B5 Paper Size


What is B5 Paper Size

Definition

The B5 paper size is one of the most commonly used paper sizes in the B-series, widely adopted in countries that follow the metric system. Whether for documents, notebooks, or compact print projects, the B5 format offers the ideal combination of portability and print capacity. Here we will introduce B5 size comprehensively.

Dimensions

The B5 paper size measures 176 x 250 in mm, 17.6 x 25.0 in cm, and 6.93 x 9.84 in inches. This size is compact enough to be used for personal documents, notebooks, and smaller prints, but it also provides enough room for legible text and illustrations. B5 is one of the smallest formats in the B-series, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications where portability is important.

The B5 format is often chosen for printing items that need to be easy to carry around or store, such as notebooks, diaries, and small booklets.

Layout

Below layout is B5 dimensions in inches and mm. It measures 17.6 x 25.0 in cm.

B5 Paper Size
B5 Paper Size in inches and mm

Origin and Historical Context

Like the rest of the B-series, the B5 size was developed under the DIN 476 standard introduced by Germany in the early 20th century. The standard was later adopted by the ISO 216 international paper size system, which is used today in many countries worldwide. The B-series was designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing users to create various paper sizes that maintain consistent proportions through simple scaling.

The B5 size is particularly valued for its relatively small dimensions, making it perfect for everyday use in offices, schools, and personal projects. With the B5 format, users can easily print medium-sized documents without needing the larger sheets required by the bigger B-series sizes.

Regions

B5 paper size is mainly used in European countries and Asian countries where ISO sized paper is widely accepted as the standard one.

World Regional Distribution of ISO Paper Sizes and American Paper Sizes
The areas in yellow are where B5 paper size is applied

Uses

The B5 paper size is versatile and is used across various sectors for a wide range of applications. Some of its most common uses include:

  1. Notebooks and Stationery: One of the most common uses for B5 paper is for personal stationery items, especially notebooks, journals, and diaries. The compact size is ideal for carrying around and writing in daily.
  2. Pamphlets and Brochures: Due to its manageable size, B5 is often used for printing small brochures, pamphlets, and handouts, particularly when information needs to be concise but still presented in a visually appealing format.
  3. Books and Magazines: Small publications such as pocket-sized books, comics, and magazines may use B5 paper. The size is large enough to accommodate text and images while being compact enough to fit on bookshelves or in bags.
  4. Legal and Personal Documents: The B5 format is also used for legal documents, contracts, and correspondence that need to be smaller than standard A4 but still hold substantial text.
  5. Menus and Small Posters: Restaurants and cafes often use B5 paper for printing menus, where compact but legible text and images are required.

B5 Size in inches

6.93 x 9.84 in

B5 Size in cm

17.6 x 25.0 cm

B5 Size in mm

176 x 250 mm

B5 Dimensions Table

Size # in inches in mm in cm
B5 6.93 x 9.84 in 176 x 250 mm 17.6 x 25.0 cm

B5 Dimensions in pixels

B5 dimensions vary in pixels, depending on the PPI/DPI applied.

Size # 72 dpi/ppi
(screen resolution)
96 dpi/ppi
(screen resolution)
300 dpi/ppi
(print resolution)
B5  709 x 499 pixels 945 x 665 pixels 2953 x 2079 pixels

* PPI (pixels per inch) = DPI (dots per inch) = Resolution

B5 Equivalence in US

In the United States, the B5 paper size does not have a direct equivalent in the common paper size system. However, the closest match would be 5.5 x 8.5 inches, which is half the size of the Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) paper and is often used for small booklets, handouts, and personal stationery.

While the 5.5 x 8.5 inches size is not exactly the same as B5, it is often used as an alternative for printing smaller documents, making it a practical substitute for those working with B5-style projects.

Facts

The B5 paper size, measuring 176 x 250 mm (6.93 x 9.84 inches), is one of the most widely used paper formats in the B-series, prized for its compact yet functional dimensions. It is frequently used for notebooks, legal documents, brochures, and small publications. While it doesn’t have a direct equivalent in US paper sizes, 5.5 x 8.5 inches is a common substitute. The B5 size strikes an excellent balance between portability and print capacity, making it a versatile choice for both personal and professional uses.