In addition to the hardcover edition, the Theologische Realenzyklopädie is available as a paperback edition.

In 1993, the first part of the TRE (vols. 1-17: Aaron - Katechismuspredigt) was published as a paperback edition, the second part (vols. 18-27: Katechumenat/Katechumenen - Publizistik/Presse) followed in paperback in 1999. Both parts include detailed subject indexes (1-17; 1-27). The third and final part of the paperback edition (Pürstinger - Zypern) has been published 2006.

The index volumes (published 2006 and 2007) are also available as paperback. The paperback volumes do not includ the plates and/or fold-out maps that are included in the bound edition.