[The definitive guide to creating posters and flyers] A list of all A and B sizes: A complete explanation of dimensions, area, pixel count, and use cases

This article was written based on the many years of experience and expertise of PHOTOPRI, a company that provides exhibition-quality print services for photography and art exhibitions. From professional artists to hobbyists, we support your desire to "present your work in the best possible way."

"I want to make a poster, but what size should I make?" "What are the typical dimensions for a flyer?" "Will this image's pixel count allow me to print it nicely on A3 size?" Choosing the right size is extremely important when creating artwork or promotional materials. However, there are many standard sizes, such as A and B, and it can be surprisingly difficult to accurately grasp the dimensions of each and their optimal uses.

Hello! We are the staff of PHOTOPRI , a photo exhibition-quality large-format printing service. We handle prints of various sizes every day to present our customers' work in the best possible light.

In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive explanation of all A and B sizes in a way that's easy to understand for everyone, from designers, artists, and planners to printing novices. We've compiled a comprehensive table that includes not only the dimensions (mm), area, and aspect ratio of each size, but also the recommended pixel count (based on 350 ppi) required for beautiful printing and examples of common uses. We'll also introduce information that will be useful when creating data, such as what "nobi size" means and the relationship between pixel count and resolution.

After reading this article, you'll be sure to find the perfect size for your purpose and project. We hope it helps you in your creative endeavors!

Choosing the right paper size will greatly affect the impression of your work.

What are A and B sizes? Learn the basics

You often hear about "A size" and "B size" when referring to printed materials and paper sizes. These are based on international standards and Japanese standards, and each has different characteristics and uses.

A series: International standard size

The A size was proposed by German physicist Oswald, and is now widely adopted around the world as an international standard set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The A0 size (area 1 square meter, aspect ratio 1:√2) is the base size, and each time this is folded in half, it becomes smaller, becoming A1, A2, A3, etc. This rational system allows the aspect ratio to remain constant (approximately 1:1.414) regardless of size.

• It is used in many printed materials that we see every day, such as copy paper, notebooks, flyers, and posters.
• It has high international compatibility, making it suitable for materials and productions intended for overseas markets.

B-size series: Japan's unique standard size

B size is a uniquely Japanese standard (JIS standard) that has its roots in the format of Mino paper, which was a purveyor to the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period. It is based on B0 size (area 1.5 square meters, aspect ratio 1:√2), and like A size, it gets smaller when folded in half to B1, B2, etc. It is notable for being slightly larger than A size.

• It is often used in books, magazines, textbooks, weekly magazines, posters, maps, etc.
• It is widely distributed in Japan and has a familiar size.

What is "Nobisize"? The importance of margins

There are sizes that have "Nobi" added to the standard A and B sizes (e.g., A0 Nobi, A1 Nobi). These are paper sizes that are slightly larger than the standard sizes. Why do we need larger sizes?

When printing borderless printing (bleed), which means that ink is applied all the way to the edge of the paper, the print is made a little larger than the actual finished size and the excess is trimmed off. This trimmed area is called a "bleed." Nobi size is used when you want to leave more space than the finished size to allow for this bleed, or to take into account that part of the work may be hidden during post-printing processing (such as panel mounting or framing).

At PHOTOPRI, we offer printing services in a variety of sizes, including non-standard sizes, to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

[A size] Size list, main uses, and optimal pixel count (based on 350 ppi)

Let's take a look at each A-size paper size, including its dimensions, area, aspect ratio, recommended pixel count, and typical uses. The pixel count is calculated based on a resolution of 350 ppi (pixels per inch), which is generally recommended for high-quality printing. PHOTOPRI also allows for printing at an even higher resolution of 2880 dpi x 1440 dpi, so if you're looking for a sharper finish, please also refer to the data submission guide .

PHOTOPRI also offers a wide range of A-size prints. Glossy and matte paper in particular can be used for a wide range of purposes, from photographs to posters. Check out PHOTOPRI's A-size compatible paper

Choose the size that best suits your needs, such as A4 for documents or flyers, or A3 for in-store POPs.

[B size] Size list, main uses, and optimal pixel count (based on 350 ppi)

Next, let's look at the various sizes of B size, which is a standard unique to Japan. The recommended pixel count is also calculated at 350 ppi.

The B-size series is also widely used for everything from posters to books. PHOTOPRI offers a variety of unique paper types, including washi paper , which brings out the texture of your work, and canvas , which gives off a painterly feel. See PHOTOPRI's printing price list

B1 and B2 are sizes familiar in Japan, such as posters, and B5 is for notebooks and magazines.

The relationship between pixel count and resolution (ppi): For beautiful prints

In the tables above, we've seen an item called "Pixel Equivalent (350ppi)," but what does this mean? Understanding the relationship between pixel count and resolution is essential to creating beautiful prints.

What is a pixel? What is resolution (ppi/dpi)?

A pixel is the smallest unit that makes up a digital image. Images are represented by a collection of these dots, and the more pixels there are, the more detailed and smooth the image will be.

Resolution is a measure of the fineness of an image. In print, units such as ppi (pixels per inch) and dpi (dots per inch) are mainly used.

• ppi (pixels per inch): Indicates how many pixels are contained in one inch. It is mainly used to indicate the resolution of the image data itself.
• dpi (dots per inch): This indicates how many ink dots a printer can print per inch. It is mainly used to express the printer's output resolution and the fineness of printed material.

