Legal vs JIS B4
| Legal | JIS B4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 215.9 × 355.6 | 257 × 364 |
| Inches | 8.5 × 14 | 10.12 × 14.33 |
| Centimetres | 21.6 × 35.6 | 25.7 × 36.4 |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1.65 | 1:1.42 |
| Area | 767.7 cm² | 935.5 cm² |
Which is bigger
JIS B4, by 21.8% in area. JIS B4 is 41.1 mm wider than Legal. JIS B4 is 8.4 mm taller.
Printing one on the other
A Legal page fits inside JIS B4 whole — print it at 100% and you get a 20.5 mm border down each side and 4.2 mm top and bottom.
| You want | Set the print scale to | Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| Legal artwork on JIS B4 paper | 102.4% | 36 × 0 mm margin |
| JIS B4 artwork on Legal paper | 84% | 0 × 49.8 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: Legal is 1:1.65 and JIS B4 is 1:1.42. 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 36 mm of unwanted margin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Legal and JIS B4?
Legal is 215.9 × 355.6 mm and JIS B4 is 257 × 364 mm. JIS B4 is the larger of the two by 21.8% in area.
Can I print Legal on JIS B4?
Yes, at 100% — Legal is smaller on both edges, so it lands inside JIS B4 with a border all round.
Which is bigger, Legal or JIS B4?
JIS B4 — 257 × 364 mm against 215.9 × 355.6 mm, which is 21.8% more area.
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