German Series
DIN B9
Belonging to the ISO 216 standard, DIN B9 is a unique paper size that holds its own significance in the world of print and design. This specific format measures 31mm x 44mm, making it one of the smallest sizes in the B series.
What sets DIN B9 apart is its precise aspect ratio. Like all sizes under ISO 216, it maintains an aspect ratio of √2:1. This means when you fold a sheet of DIN B9 in half parallel to its shortest sides, you'll get two smaller sheets with exactly the same proportions as the original.
DIN B9 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 beauty of this system lies in its scalability. Whether you're working with a large B0 sheet or a tiny DIN B9 piece, you can scale up or down without distorting your design or losing any content.
DIN B9 may not be as commonly used as A4 or Letter from ANSI series but it has niche applications where small dimensions are required. It's often utilized for tickets, labels, and other compact printed materials that require precision and clarity despite their small size.
While DIN B9 might seem insignificant due to its diminutive size, it plays an essential role in maintaining consistency and proportionality across different print formats. Its adherence to ISO 216 standards ensures seamless scalability - a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous planning.
Other Formats in the German Series
Interesting facts about DIN B9
1. The Unusual Size
DIN B9 paper is an uncommon size in the ISO 216 standard series. It measures 125 mm × 177 mm, making it smaller than most other paper sizes.
2. Origin of the DIN Standard
The DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) standard for paper sizes was first introduced in Germany in 1922 and later adopted by many countries worldwide.
3. A Niche Use
DIN B9 paper is primarily used for specialized applications such as printing banknotes, postage stamps, or small booklets due to its compact dimensions.
4. Historical Significance
The DIN B9 size was not part of the original series defined by Georg Christoph Lichtenberg in the late 18th century but was added later to accommodate specific requirements.
5. Limited Availability
Due to its niche usage, DIN B9 paper may not be readily available at all print shops or stationery stores. It might require special ordering or customization.
6. Unique Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of DIN B9 paper is approximately 1:1.4168, which means that it maintains a consistent proportion when halved or enlarged according to ISO standards.
7. Compatibility with Larger Sizes
DIN B9 can be easily scaled up to larger sizes within the same series, such as DIN A3 (twice the size) or DIN A0 (eight times the size), while maintaining their aspect ratios.
8. Precise Measurements
All ISO standard papers have their dimensions rounded to millimeters with a tolerance of ±1.5 mm to ensure consistency and compatibility across different printing systems.
9. Global Adoption
The ISO 216 standard series, including DIN B9, is widely used in over 150 countries worldwide, making it easier for international communication and document exchange.
10. Environmental Considerations
Using DIN B9 paper or any other ISO standard size helps reduce paper waste as it optimizes the use of raw materials during production and minimizes trimming losses.
