 250 | 139.7 × 215.9 |
| Inches | 6.93 × 9.84 | 5.5 × 8.5 |
| Centimetres | 17.6 × 25 | 14 × 21.6 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.42 | 1:1.55 |
| Area | 440 cm² | 301.6 cm² |
Which is bigger
B5, by 45.9% in area. B5 is 36.3 mm wider than Half Letter. B5 is 34.1 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A Half Letter page fits inside B5 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 18.2 mm border down each side and 17 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| B5 artwork on Half Letter paper | 79.4% | 0 × 17.5 mm margin |
| Half Letter artwork on B5 paper | 115.8% | 14.2 × 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: B5 is 1:1.42 and Half Letter is 1:1.55. 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 17.5 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between B5 and Half Letter?
B5 is 176 × 250 mm and Half Letter is 139.7 × 215.9 mm. B5 is the larger of the two by 45.9% in area.
Can I print B5 on Half Letter?
Not at full size. Scale it to 79.4% and it fits inside Half Letter with 0 × 17.5 mm to spare.
Which is bigger, B5 or Half Letter?
B5 — 176 × 250 mm against 139.7 × 215.9 mm, which is 45.9% more area.
B5 in full · Half Letter in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes