In the ISO Paper Size system, b series paper sizes sit alongside the better-known A formats but serve a different practical role. Instead of replacing A sizes, the B series fills the gaps between them, offering intermediate Printer paper sizes that better suit layouts needing more breathing room.
When designers or printers find an A format slightly too tight for margins, images, or trim allowance, B formats often solve the problem without jumping to an oversized sheet.
Compared with the A series, which is optimized for everyday documents and office workflows, the B series is shaped by production realities. In printing and publishing, page layouts rarely exist in isolation. Covers, spreads, posters, and proof sheets all need a standard page size that balances content density with handling efficiency.
This is where b paper sizes come into play. They allow publishers to maintain consistent proportions while gaining extra surface area that supports cleaner typography, stronger visuals, and safer trimming during finishing.
The importance of the B series becomes most visible in books, magazines, and large-format prints. Many print runs rely on B sizes because they align better with press sheets, folding schemes, and binding requirements. Understanding how these page sizes behave helps reduce waste and avoids last-minute layout compromises.
This guide covers the full scope of the B series, from B0 through B13, including extended formats used in professional printing. Each size is explained with dimensions, context, and real-world relevance, so readers can choose the right format with confidence.
What Are B Series Paper Sizes in the ISO Standard?
Within ISO 216, b series paper sizes are defined as a complementary system positioned between the A series formats. Like A sizes, every B size follows the √2:1 aspect ratio.
This ratio ensures that when a sheet is cut in half parallel to its shorter side, the resulting size of paper keeps the same proportions. That mathematical consistency is what allows layouts to scale up or down without distortion.
The relationship between sizes is strictly geometric. Each step down the series halves the surface area, creating a predictable progression of paper dimensions. B0 represents the largest reference sheet, while each subsequent size maintains the same aspect ratio with reduced area.
This structure makes the B series especially useful as a “middle ground” between adjacent A sizes. When A4 feels restrictive and A3 is excessive, a B format often lands in the practical sweet spot.
According to Papersizes.io, ISO 216 B series sizes range from B0 at 1000 × 1414 mm down to much smaller formats, with each size preserving the √2:1 ratio. This consistency explains why the series integrates smoothly into printing workflows that depend on precise scaling and imposition.
In real production terms, b series paper sizes support flexibility. Printers can select a paper sheet size that accommodates bleed, trimming, and binding while staying aligned with ISO standards. That role as an intermediary is the core reason the B series continues to matter in modern printing and publishing.
Complete B Series Paper Sizes Explained
The ISO B system is designed to bridge practical gaps that appear when standard A formats no longer feel sufficient. In real printing environments, layout decisions are rarely abstract. They are driven by trimming margins, binding needs, press sheet efficiency, and visual balance.
That is why b series paper sizes exist as a complete family rather than a single alternative format. Each size serves a specific role, and together they form a coherent set of page sizes that scale predictably from very large sheets down to extremely small formats.
From an operational perspective, b paper sizes are often chosen when designers or printers need more surface area than an A size provides but want to preserve familiar proportions.
B0 Paper Size
B0 is the largest format in the standard B series and acts as the reference point for all other sizes. It measures 1000 × 1414 mm (approximately 39.4 × 55.7 inches), offering a very large surface area. As a paper size, B0 is associated with high visibility and expansive layouts.
Typical uses include posters, industrial printing applications, and technical layouts where scale and clarity matter. Its paper dimensions make it impractical for everyday handling but ideal for large-format output.
B1 Paper Size
B1 is exactly half the area of B0, following the ISO halving principle. Its dimensions are 707 × 1000 mm or 27.8 × 39.4 inches. This format is commonly used for display graphics, wall charts, and medium-scale posters.
Compared with B0, B1 is easier to handle and more cost-efficient to print while still retaining strong visual presence. Among b series paper sizes, B1 often represents a practical compromise between impact and manageability.
