This invention relates to improved rate matching methods and apparati for matching the size of an input data block to a target block size, as well as to improved decoding methods and apparati for decoding a received data block originating from a transmitter adapted to execute one of said improved rate matching methods. According to the improved rate matching methods, so-called "fill bits", i.e. bits with predetermined values, are inserted prior to the generation of redundant information in a channel encoding step, while only a residual adjustment in block size may or may not be necessary after channel encoding. According to the improved decoding methods, decoded bits corresponding to said fill bits are removed after channel decoding while only a residual (de)adjustment in block size may or may not be necessary before channel decoding.