# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison B-Series (ISO 216)

B4 vs. B5

Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 8 key differences identified.

Comparing:
B4 B4
B5 B5

B4 is an ISO 216 standard paper size measuring 250 × 353 mm (9.84 × 13.90 inches) with a surface area of ~0.088 square meters. Sized intermediate between A3 and A4, it is the worldwide standard for printed orchestral sheet music, professional accounting ledgers, and Japanese manga manuscript paper.

View full B4 spec sheet →

B5 is an ISO 216 standard paper size measuring 176 × 250 mm (6.93 × 9.84 inches). Sized perfectly between A4 and A5, it is the premier international standard for published books, university academic textbooks, scientific journals, and luxury stationery notebooks.

View full B5 spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

8 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
B4 B4
B5 B5
Width × Height (Metric)
250 × 353 mm 176 × 250 mm
Width × Height (Imperial)
9.84 × 13.90 in 6.93 × 9.84 in
Nominal Surface Area
0.088 m² (88,250 mm²) 0.044 m² (44,000 mm²)
Geometric Mean Origin
Geometric mean of A3 (297×420 mm) and A4 (210×297 mm) Geometric mean of A4 (210×297 mm) and A5 (148×210 mm)
Weight of 80 gsm Sheet
7.06 grams 3.52 grams
Primary Applications
Classical sheet music scores, accounting ledgers, Japanese manga manuscripts Scientific textbooks, academic research journals, luxury stationery (Leuchtturm B5), tablet computer screens
Japanese JIS B4 Distinction
JIS B4 is slightly larger (257 × 364 mm) due to historical Mino paper origins
Japanese JIS B5 Distinction
JIS B5 (182 × 257 mm) is the dominant school notebook size in Japan