How to Choose the Right Zine Size: A5, B6, and Custom Sizes

The size (or format) of a zine directly impacts not only its appearance but also its readability and cost. When submitting your zine to a printer, the size is one of the first things you'll choose. Knowing your options will help you visualize the final product. The most important thing is the overall impression you want your zine to make. Let's explore the size that feels most fitting when you hold it and see it.

A-series and B-series Paper Sizes Explained

The common terms A4, A5, B5, and B6 refer to paper size standards. The larger the number, the smaller the paper size.

A5 is half of A4, and A6 is half of A5. B6 is half of B5. Specifically, A5 is 148 x 210mm, B6 is 128 x 182mm, and A6 is 105 x 148mm.

By the way, printing companies usually arrange multiple pages (impose them) on large sheets like A0 or B0, then fold and cut them. Therefore, creating a zine with a page count that's a multiple of 16 often results in less waste.

A5, A6, and B6 are probably the most common zine sizes.

A4 is a globally recognized size, making it easier to order specific quantities from paper suppliers (whereas other sizes might require orders in increments of 500), and printing machines like Risographs tend to handle it well. Since folding an A4 sheet in half creates an A5, it's also easy to test print on a home printer. However, for text-heavy zines, you might need to adjust the size of the "type area" (the space where text appears) to prevent reader fatigue. Also, setting text horizontally can lead to too many characters per line, making it hard to read.

For text-focused zines, a B6 size, similar to a hardcover book, can sometimes be more readable. B6 is slightly larger than a paperback (bunko-bon) and is a comfortable size to hold.

Custom Sizes Are Also an Option

Many people want to create square zines! For example, printers like HAGURUMA PRINT and online printers like Graphic offer custom sizes. Sometimes, sizes like 130x130mm or 148x148mm are readily available, while other printers allow you to input custom dimensions.

Square shapes, with their equal aspect ratio, make photos stand out well and create a unique aesthetic.

Horizontal or Vertical Orientation

While most portrait-oriented books open vertically, you can also opt for a horizontal opening.

Using an A5 in a landscape orientation, opening left and right, can be suitable for photo books or travel zines. Many printing company submission forms allow you to select "top-to-bottom direction," so be sure to check this in advance.

A5 and B6 Sizes Are Popular

Recently, I've noticed an increase in B6 size zines, especially those that are text-heavy. The reasons might include that they fit comfortably in the hand, are easy to carry, and have a cute appearance. Another factor is text volume; if you fill an A5 page completely with text, the lines tend to become long. However, if you want to showcase illustrations or photos alongside text, A5 works very well, and you can make it readable by carefully designing the "type area" (the space where text appears). In my A5 essay collection, "Living in Mukonoso," I designed the type area to be closer to the "top" margin.

・Related article: Heaven, Earth, Fore-edge, Gutter, Type Area... Book Part Names to Master for Zine Creation

Ultimately, How to Decide

"Line up your favorite books and choose a size that's similar."

This is the quickest way. Take out books from your shelf that are similar to what you want to create, measure them, and you'll often decide quite quickly.

Then there's the page count. Based on the amount of photos and text you want to include, calculate how many pages you'll need and consider that in conjunction with your chosen size.

Once you've decided on the size, consider whether it will be right-bound or left-bound when you start creating!

Also consider the binding method and overall feel of the book.

・Related article: Perfect Binding or Saddle Stitching? Which to Choose?