B2 Paper Size
Positioned firmly within professional workflows, B2 measures 500 × 707 mm (19.7 × 27.8 inches). It is widely used for art prints and promotional materials where detail is important but oversized sheets are unnecessary.
In terms of paper print sizes, B2 balances fine image reproduction with reasonable handling. Many printers prefer B2 when working on presses optimized for mid-range formats, making it a frequent choice within b paper sizes.
B3 Paper Size
B3 functions as a transition format between large and medium sheets. With dimensions of 353 × 500 mm (13.9 × 19.7 inches), it fits comfortably into commercial printing environments. Presentation boards, proofing layouts, and short-run promotional prints often rely on B3.
Its relevance comes from flexibility: it is large enough for visual review yet small enough to move easily through finishing processes, reinforcing its role in everyday paper size decisions.
B4 Paper Size
B4 is one of the more recognizable formats in the B family. It measures 250 × 353 mm (9.8 × 13.9 inches) and sits slightly larger than A4 in practical terms. This makes it useful when standard office page sizes feel restrictive.
Common applications include magazines, brochures, and documents that require more space for imagery or margins. As part of b series paper sizes, B4 often appears in publishing contexts that prioritize layout breathing room.
B5 Paper Size
The B5 paper size is among the most widely used formats in the series. Measuring 176 × 250 mm (6.9 × 9.8 inches), it is well suited to books, notebooks, and manuals. When people ask what is B5 paper size, the answer usually centers on its balance: it offers more space than A5 without the bulk of A4.
In printing and publishing, B5 supports comfortable reading while remaining economical to produce. Within b series paper sizes, B5 stands out for its versatility as a consumer-facing paper size.
B6 Paper Size
B6 is classified as a small format, with dimensions of 125 × 176 mm (4.9 × 6.9 inches). It is commonly used for pocket notebooks and small booklets. Printers select B6 when portability is more important than expansive layout.
Compared with B5, it sacrifices writing space but gains convenience, making it a practical option among smaller paper print sizes.
B7 Paper Size
At 88 × 125 mm (3.5 × 4.9 inches), B7 is very compact. Its size limits the amount of content that can be printed clearly, so it is mainly used for labels or inserts.
Long-form text is not suitable at this scale. Within b paper sizes, B7 is chosen for short, functional information rather than detailed communication.
B8 Paper Size
B8 belongs to the small-format category and measures 62 × 88 mm (2.4 × 3.5 inches). Its usage is minor and highly specific, often limited to tags or small inserts.
Readability becomes a concern at this size, especially for standard text. As with other micro page sizes, B8 exists more for structural completeness than for mainstream printing.
B9 Paper Size
B9 has very limited practical use. With dimensions of 44 × 62 mm (1.7 × 2.4 inches), it is too small for conventional reading.
It may appear in technical or internal contexts, such as identification slips or process markers. Within b series paper sizes, B9 is acknowledged but rarely produced intentionally.
B10 Paper Size
B10 is a micro format measuring 31 × 44 mm (1.2 × 1.7 inches). Its applications are extremely specific and often industrial.
Consumer printing almost never involves B10. Printers recognize it as part of the ISO framework, but it is not treated as a functional paper size for general use.
B11 Paper Size
B11 measures 22 × 31 mm (0.9 × 1.2 inches) and falls into a largely theoretical category. Handling and printing at this scale are impractical for most purposes.
Its inclusion mainly supports the mathematical integrity of b series paper sizes, rather than serving a real production role.
B12 Paper Size
At 15 × 22 mm (0.6 × 0.9 inches), B12 sits at an extreme end of the series. It is rarely used in practice and has almost no commercial relevance. Like B11, its purpose is structural, maintaining consistent paper dimensions across the system.
B13 Paper Size
B13 is the smallest standard format, measuring 11 × 15 mm (0.4 × 0.6 inches). It is not used commercially and is best understood as a theoretical endpoint. Its presence confirms that b paper sizes follow a complete and predictable scaling model, even beyond practical usability.
