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) was published as a paperback edition, the second part (vols. 18-27) followed in paperback in 1999. Both parts include detailed subject indexes (1-17; 1-27). Now, the third and final part of the paperback edition is being published.

The paperback volumes do not include the plates and/or fold-out maps included in the bound edition.