Baby back ribs come from the pig’s back loin section. They are smaller than spare ribs and can reach around 6 inches on the most extended end and 3 inches on the shorter end. Their distinct size is where the name “baby” is derived from. Meanwhile, spare ribs are taken from the rib cage section below the baby backs. They have an exposed bone on one side and a flap of meat with small bones and cartilage on the other. Spare ribs have significantly more meat between the bones and have more marbling than baby back ribs. They also have less meat on top of the rack.