Books Series
B Format
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, B Format is a distinctive paper size that holds its own unique place in the world of print and publishing. This format, often overlooked yet incredibly versatile, serves as an essential tool for various industries.
The B Format's dimensions are 129mm x 198mm (5.1" x 7.8"), making it slightly larger than the A Format but smaller than the C Format. This size is particularly favored in the publishing industry for paperback books due to its compactness and portability.
B Format 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 |
Interestingly, B Format is part of a broader series known as the ISO B series. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) developed this series to provide a standardized set of paper sizes that can be used globally. The B series offers sizes larger than those found in the A series but smaller than those in the C series, filling an important gap.
One fascinating aspect of B Format is its aspect ratio - it maintains a consistent ratio of √2:1 across all sizes within its series. This means when you fold or cut a sheet from this format in half along its longest side, you'll get two sheets with exactly the same proportions as before.
While it may not be as commonly recognized as other formats like A4 or Letter size, B Format plays an integral role within specific sectors such as publishing and printing due to its unique dimensions and versatility.
Other Formats in the Books Series
Interesting facts about B Format
B Format Paper: Weird and Interesting Facts
1. Origin of B Format: B Format paper is part of the ISO 216 international paper size standard, which was first introduced in Germany in 1922.
2. Proportional Dimensions: The dimensions of B Format paper are based on a mathematical formula that ensures each size maintains the same aspect ratio as the others within the series.
3. Popular Book Size: B Format is commonly used for paperback books, making it a popular choice among publishers and authors worldwide.
4. Standardized Sizes: The B Format series includes various sizes such as B0, B1, B2, and so on, with each subsequent size being half the area of its predecessor.
5. European Influence: The ISO 216 standard for paper sizes was heavily influenced by European paper traditions and standards.
6. A5 Equivalent: The most common size within the B Format series is known as "B5," which is equivalent to half of an A4 sheet (A5).
7. Easy Folding Option: Due to its proportional dimensions, folding a sheet of B Format paper in half results in two smaller sheets with identical proportions.
8. Efficient Printing Solution: Printers often prefer using B Format paper due to its efficient use of space when printing multiple pages per sheet or duplex printing.
9. International Adoption: While initially introduced in Germany, the ISO 216 standard for paper sizes has been adopted by almost all countries worldwide except for Canada and the United States.
10. Versatile Applications: Apart from book publishing, B Format paper is also commonly used for magazines, brochures, catalogs, and other printed materials requiring a compact yet readable format.