It is generally said that a resolution of around 300-350 ppi for printed materials results in a beautiful finish with less visible dots when viewed with the naked eye. For this reason, the recommended pixel count in the table above is calculated based on 350 ppi.

PHOTOPRI recommended resolution and high-definition printing

At PHOTOPRI, we recommend creating your data at 350 ppi to ensure the highest quality possible for your work. This allows for a sharper, more beautiful finish that is equal to or better than standard commercial printing.

Another major strength of PHOTOPRI is its ultra-high-resolution giclee prints at 2880dpi x 1440dpi . This level of detail is not available from typical online printing services, faithfully reproducing the details and subtle color gradations of the artwork. It also supports direct printing in sRGB and Adobe RGB , the standard color modes for digital cameras, minimizing color shifts caused by CMYK conversion and allowing for more faithful reproduction of colors adjusted on the monitor.

If you are aiming to create high-quality work, please consider PHOTOPRI's high-resolution printing service .

Points to note when creating data

If the number of pixels in the image is insufficient for the size you want to print, the image will end up looking rough and blurry. Conversely, if the number of pixels is too high, the file size will be unnecessarily large and there will be a limit to how much improvement you can make to the visual quality. It is important to create data with the appropriate number of pixels.

For specific data creation methods and points to note, please see the PHOTOPRI page on submitting data, which provides detailed explanations.

PHOTOPRI makes it possible to create large-format prints that are perfect for you.

PHOTOPRI goes beyond simple printing services to help artists and creators "give shape to their work." We can flexibly handle not only standard A and B sizes, but also other sizes and specific paper types.

Supported sizes and customizability

In addition to the A and B sizes mentioned above, we also offer a wide range of sizes, including 6x4 and 4x6 photo paper, F size for paintings, square paper, and even long paper sizes up to 1000 x 3000 mm. You can also order non-standard sizes, which are not available in standard sizes. We also have a non-standard size calculator on our website, which allows you to find the optimal paper and price for your desired dimensions.

Wide range of paper options

The choice of paper can have a major impact on the impression of your work. PHOTOPRI offers a carefully selected selection of art papers from internationally acclaimed manufacturers, including Epson genuine paper, Germany's Hahnemühle, France's Canson, and Japan's Pictorico. You can also choose from a rich lineup of over 20 types, including traditional Japanese washi paper and canvas with a unique texture.

For those who are unsure which paper to choose, we have prepared samples of all 23 types of paper . Please feel free to pick them up and check the texture and thickness. *The number of papers available may vary depending on the time of year.

All paper samples allow you to check the actual paper quality.

Commitment to quality: Giclee and RGB printing

PHOTOPRI's main service is ultra-high-definition giclee prints using genuine Epson ink and high-quality art paper. In addition to the extremely high resolution of 2880 x 1440 dpi, direct printing in RGB color faithfully reproduces the colors of digital data. Boasting a lightfastness of over 30 years, it is also suitable for long-term archiving of artworks.

For those who want to express their work in the best possible way, please try out the quality of PHOTOPRI.

First, experience the quality with a trial print (A5 size)!

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: I'm not sure which size to choose.

A1: The optimal size varies depending on the purpose of the work, the exhibition location, and the impression you want to convey. For example, if you are exhibiting in a large venue, A1 or B1 or larger is the standard size, while A4 or B5 is the standard size for a photo book that you want people to look at closely, and A5 or A6 is the standard size for direct mail. Please refer to the "Main Uses" in the article to first clarify the concept of your work. If you are still unsure, please feel free to contact PHOTOPRI . We will ask you about the purpose and image you want to convey and suggest the optimal size.

Q2: I'm not sure if the images I have have enough pixels.

A2: Please use the "pixel equivalent (350 ppi)" figures in the article as a guide. For example, to print clearly on A3 size paper, the short side should be approximately 4092 pixels and the long side approximately 5787 pixels. If the number of pixels is insufficient, you will need to reduce the print size or correct the image quality with specialized software (although there are limits). PHOTOPRI also checks the data when you place your order, so please contact us if you have any concerns.

Q3: Can you print larger sizes or special sizes not listed here?

A3: Yes, PHOTOPRI can handle large-format prints up to 1000mm x 3000mm, as well as non-standard size prints to suit your needs. For more information, please see our list of services we offer , or feel free to contact us using our inquiry form .

For any other questions, please check our FAQ page .

Summary: Understanding A and B Sizes to Create the Best Work

This time, we've provided a detailed explanation of each A and B size, from dimensions to examples of uses and recommended pixel counts. Choosing the right size is the first step to maximizing the appeal of your work and effectively conveying the message you want to convey. We hope this article will be helpful for your creative work and projects.

At PHOTOPRI, we support not only professional photographers, artists, and illustrators, but also all those who create as a hobby. Based on our philosophy that "Choosing to print a photo means it will remain in your life," we put our heart into each and every print and help you "give shape to your work."

High-quality large-format prints, carefully selected paper, and attentive support from our expert staff. Why not take your creative expression to new heights with PHOTOPRI?

For more information on PHOTOPRI services, click here

Related keywords

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• B size
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• Large format printing guideline
• Poster Size
• Flyer size
• Pixel count printing
• Resolution guideline
• Paper size Use
• PHOTOPRI