Poster Size Guide
Standard poster dimensions for every purpose.
| Name | Inches | Millimeters | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Poster | 11 x 17 | 279 x 432 | Bulletin boards, handouts |
| Medium Poster | 18 x 24 | 457 x 610 | Standard wall poster |
| Large Poster | 24 x 36 | 610 x 914 | Movie posters, retail displays |
| Bus Stop | 40 x 60 | 1016 x 1524 | Transit advertising |
| A1 Poster | 23.4 x 33.1 | 594 x 841 | Academic/conference posters |
| A2 Poster | 16.5 x 23.4 | 420 x 594 | Medium format posters |
| Billboard | 48 x 72 | 1220 x 1829 | Large format advertising |
Choosing the Right Poster Size
The best poster size depends on viewing distance and purpose. For close-up reading (academic posters), A1 or 24x36 works well. For retail displays seen from a few feet away, 18x24 or 24x36 is standard. For outdoor or transit advertising, go with 40x60 or larger.
US Standard Poster Sizes Explained
The United States has no single governing body for poster dimensions, so industry conventions have developed over time. The most widely used sizes are:
- 11 × 17 inches (Small/Tabloid) — also called a "flyer" or "handbill." Ideal for bulletin boards, event announcements, and handouts. Prints on a standard office laser printer set to tabloid mode.
- 18 × 24 inches (Medium) — the workhorse of retail and point-of-sale displays. Fits standard poster frames sold in most home goods stores.
- 24 × 36 inches (Large) — the classic "movie poster" format. Used in cinema lobbies, retail windows, trade show displays, and bedroom walls worldwide.
- 27 × 40 inches (One-Sheet) — the official US movie one-sheet format, used by studios for theatrical releases.
- 40 × 60 inches (Bus Stop / 4-Sheet) — large-format advertising for transit shelters and bus stops. Requires professional large-format printing.
ISO A-Series Poster Sizes
Most countries outside the United States use the ISO 216 A-series for poster printing. These sizes follow a consistent aspect ratio of 1:√2, meaning each size is exactly half the area of the one above it:
- A3 (297 × 420 mm / 11.7 × 16.5 in) — equivalent to US tabloid. Common for small posters, menus, and notices in Europe.
- A2 (420 × 594 mm / 16.5 × 23.4 in) — mid-size poster, popular for academic conferences and art prints.
- A1 (594 × 841 mm / 23.4 × 33.1 in) — the standard for scientific conference posters and exhibition displays.
- A0 (841 × 1189 mm / 33.1 × 46.8 in) — large display format, used for architectural drawings and exhibition stands.
Resolution and DPI for Poster Printing
Print resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI). For sharp poster prints, follow these guidelines:
- 300 DPI — ideal for any poster viewed at arm's length or closer. Use this for A3, A2, 11×17, and 18×24 formats.
- 150 DPI — acceptable for large posters (24×36, A1) viewed from at least one metre away.
- 72–100 DPI — sufficient for very large format banners (40×60 and above) that are viewed from several metres distance.
At 300 DPI, an 18×24 inch poster requires an image of at least 5400 × 7200 pixels. A 24×36 inch poster at 300 DPI needs 7200 × 10800 pixels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a standard movie poster?
The standard US movie one-sheet poster is 27 × 40 inches (686 × 1016 mm). The most common retail movie poster size sold in stores is 24 × 36 inches.
What poster size fits a standard frame?
The most common ready-made poster frames are sold in 18×24 and 24×36 inch sizes. A3 and A2 frames are standard in Europe and Asia.
Can I print a 24×36 poster at home?
Standard home inkjet printers max out at A4 or Letter size. For 24×36 posters, you need a large-format inkjet printer or a print shop service.