German Series
DIN B4
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, DIN B4 is a paper size that holds significant relevance in the world of print and documentation. This particular size, measuring 250mm x 353mm, is part of the B series under this globally recognized standard. The unique aspect of DIN B4 lies in its aspect ratio which remains constant at √2:1 regardless of the size being scaled up or down.
The ISO 216 standard, which includes DIN B4 among other sizes, was developed to streamline paper sizes across different industries and countries. It's worth noting that this standard has been adopted by every country except for Canada and the United States, where ANSI series are more prevalent.
DIN B4 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 |
DIN B4 finds its utility in a variety of applications including booklets, brochures, catalogs and even technical drawings. Its dimensions make it an ideal choice for content that requires more space than an A4 sheet but doesn't warrant usage of larger formats like A3 or A2.
Interestingly enough, when folded in half along its longest side, DIN B4 transforms into a DIN B5 sheet while maintaining its aspect ratio - a testament to the ingenious design principles behind ISO 216 standards.
DIN B4 is not just another paper size; it's a versatile tool used across industries worldwide for effective communication and presentation of information. Its adoption as part of ISO 216 standards underscores its importance in global documentation practices.
Other Formats in the German Series
Interesting facts about DIN B4
1: The Origin of DIN B4
DIN B4 paper is part of the DIN paper size series, which was developed by the German Institute for Standardization (Deutsches Institut für Normung). The DIN B series was introduced in 1922 and has since become widely adopted across Europe and other parts of the world.
2: Dimensions of DIN B4
The dimensions of DIN B4 paper are 250 mm x 353 mm (9.84 in x 13.90 in). It is slightly larger than its counterpart, the ANSI/ASME B size, which measures 11 in x 17 in.
3: Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of DIN B4 paper is approximately equal to the square root of two (√2). This means that when you fold a sheet of DIN B4 paper in half along its longer side, you get two sheets with the same proportions as the original.
4: Common Uses
DIN B4 paper is commonly used for various purposes such as posters, brochures, booklets, and large-format documents. Its size provides ample space for content while still being manageable to handle.
5: Compatibility with Other Sizes
DIN B sizes are designed to be compatible with each other through a simple folding technique. For example, two sheets of DIN B5 can be combined to form one sheet of DIN B3 without any waste or need for trimming.
6: International Adoption
The use of DIN paper sizes extends beyond Germany and Europe. Many countries around the world have adopted these standards due to their practicality and compatibility advantages.
7: DIN B4 Envelopes
Corresponding envelopes for DIN B4 paper are available, allowing for easy mailing and storage of documents in this size. These envelopes are designed to fit the dimensions of DIN B4 precisely.
8: Historical Significance
The introduction of the DIN paper size series in 1922 was a significant step towards standardizing paper sizes globally. It aimed to simplify printing and reduce waste by providing a consistent set of sizes.
9: ISO Standardization
In 1975, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) adopted the DIN paper sizes as an international standard known as ISO 216. This further solidified their widespread use and recognition.
10: Paper Weight Considerations
DIN B4 paper is available in various weights, ranging from lightweight options suitable for everyday printing to heavier weights suitable for high-quality prints or special applications such as art prints or posters.
