Quick answer: B1 measures 707 × 1000 mm, equivalent to 70.7 × 100 cm or approximately 27.83 × 39.37 inches. It is an ISO B-series format with the 1:√2 aspect ratio.
Measurement note: dimensions are stated width × height in portrait orientation. Turn the sheet through 90 degrees for landscape use. Millimetres are the controlling values for ISO sizes; inch figures are rounded conversions.
B1 dimensions
| Unit | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Millimetres | 707 mm | 1000 mm |
| Centimetres | 70.7 cm | 100 cm |
| Inches | 27.83 in | 39.37 in |
| Area | 707,000 mm² | 0.7070 m² |
Common uses for B1
B1 offers an intermediate format that can be more economical or visually balanced than moving directly between neighbouring A sizes. It is used for:
- Posters and point-of-sale graphics
- Technical presentation sheets
- Art and photographic prints
Relationship to other sizes
Two B2 sheets have the nominal area of one B1 sheet. B1 sits between A1 and A2 in overall linear dimensions, although the exact comparison varies by side. For the full sequence, see the B-series chart.
File setup and bleed
Set the final trim to 707 × 1000 mm. With 3 mm bleed on every edge, create artwork at 713 × 1006 mm. Keep critical text and logos inside a safe margin; large-format trimming and mounting may justify more than the minimum.
Viewing distance and resolution
Large output is usually viewed from farther away than a book or leaflet. A file does not always need the same pixels-per-inch as a close-viewed photographic print, but effective resolution should be agreed with the printer. Vector text and logos remain crisp at any output size; raster images must contain enough real detail and should not be enlarged far beyond their native resolution.
Paper, mounting and handling
A large loose sheet can buckle, crease or curl even when the paper is heavy. For exhibition use, consider mounting to board, using a tensioned display system, laminating where appropriate or selecting a rigid printable substrate. Fire, weather and indoor-air requirements can also affect material choice in public venues.
Frequently asked questions
Is B1 larger than A2?
Yes. B1 is larger than A2 and smaller than A1 in the normal ISO sequence.
Can an A-series design be printed on B1?
Yes, but the aspect ratio may be the same while the scale differs. Scale proportionally and decide whether to leave margins or enlarge to fill the sheet. Check type size and image quality after scaling.
Do office printers support B1?
Support is model-dependent. B2 and larger generally require wide-format equipment. Always check the printer’s maximum sheet dimensions and supported media weight.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering rounded inch conversions when exact millimetres are available.
- Confusing finished trim with bleed or parent-sheet dimensions.
- Allowing the printer driver to scale automatically.
- Assuming a named size is identical in every national standard.
- Ordering paper before checking the printer’s minimum, maximum and supported weight.
- Judging readability only on a zoomed computer display.
For B1 Paper Size, the most dependable approach is to retain the standard’s controlling unit, state the dimensions in the purchase order, use a supplier template and approve a full-size proof. This is especially important when the project moves between countries, software packages or production methods.
How to specify the size without ambiguity
For B1 Paper Size, a reliable print specification states more than the familiar format name. Give the finished width and height, measurement unit, orientation, number of pages or panels, paper weight, surface, colour process, bleed, finishing and quantity. This prevents regional names and printer defaults from silently changing this particular job.
- Finished size: write width × height and identify portrait or landscape.
- Artwork size: distinguish the trimmed page from any larger bleed canvas or parent sheet.
- Stock: specify grammage or basis weight, coating, colour and recycled or certified requirements.
- Finishing: state folds, scoring, binding, drilling, corner rounding, lamination or mounting.
- Tolerance: ask the supplier what cutting, folding and registration variation should be expected.
When ordering B1 Paper Size, a short name alone leaves important decisions unstated. A specification such as “finished size as stated above; portrait; 3 mm bleed; 170 gsm uncoated white stock; full colour both sides; scored where shown” is harder to misinterpret. When the format has regional variants, include the governing standard or exact dimensions every time.
Make a full-size physical proof
Screens do not communicate the physical scale of B1 Paper Size reliably. Before a large order, print a representative page at 100%, trim it to the stated size and use it as the finished item will be used. Measure one horizontal and one vertical feature with a ruler. Fold it, place it in its envelope or holder where relevant, view it from the intended distance and ask someone unfamiliar with the design to find the main information.
A proof of B1 Paper Size should check more than spelling. Look for text that is technically present but difficult to read, lines that sit too close to the trim, images whose important details enter a fold or binding area, barcodes or QR codes that do not scan, and stocks that crack or show through. For colour-critical work, a calibrated contract proof or press proof is more informative than an office print.
Sources and standards
The measurements and production guidance in this guide were checked against the following standards bodies, postal operators and print-platform specifications. Standards can be revised or withdrawn, so check the linked record when a contractual or regulated specification matters.