B-Series Paper Sizes: The Complete Guide
The B-series is the second major ISO 216 paper standard. Each B-size sits between consecutive A-sizes — so B5 is bigger than A5 but smaller than A4. This gives designers and printers extra flexibility in choosing the perfect format.
📊 Quick Facts:
• Standard: ISO 216
• Base size: B0 (1000 × 1414 mm)
• Most common: B5 (books, notebooks)
• Aspect ratio: 1:√2
• Purpose: Fills gaps between A-sizes
• Popular in: Books, posters, envelopes
• Standard: ISO 216
• Base size: B0 (1000 × 1414 mm)
• Most common: B5 (books, notebooks)
• Aspect ratio: 1:√2
• Purpose: Fills gaps between A-sizes
• Popular in: Books, posters, envelopes
📏 Complete B-Series Dimensions
| Size | Millimetres | Inches | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| B0 | 1000 × 1414 mm | 39.4 × 55.7 in | Large posters, art prints |
| B1 | 707 × 1000 mm | 27.8 × 39.4 in | Posters, technical drawings |
| B2 | 500 × 707 mm | 19.7 × 27.8 in | Posters, wall charts |
| B3 | 353 × 500 mm | 13.9 × 19.7 in | Posters, spreads |
| B4 | 250 × 353 mm | 9.8 × 13.9 in | Newspapers, drawings |
| B5 | 176 × 250 mm | 6.9 × 9.8 in | Books, notebooks, diaries |
| B6 | 125 × 176 mm | 4.9 × 6.9 in | Small books, postcards |
| B7 | 88 × 125 mm | 3.5 × 4.9 in | Tags, small cards |
| B8 | 62 × 88 mm | 2.4 × 3.5 in | Playing cards |
| B9 | 44 × 62 mm | 1.7 × 2.4 in | Small labels |
| B10 | 31 × 44 mm | 1.2 × 1.7 in | Miniature cards |
🧠 B-Series vs A-Series
The simplest way to think about it: every B-size fits between two A-sizes.
| B Size | Falls Between |
|---|---|
| B0 | Larger than A0 |
| B1 | Between A0 and A1 |
| B2 | Between A1 and A2 |
| B3 | Between A2 and A3 |
| B4 | Between A3 and A4 |
| B5 | Between A4 and A5 |
| B6 | Between A5 and A6 |
This means if a design doesn't quite fit A4 but is smaller than A3, B4 is the perfect size. Same rule applies all the way down the series.
🎨 Common Uses for B-Series
B0–B1: Large Format
- Art gallery posters
- Large technical drawings
- Architectural plans
- Photography displays
B2–B3: Medium Format
- Wall charts and diagrams
- Book spreads
- Event posters
- Presentation boards
B4–B5: Book and Publication Format
- Trade paperbacks (B-format books)
- Notebooks and diaries
- Magazines and journals
- Textbooks and manuals
- Sheet music
B6–B10: Small Format
- Postcards and greeting cards
- Playing cards (B8)
- Tags and small labels
- Miniature prints
📚 The B-Format Paperback
In publishing, B5 (176 × 250 mm) is used for most trade paperbacks — the standard size for fiction and non-fiction books sold in UK bookshops. It's larger and more premium than the smaller A-format paperback (A5-sized), making it the go-to format for bestsellers.
🔁 B-Series Conversions
- B-Series Hub — all B-Series tools
- C-Series Guide — envelopes
- Paper Size Converter
🌍 B-Series Around the World
- Europe: Standard for many books and publications
- Japan: B-series is very popular (slightly different sizes in Japanese standard)
- UK: B5 is the standard trade paperback size
- USA: B-series is uncommon — US uses ANSI sizes