When decorating your space or promoting an event, choosing the right poster size is key to making a strong impact. However, balancing visibility, space, and cost can be challenging. Larger posters stand out but may not fit everywhere, while smaller sizes are versatile but might not grab attention.
US movie poster size chart
| Poster Size | Width by Height (cm) | Width by Height (in) |
| Lobby Card | 27.9 x 35.6 cm | 11 x 14 in |
| Window Card | 35.6 x 55.9 mm | 14 x 22 in |
| Insert | 35.6 x 91.4 cm | 14 x 36 in |
| Half Sheet | 55.8 x 71.1.2 cm | 22 x 28 in |
| One Sheet | 68.5 x 101.6 cm | 27 x 40 in |
| Three Sheet | 104.1 x 205.7 cm | 41 x 81 in |
| Six Sheet | 205.7 x 205.7 cm | 81 x 81 in |
| 30 x 40 Drive-In | 76.2 x 101.6 cm | 30 x 40 in |
| 40 x 60 Drive In | 101.6 x 152.4 cm | 40 x 60 in |
| Door Panels | 50.8 x 152.4 cm | 20 x 60 in |
Standard poster size guide
| Poster Size in inches | Poster size in cm | Also called |
| 8.5 x 11 inches | 21.6 x 27.9 cm | ANSI-A, Letter |
| 11 x 17 inches | 27.9 x 43.1 cm | ANSI-B, Tabloid, Ledger |
| 12 x 18 inches | 30.5 x 45.7 cm | Mini-Poster |
| 16 x 20 inches | 40.64 x 50.8 cm | Portrait Pictures (digital camera picture) |
| 18 x 24 inches | 45.7 x 61.0 cm | Architectural C, Medium Poster, ½ size |
| 24 x 36 inches | 61 x 91.4 cm | Architectural D, Large Poster |
| 27 x 39 inches | 68.6 x 99 cm | One Sheet Movie Poster |
| 27 x 40 inches | 68.8 x 101.6 cm | One Sheet Movie Poster |
| 48 x 36 inches | 121.9 x 91.4 cm | Research Poster, Academic Poster |
| 40 x 60 inches | 101.6 x 152.4 cm | Bus Stop, Subway Poster |
| 46 x 67 inches | 116.8 x 170.2 cm | Bus Stop, Subway Poster |
A-series poster sizes
| Poster size | Frame size (cm) | Frame size (inch) |
| A0 | 84.1 cm x 118.9 | 33.1 in x 46.8 in |
| A1 | 59.4 cm x 84.1 cm | 23.4 in x 33.1 in |
| A2 | 42 cm x 59.4 cm | 16.5 in x 23.4 in |
| A3 | 29.7 cm x 42 cm | 11.7 in x 16.5 in |
| A4 | 21 cm x 29.7 cm | 8.3 in x 11.7 in |
| A5 | 14.8 cm x 21 cm | 5.8 in x 8.3 in |
| A6 | 10.5 cm x 14.8 cm | 4.1 in x 5.8 in |
| A7 | 7.3 cm x 10.5 cm | 2.9 in x 4.1 in |
| A8 | 5.2 cm x 7.4 cm | 2 in x 2.9 in |
| A9 | 3.7 cm x 5.2 cm | 1.5 in x 2 in |
| A10 | 2.6 cm x 3.7 cm | 1 in x 1.5 in |
B series poster sizes
| Poster size | Poster size in cm | Poster size in inches |
| B0 | 100 cm x 141.4 cm | 39.4 in x 55.7 in |
| B1 | 70.7 cm x 100 cm | 27.8 in x 39.4 in |
| B1+ | 72 cm x 102 cm | 28.3 in x 40.2 in |
| B2 | 50 cm x 70.7 cm | 19.7 in x 27.8 in |
| B2+ | 52 cm x 72 cm | 20.5 in x 28.3 in |
| B3 | 35.3 cm x 50 cm | 13.9 in x 19.7 in |
| B4 | 25 cm x 35.3 cm | 9.8 in x 13.9 in |
| B5 | 17.6 cm x 25 cm | 6.9 in x 9.8 in |
| B6 | 12. 5 cm x 17.6 cm | 4.9 in x 6.9 in |
| B7 | 8.8 cm x 12.5 cm | 3.5 in x 4.9 in |
| B8 | 6.2 cm x 8.8 cm | 2.4 in x 3.5 in |
| B9 | 4.4 cm x 6.2 cm | 1.7 in x 2.4 in |
| B10 | 3.1 cm x 4.4 cm | 1.2 in x 1.7 in |
Non-Standard Poster Sizes
| Non-standard poster SIZE | MM X MM | IN X IN |
|---|---|---|
| Double crown | 508 x 762 | 20 x 30 |
| Quad crown | 762 x 1016 | 30 x 40 |
| Double quad crown | 1016 x 1524 | 40 x 60 |
| 500mm x 700mm | 500 x 700 | 16.69 x 27.56 |
| 700mm x 1000mm | 700 x 1000 | 27.56 x 39.37 |
| 1000mm x 1400mm | 1000 x 1400 | 39.37 x 55.12 |
Understanding Poster Sizes
Before exploring specific poster sizes, it’s crucial to understand standard dimensions and what they represent. Knowing this helps you balance design and practicality. While larger posters offer more space for details, they can be harder to place. Smaller sizes are easier to manage but may limit your message’s visibility.
