C5 vs C3

	C5	C3
Millimetres	162 × 229	324 × 458
Inches	6.38 × 9.02	12.76 × 18.03
Centimetres	16.2 × 22.9	32.4 × 45.8
Aspect ratio	1:1.41	1:1.41
Area	371 cm²	1483.9 cm²

Which is bigger

C3 is 4 times the area of C5. They are 2 steps apart in the C series and each step halves the sheet, so the multiple is two to the power of 2. The number in the name going up while the sheet goes down is why this has to be asked rather than read off.

C3 is 162 mm wider than C5. C3 is 229 mm taller.

Printing one on the other

A C5 page fits inside C3 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 81 mm border down each side and 114.5 mm top and bottom.

You want	Set the print scale to	Leaves
C5 artwork on C3 paper	200%	0 × 0 mm margin
C3 artwork on C5 paper	50%	0 × 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

Both sheets have the same 1:1.41 proportions, so artwork scales between them without any cropping or extra margin — only the size changes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between C5 and C3?

C5 is 162 × 229 mm and C3 is 324 × 458 mm. C3 is the larger of the two by 300% in area.

Can I print C5 on C3?

Yes, at 100% — C5 is smaller on both edges, so it lands inside C3 with a border all round.

Which is bigger, C5 or C3?

C3 — 324 × 458 mm against 162 × 229 mm, which is 300% more area.

Related comparisons

C5 in full · C3 in full · All size comparisons · All paper sizes