B2 vs B3
B2 is the larger of the two at the same 1 : √2 shape, one halving apart, so one scales onto the other with nothing cropped: 141% up, 71% down.
Compare a Different Pair
B2 and B3, Side by Side
| B2 | B3 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 500 × 707 | 353 × 500 | 147 × 207 mm |
| Inches | 19.69 × 27.83 | 13.9 × 19.69 | 5.79 × 8.15 in |
| Centimetres | 50.0 × 70.7 | 35.3 × 50.0 | |
| Area | 0.353 m², 353,500 mm² | 0.176 m², 176,500 mm² | 2× |
| Aspect ratio | 1 : 1.414 (√2) | 1 : 1.416 (√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 | B2 onto B3 | B3 onto B2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 73.5 mm (2.89 in) each side | B2 loses it | blank band |
| Height | 103.5 mm (4.07 in) each end | B2 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:
| B3 to fit B2 | 141% | fills the sheet, nothing cropped |
|---|---|---|
| B2 to fit B3 | 71% | fills the sheet, nothing cropped |
Both are one halving apart on the 1 : √2 series, so these are the copier presets and nothing is distorted or lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is B2 bigger than B3?
B2 is bigger. It is 500 × 707 mm against 353 × 500 mm for B3, about 2 times the area.
What is the difference between B2 and B3?
B2 is the larger of the two at the same 1 : √2 shape, one halving apart, so one scales onto the other with nothing cropped: 141% up, 71% down.
Can you print B3 on B2?
Yes, cleanly. Set the printer to scale B3 to 141% and it fills B2 edge to edge with nothing lost.
✓ Dimensions per the standards on the B2 and B3 pages. Differences and scale factors computed. Reviewed . Editorial Process →