Common Poster Sizes and Their Uses
From small handbills to large-scale banners, poster sizes vary greatly, each serving a distinct purpose. Choosing the right size depends on your goals, space, and budget. While larger posters grab more attention, they require more space and can be costlier. On the other hand, smaller posters are more affordable but might not deliver the same visual impact.
A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches): Perfect for flyers and small announcements, A4 posters are easy to distribute and display, but they may lack the visibility needed for larger events.
A3 (11.7 x 16.5 inches): Ideal for personal artwork and small advertisements, A3 posters offer a balance between size and visibility, making them versatile for various uses.
A2 (16.5 x 23.4 inches): Suitable for posters that require more visibility, A2 posters are large enough to catch attention without overwhelming the space, though they might still be too small for very large venues.
A1 (23.4 x 33.1 inches): Commonly used for movie posters and event promotions, A1 posters provide ample space for detailed designs and messaging, but they can be challenging to place in smaller areas.
A0 (33.1 x 46.8 inches): Best for large displays and impactful messaging, A0 posters make a bold statement, though they require significant wall space and a higher budget.
Choosing the Right Poster Size for Your Needs
Selecting the appropriate poster size depends on various factors, including viewing distance, purpose, and the environment where it will be displayed. You need to balance visibility and practicality.
Larger posters are excellent for drawing attention from afar but may overwhelm smaller spaces.
Conversely, smaller posters fit more easily but may be less noticeable from a distance.
The challenge lies in choosing a size that meets your goals without compromising on impact or suitability for the setting. Considering these tradeoffs will help you make an informed decision that maximizes your poster’s effectiveness.
Tips for Designing Posters Based on Size
Designing a poster requires careful attention to layout, typography, and color schemes, especially when working with different sizes. You must adapt your design to suit the chosen poster size. Larger posters allow for more detailed graphics and text but require strong focal points to avoid looking cluttered.
Smaller posters, on the other hand, demand simplicity and concise messaging to ensure readability. The tradeoff between detail and clarity is key—adding too much can overwhelm the viewer, while too little may fail to convey your message effectively. Therefore, tailoring your design to the size of your poster is crucial for achieving the desired impact.
FAQs
FAQ 1: What is the most popular poster size for events?
Answer: The most popular poster size for events is A1 (23.4 x 33.1 inches). This size offers ample space for detailed information and visuals, making it ideal for event promotions and movie posters. It’s large enough to catch attention without being overwhelming, making it a versatile choice for various events.
FAQ 2: Can I use an A4 poster for a large event?
Answer: While you can use an A4 poster (8.3 x 11.7 inches) for a large event, it may not be the most effective choice. A4 posters are best suited for small announcements or flyers. For large events, a bigger size like A2 or A1 is recommended to ensure better visibility and impact.
FAQ 3: How do I choose the best poster size for my space?
Answer: To choose the best poster size for your space, consider the viewing distance, the available wall area, and the purpose of the poster. Larger sizes like A0 or A1 are great for spacious areas and distant viewing, while smaller sizes like A3 or A4 work well in more confined spaces or for closer viewing. Balancing these factors will help you select the most suitable size.