B Series
B1
Belonging to the ISO 216 series, B1 is a paper size that stands out due to its unique dimensions. This international standard, adopted by most countries worldwide, ensures consistency in the realm of paper sizes. The B1 size measures 707mm by 1000mm or approximately 27.8 inches by 39.4 inches when converted into imperial measurements.
What sets the B1 size apart is its aspect ratio of √2:1, a characteristic shared across all ISO A and B series paper sizes. This intriguing feature allows for seamless scaling between different sizes without distorting the original proportions of an image or text.
B1 paper dimensions
Specs
| Format | in | mm | cm | pt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2A0 | 46.81 x 66.22 | 1189 x 1682 | 119 x 168 | 3370 x 4768 |
| A12 | 0.51 x 0.71 | 13 x 18 | 1 x 2 | 37 x 51 |
| 4A0 | 66.22 x 93.62 | 1682 x 2378 | 168 x 238 | 4768 x 6741 |
| A11 | 0.71 x 1.02 | 18 x 26 | 2 x 3 | 51 x 74 |
| A10 | 1.02 x 1.46 | 26 x 37 | 3 x 4 | 74 x 105 |
| A3+ | 12.95 x 19.02 | 329 x 483 | 33 x 48 | 933 x 1369 |
| A1+ | 23.98 x 35.98 | 609 x 914 | 61 x 91 | 1726 x 2591 |
| A0+ | 35.98 x 50.87 | 914 x 1292 | 91 x 129 | 2591 x 3662 |
| A6 | 4.13 x 5.83 | 105 x 148 | 11 x 15 | 298 x 420 |
| A5 | 5.83 x 8.27 | 148 x 210 | 15 x 21 | 420 x 595 |
| A4 | 8.27 x 11.69 | 210 x 297 | 21 x 30 | 595 x 842 |
| A3 | 11.69 x 16.54 | 297 x 420 | 30 x 42 | 842 x 1191 |
| A9 | 1.46 x 2.05 | 37 x 52 | 4 x 5 | 105 x 147 |
| A2 | 16.54 x 23.39 | 420 x 594 | 42 x 59 | 1191 x 1684 |
| A8 | 2.05 x 2.91 | 52 x 74 | 5 x 7 | 147 x 210 |
| A1 | 23.39 x 33.11 | 594 x 841 | 59 x 84 | 1684 x 2384 |
| A7 | 2.91 x 4.13 | 74 x 105 | 7 x 11 | 210 x 298 |
| A0 | 33.11 x 46.81 | 841 x 1189 | 84 x 119 | 2384 x 3370 |
The B1 format finds extensive use in commercial and industrial applications. It's commonly employed for large-scale posters, charts, and diagrams where visibility from a distance is crucial. Additionally, it serves as an ideal choice for architectural drawings and blueprints due to its expansive surface area.
In comparison with ANSI standards prevalent in North America, the closest equivalent to B1 would be ANSI D or 'Arch D', although there are slight differences in dimensions.
Interestingly enough, if you fold a B1 sheet in half along its longest side, you'll get two sheets of the next size down - B2 - without any change in aspect ratio. This scalability makes it incredibly versatile for various printing needs while maintaining consistent visual integrity.
Other Formats in the B Series
Interesting facts about B1
The B1 paper size is part of the ISO 216 standard
The B1 paper size is one of the many sizes defined by the ISO 216 standard for paper sizes. This international standard was first introduced in 1975 and has been widely adopted around the world.
B1 paper measures approximately 707 mm × 1000 mm
With dimensions of approximately 707 mm × 1000 mm (27.8 in × 39.4 in), B1 paper falls between A1 and A0 sizes in terms of area. It is commonly used for posters, banners, and large format printing.
B1 is part of a series that includes other sizes
The B series of paper sizes includes various dimensions, with each size being exactly half the area of its predecessor. The series starts with B0 as the largest size, followed by B1, B2, and so on.
B1 can be used to print multiple smaller-sized documents
One interesting feature of B1 paper is that it can be efficiently cut into smaller sizes while maintaining their aspect ratios. For example, you can obtain two sheets of B2 (500 mm × 707 mm) or four sheets of B3 (353 mm × 500 mm) from a single sheet of B1.
B-series papers have historical roots in Germany
The origins of the ISO paper series can be traced back to Germany's DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) standard introduced in the early twentieth century. The DIN system initially included only A-series papers but later expanded to include larger formats like the B-series.
B-series papers are popular for technical drawings and blueprints
Due to their larger dimensions, B-series papers are commonly used for technical drawings, architectural plans, and engineering blueprints. The size allows for detailed representations while still being manageable to work with.
B1 paper is often used in the printing industry
Printers frequently utilize B1 paper due to its versatility and compatibility with various printing processes. Its size makes it suitable for producing large-scale prints such as posters, signage, and promotional materials.
B1 paper can be folded into smaller formats
When necessary, B1 paper can be conveniently folded into smaller sizes without losing its aspect ratio. This flexibility allows for easy transportation or storage of documents that were originally printed on larger sheets.
The B-series has a sibling series called C-series
In addition to the A and B series, there is also a C series of paper sizes that follows a similar half-area progression. The C series is primarily used for envelopes and is designed to perfectly fit the corresponding A-series papers.
B1 paper offers a balance between size and cost
For many printing projects that require larger dimensions but still need to be cost-effective, B1 paper strikes a good balance. It provides ample space for designs while minimizing waste compared to even larger formats like A0 or B0.