Extended B Paper Sizes
Extended or oversized B formats exist because real printing rarely stops at strict standards. In professional environments, printers often need extra space for bleed, trimming, or finishing. Extended sizes address this by expanding the standard sheet paper size slightly while preserving proportions.
These formats are not part of ISO 216 but are widely recognized in commercial printing. Their role is to support production accuracy rather than redefine paper dimensions.
B0+ Paper Size
B0+ is larger than standard B0 and is typically used for oversized posters and large-format presses. The additional margin allows for bleed and trimming without compromising the final artwork. In high-impact visual printing, B0+ provides flexibility that standard sizes cannot.
B1+ Paper Size
B1+ serves a similar purpose at a smaller scale. It offers dimensions slightly larger than B1, making it suitable for professional printing where finishing accuracy matters. Printers choose B1+ to accommodate bleed and trimming while maintaining familiar proportions.
B2+ Paper Size
B2+ is valued for flexibility in commercial printing. It allows designers to work comfortably within B2 proportions while leaving room for finishing processes. As with other extended formats, its value lies in production efficiency rather than consumer recognition.
Together, these formats show why b series paper sizes remain relevant. From large posters to micro formats, and from standard sheets to extended options, the system provides consistent page sizes that align with real-world printing needs.
B Series Paper Size Chart (mm, cm, and inches)
A clear paper size chart is often the fastest way to understand how different formats relate to one another in real printing work. Instead of memorizing dimensions, printers and designers rely on charts to compare proportions, surface area, and scaling behavior at a glance.
For b series paper sizes, this kind of reference is especially useful because the system spans from very large sheets down to compact formats, all tied together by consistent proportions.
The table below is designed as a quick-check tool. Each row lists one B size and its dimensions in millimeters, centimeters, and paper size inches, allowing easy conversion depending on regional or technical needs.
To read the chart correctly, focus first on the millimeter values, since ISO standards are defined in metric units. The centimeter column helps with layout planning, while the inch measurements are practical when working with software or equipment configured for imperial units. Used together, this table helps place b series paper sizes accurately within a broader set of paper formats.
B Size Dimensions (mm) Dimensions (cm) Dimensions (inches) B0 1000 × 1414 100 × 141.4 39.4 × 55.7 B1 707 × 1000 70.7 × 100 27.8 × 39.4 B2 500 × 707 50 × 70.7 19.7 × 27.8 B3 353 × 500 35.3 × 50 13.9 × 19.7 B4 250 × 353 25 × 35.3 9.8 × 13.9 B5 176 × 250 17.6 × 25 6.9 × 9.8 B6 125 × 176 12.5 × 17.6 4.9 × 6.9 B7 88 × 125 8.8 × 12.5 3.5 × 4.9 B8 62 × 88 6.2 × 8.8 2.4 × 3.5 B9 44 × 62 4.4 × 6.2 1.7 × 2.4 B10 31 × 44 3.1 × 4.4 1.2 × 1.7 B11 22 × 31 2.2 × 3.1 0.9 × 1.2 B12 15 × 22 1.5 × 2.2 0.6 × 0.9 B13 11 × 15 1.1 × 1.5 0.4 × 0.6 B0+ 1118 × 1580 111.8 × 158 44.0 × 62.2 B1+ 720 × 1020 72 × 102 28.3 × 40.2 B2+ 520 × 720 52 × 72 20.5 × 28.3
How A, B, and C Series Paper Sizes Compare in Real-World Printing
The ISO paper system is structured around three closely related families: A, B, and C. Each one exists to solve a different problem in printing and production, rather than competing with one another.
Core functional differences between A, B, and C series
- A paper Sizes are optimized for everyday documents and office workflows. They are widely used as the standard page size in many regions because they suit copying, filing, scanning, and routine printing. Their proportions are designed for efficiency rather than visual flexibility.
