A3 vs A5
A3 is 149 mm wider and 210 mm taller than A5. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Compare a Different Pair
A3 and A5, Side by Side
| A3 | A5 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 297 × 420 | 148 × 210 | 149 × 210 mm |
| Inches | 11.69 × 16.54 | 5.83 × 8.27 | 5.87 × 8.27 in |
| Centimetres | 29.7 × 42.0 | 14.8 × 21.0 | |
| Area | 0.125 m², 124,740 mm² | 0.0311 m², 31,080 mm² | 4.01× |
| Aspect ratio | 1 : 1.414 (√2) | 1 : 1.419 (√2) | same |
What Is Lost Printing One on the Other
At 100% scale, both centred, nothing resized. A positive figure on the wider or taller side is cropped; on the other it is a blank margin.
| Axis | Gap | A3 onto A5 | A5 onto A3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 74.5 mm (2.93 in) each side | A3 loses it | blank band |
| Height | 105 mm (4.13 in) each end | A3 loses it | blank band |
Scale-to-Fit Percentages
The figure to type into a printer or PDF dialog to scale one to fit inside the other:
| A5 to fit A3 | 200% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
|---|---|---|
| A3 to fit A5 | 50% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
The two share the 1 : √2 shape but are not one halving apart, so a fit-to-page scale still leaves a small border.
Beyond the Measurements
Envelopes: A3 fits C3; A5 fits C5, C6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A3 bigger than A5?
A3 is bigger. It is 297 × 420 mm against 148 × 210 mm for A5, about 4.01 times the area.
What is the difference between A3 and A5?
A3 is 149 mm wider and 210 mm taller than A5. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Can you print A5 on A3?
Not at full size without a change. Shrink A5 to 200% to fit A3, which leaves a thin border, or print at 100% and lose 74.5 mm off each side and 105 mm top and bottom.
✓ Dimensions per the standards on the A3 and A5 pages. Differences and scale factors computed. Reviewed . Editorial Process →