{"id":590,"date":"2026-06-24T08:00:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T07:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.banana-print.co.uk\/blog\/?p=590"},"modified":"2026-06-26T14:05:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T13:05:19","slug":"poster-design-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.banana-print.co.uk\/blog\/poster-design-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Standard Poster Sizes, Content & Print Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

First published: 19 February 2018 | Updated: 24 June 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Standard poster sizes follow the international A-series paper standard, ranging from A7 (7.4 \u00d7 10.5 cm) to A0 (84 \u00d7 118.8 cm).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most common poster sizes are A3 (28 \u00d7 43 cm), A2 (42 \u00d7 59 cm), and A1 (59 \u00d7 84 cm). Choosing the right size depends on where you’ll display your poster and what message you want to convey.<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide to designing your own posters for business or personal use will walk you through every standard poster size, how to select the right dimensions for your purpose, and the paper materials that make your poster last.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Shop Posters Here<\/a><\/p>\n


\nPoster Sizing<\/b><\/h2>\n

Poster sizing will largely depend on the purpose the poster will serve and where you want to display it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sizing can get confusing since it can (and typically does) depart from the standard small, medium, and large sizing scale. Certain printers may also translate these standard sizes using the A series of international standard paper sizes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"standard-poster-sizes\"<\/p>\n

Source: printingdeals.org<\/a><\/p>\n


\nTypical Poster Dimensions<\/b><\/h3>\n

For reference, visualise a standard sheet of printer paper measuring 21 x 30 cm. In general, the standard international poster size is 61 x 91 cm.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Size<\/th>\nWidth (mm)<\/th>\nHeight (mm)<\/th>\nWidth (inches)<\/th>\nHeight (inches)<\/th>\nTypical Use Case<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
A0<\/td>\n841<\/td>\n1189<\/td>\n33.1<\/td>\n46.8<\/td>\nLarge-format exhibitions, trade shows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A1<\/td>\n594<\/td>\n841<\/td>\n23.4<\/td>\n33.1<\/td>\nStandard large poster, event promotions, retail displays<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A2<\/td>\n420<\/td>\n594<\/td>\n16.5<\/td>\n23.4<\/td>\nMedium poster, shop windows<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A3<\/td>\n297<\/td>\n420<\/td>\n11.7<\/td>\n16.5<\/td>\nSmall poster, flyers, bulletin boards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A4<\/td>\n210<\/td>\n297<\/td>\n8.3<\/td>\n11.7<\/td>\nLetterhead size, small notices<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A5<\/td>\n148<\/td>\n210<\/td>\n5.8<\/td>\n8.3<\/td>\nGreeting cards, small promotional<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A6<\/td>\n105<\/td>\n148<\/td>\n4.1<\/td>\n5.8<\/td>\nPostcard size, small notices<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A7<\/td>\n74<\/td>\n105<\/td>\n2.9<\/td>\n4.1<\/td>\nSmallest A-series size<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Design and Print Your Custom Posters Here<\/a><\/p>\n


\nSmall Posters: 28 x 43 cm<\/b><\/h3>\n

The smallest poster size is A3. It’s about twice the size of a piece of printer paper. This size poster is typically used for flyers, hanging on walls or bulletin boards, and is unobtrusive and inoffensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

These small posters are a great economy option if you want to get the word out about an event. They’re ideal for minimalist designs with few words in big, bold text.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Medium Posters: 46 x 61 cm<\/b><\/h3>\n

The next size up is a medium-sized poster, which is slightly larger than the international standard A2 (42 x 59 cm). It’s the perfect size to promote a new item or event in your shop and fits perfectly in a shop window.<\/span><\/p>\n

As it’s not a huge poster, opt for a more minimalist approach with large text to get the message across.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Large Posters: 61 x 91 cm<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you really want to attract attention, a large poster will be your ticket.<\/span><\/p>\n

This size is a standard international size. It’s the typical size for musical artists and entertainment companies to print promotional posters for fans to purchase at events or in poster shops. Because this size is so widely used, it’s easy to find frames for this standard poster size.<\/span><\/p>\n

Apart from consumer use, this size is ideal for malls, events, and trade shows. Thanks to their large size, you can easily include more information and get more creative with your poster design.<\/span><\/p>\n

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More Large Poster Sizes<\/b><\/h3>\n

Not many small shops or businesses have use for large-format posters bigger than 61 x 91. However, there are two other poster sizes to note.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first is a one-sheet poster, typically used for official cinema advertising of films. It’s approximately 69 x 102 cm.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second is a bus stop poster which can be used for all manner of advertising. These posters are about 102 x 152 cm.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"standard-movie-poster-sizes\"<\/p>\n

Source: printingdeals.org<\/a><\/p>\n

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How to Choose the Right Poster Size: A Decision Guide<\/b><\/h2>\n

Selecting the correct poster size depends on three factors: where you’ll display it, what you want to communicate, and your budget.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s how to match size to purpose:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Your Use Case<\/th>\nRecommended Size<\/th>\nWhy This Size<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Retail shop window<\/td>\nA2 (42 \u00d7 59 cm)<\/td>\nLarge enough to attract attention without overwhelming small spaces<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Event promotion\/concert poster<\/td>\nA1 (59 \u00d7 84 cm)<\/td>\nStandard size for events; easy to find frames and display solutions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minimalist desk\/wall display<\/td>\nA3 (29.7 \u00d7 42 cm)<\/td>\nCompact, professional, works in homes and small offices.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Large-format impact\/exhibition<\/td>\nA0 (84 \u00d7 118.8 cm)<\/td>\nDominates a space; ideal for trade shows and gallery displays.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cinema or film promotion<\/td>\nOne-Sheet (69 \u00d7 102 cm)<\/td>\nIndustry standard; recognisable format for entertainment.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Street advertising \/ high visibility<\/td>\nBus Stop (102 \u00d7 152 cm)<\/td>\nMaximum visibility; used for major advertising campaigns.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Budget-conscious promotion<\/td>\nA4 or A5 (small sizes)<\/td>\nLower cost; good for internal notices or limited distribution.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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What Size Should I Choose? A Quick Checklist<\/b><\/h3>\n