- B Paper Size formats exist to bridge the gaps between A sizes. They offer slightly more surface area while keeping the same aspect ratio, making them useful when layouts feel constrained on A formats. Printers often rely on B sizes when margins, images, or trimming require extra space.
- C Paper Sizes are designed primarily for envelopes and packaging. Their dimensions allow A or B sheets to fit inside neatly without folding, which makes them practical for mailing and document protection rather than for content layout.
When B sizes make more sense than A sizes
In real-world printing, A formats can feel limiting for visual-heavy work. Posters, book covers, and publication spreads often need more room than A sizes comfortably allow. This is where B Paper Size formats become practical alternatives. They maintain familiar proportions while giving designers additional layout freedom.
According to Adobe’s paper size guide, B series paper sizes are commonly used when A series formats are too small for the intended layout, particularly for posters and publications. This reflects how print shops actually operate, where decisions are driven by layout fit and finishing requirements rather than theoretical standards.
Practical comparison: B4 vs A4
A clear way to understand the difference is by comparing B4 and A4:
- A4 prioritizes compact efficiency and works well for text-focused documents.
- B4 provides extra margin and image space, which helps reduce crowding in layouts that include graphics or full-bleed elements.
In this context, the comparison between paper size A vs B is not about which is “better,” but about which format aligns with the job at hand. Choosing between A paper Sizes, B Paper Size, and C Paper Sizes becomes much easier when their distinct purposes are understood within real printing workflows.
Common Uses of B Series Paper Sizes in Printing
In practical terms, b series paper sizes appear most often in projects where visual impact and production efficiency matter. Beberapa konteks penggunaan utamanya meliputi:
- Poster printing: Formats like B1 and B2 offer enough surface area for strong imagery while remaining manageable on standard presses, making them suitable for visual communication that needs presence without excessive size.
- Books and magazines: B sizes are often preferred when designers want generous margins or full-bleed visuals without resorting to oversized sheets that increase handling and production costs.
Although envelopes are typically associated with the C series, B formats still play a role in packaging and inserts:
- Packaging and inserts: A carefully chosen sheet paper size can reduce trimming waste and simplify finishing, especially when materials are nested or batch-cut.
- Commercial printing workflows: B sizes align well with press sheets and folding schemes, which helps maintain efficiency across production stages.
As paper print sizes, B formats support consistent scaling and predictable results across different runs. This practical reliability is why printers continue to rely on them alongside A formats in everyday production.
Conclusion
The B series occupies a practical middle ground within the ISO system. By offering intermediate formats, it gives printers and publishers more control over layout, margins, and finishing. From large posters to compact books, b paper sizes support a wide range of applications without breaking proportional consistency.
Understanding how these formats relate to A and C series helps avoid unnecessary compromises during production. When sizes are chosen with intent, printing becomes more efficient and results are more predictable. Knowing where b paper sizes fit into the broader system is a small step that often leads to better outcomes on press.
FAQs About B Series Paper Sizes
What is the most commonly used B paper size?
B5 is often considered the most widely used format within b series paper sizes, particularly for books, notebooks, and manuals. It balances readability with efficient use of space.
What is B5 paper size used for?
B5 is commonly used in publishing for novels, journals, and instructional materials. Its proportions suit long-form reading better than many smaller paper sizes.
Are B series paper sizes used in the US?
They are less common than letter or legal sizes, but b series paper sizes do appear in professional printing, especially for posters and imported publications.
How do B paper sizes compare to A paper sizes?
The main difference is flexibility. B formats provide extra space when A sizes are too tight, which is why b series paper sizes are favored for visual-heavy layouts.
Why do B series paper sizes exist?
They exist to bridge gaps between A formats, offering consistent proportions with more layout freedom. This makes b series paper sizes valuable in real-world printing where margins and finishing matter.
