B3 vs A3
B3 is 56 mm wider and 80 mm taller than A3. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Compare a Different Pair
B3 and A3, Side by Side
| B3 | A3 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 353 × 500 | 297 × 420 | 56 × 80 mm |
| Inches | 13.9 × 19.69 | 11.69 × 16.54 | 2.2 × 3.15 in |
| Centimetres | 35.3 × 50.0 | 29.7 × 42.0 | |
| Area | 0.176 m², 176,500 mm² | 0.125 m², 124,740 mm² | 1.41× |
| Aspect ratio | 1 : 1.416 (√2) | 1 : 1.414 (√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 | B3 onto A3 | A3 onto B3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 28 mm (1.1 in) each side | B3 loses it | blank band |
| Height | 40 mm (1.57 in) each end | B3 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:
| A3 to fit B3 | 119% | leaves a thin border on one pair of edges |
|---|---|---|
| B3 to fit A3 | 84% | 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: B3 has no standard fitted envelope; A3 fits C3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is B3 bigger than A3?
B3 is bigger. It is 353 × 500 mm against 297 × 420 mm for A3, about 1.41 times the area.
What is the difference between B3 and A3?
B3 is 56 mm wider and 80 mm taller than A3. They are close but not interchangeable: a layout built for one clips or leaves a border on the other.
Can you print A3 on B3?
Not at full size without a change. Shrink A3 to 119% to fit B3, which leaves a thin border, or print at 100% and lose 28 mm off each side and 40 mm top and bottom.
✓ Dimensions per the standards on the B3 and A3 pages. Differences and scale factors computed. Reviewed . Editorial Process →