Tips and Advice
Complete Guide to Poster Sizes
Choosing the right Poster size can make or break your design. Whether you’re creating a promotional Poster for your business, designing academic presentations, or working on an art exhibition, understanding Poster dimensions is crucial for achieving the professional results you’re after.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the standard A size dimensions to font recommendations and material choices. You’ll discover the exact measurements for each size, learn which dimensions work best for different purposes, and get practical tips for creating Posters guaranteed that grab attention.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the confidence to select the perfect Poster size for any project and understand how to optimise your design for maximum impact.
A Size Posters
The A size system is the most popular way to understand Poster sizing. It covers everything from large, eye-catching A1 Posters to smaller A4 sizes that can still make a big impact, why not think about running the same message in a few different ways?
A0, A1, A2, A3, and A4 are the most common ‘A’ paper dimensions for Posters. These standardised sizes ensure consistency across printing services and make it easy to scale designs. The chart below gives you a clear breakdown of each A size, showing dimensions in mm, cm, and inches, to help you find your perfect fit:
| Poster Size | Width x Height (mm) | Width x Height (cm) | Width x Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 Size | 841 x 1189 | 84.1 x 118.9 | 33.1 x 46.8 |
| A1 Size | 594 x 841 | 59.5 x 84.1 | 23.4 x 33.1 |
| A2 Size | 420 x 594 | 42 x 59.4 | 16.5 x 23.4 |
| A3 Size | 297 x 420 | 29.7 x 42 | 11.7 x 16.5 |
| A4 Size | 210 x 297 | 21 x 29.7 | 8.3 x 11.7 |
What is the Standard Poster Size?
The A1 Poster size (594 x 841mm / 59.5 x 84.1cm) is often a top pick for many projects, offering ample room for detailed content and creative design. But remember, the best size for your Poster will always depend on your specific needs and how you plan to use it.
A0 Poster Size
A0 represents the largest standard size and creates a commanding presence wherever it’s displayed.
A0 Poster Size in MM: 841 x 1189mm
A0 Poster Size in CM: 84.1 x 118.9cm
A0 Poster Size in INCHES: 33.1 x 46.8 inches
What size font is recommended for A0?
For A0 Posters, ensure your text is easily readable from a distance. We suggest a 24pt font for body text and 72-96pt for headlines. This will make your message clear to viewers, even if they’re standing 2-3 metres away.
A1 Poster Size
A1 Poster size strikes an excellent balance between visibility and practicality, making it the most popular choice for conferences, presentations, and promotional materials.
A1 Poster Size in MM: 594 x 841mm
A1 Poster Size in CM: 59.5 x 84.1cm
A1 Poster Size in INCHES: 23.4 x 33.1 inches
What size font is recommended for A1?
For an A1 Poster, an 18 to 20-point font for your main text. For headlines, something between 48 and 72-point font is a great choice. This will make your Poster easy to read from about one or two metres away, which is perfect for events like academic conferences and trade shows where people can get a closer look.
A2 Poster Size
A2 poster dimensions offer a compact solution that’s still large enough to make an impact whilst being easy to handle and display.
A2 Poster Size in MM: 420 x 594mm
A2 Poster Size in CM: 42 x 59.4cm
A2 Poster Size in INCHES: 16.5 x 23.4 inches
What size font is recommended for A2?
For A2 posters, use 14-16 point font for body text and 36-48 point for headlines. These posters work best when viewers can get relatively close, making them ideal for indoor displays, restaurant Menus, or small event promotions.
A3 Poster Size
A3 poster size provides an accessible option for smaller displays whilst still offering more impact than standard document sizes.
A3 Poster Size in MM: 297 x 420mm
A3 Poster Size in CM: 29.7 x 42cm
A3 Poster Size in INCHES: 11.7 x 16.5 inches
What size font is recommended for A3?
A3 Posters require 12-14 point font for body text and 24-36 point for headlines. This size works brilliantly for notice boards, small promotional displays, or anywhere you need something larger than A4 but don’t have space for bigger formats.
A4 Poster Size
A4 Poster dimensions match standard document size, making them familiar and easy to produce whilst still serving as effective small-scale promotional materials.
A4 Poster Size in MM: 210 x 297mm
A4 Poster Size in CM: 21 x 29.7cm
A4 Poster Size in INCHES: 8.3 x 11.7 inches
What size font is recommended for A4?
A4 Posters work with 10-12 point font for body text and 18-24 point for headlines. These are perfect for handouts, small notices, or situations where you need something that can be easily photocopied or emailed.
Custom Poster Size Options
Sometimes standard sizes don’t fit your vision or display requirements. We also offer the option to choose custom Poster dimensions, allowing you to create exactly what you need or the size that’s just right for your design.
When considering a custom size, think about how the proportions will affect your design. Extremely wide or tall formats can be challenging to design effectively, so consider how your content will flow within the chosen dimensions.
Poster Paper Materials
Choosing the right material is just as important as selecting the correct Poster dimensions. Different materials suit different environments and applications.
Indoor Materials
Uncoated Paper offers a flat, modern finish with no surface coating. It has a touchable texture, making it ideal for writing on. This is perfect for school Posters or notices where you want people to add their own notes.
Silk Paper is a popular choice for its clean, crisp finish, which really makes printed colours and designs stand out.
Satin Paper offers a smooth, vibrant finish, perfect for photographic Posters or designs with rich imagery.
Matt paper delivers excellent print quality with no shine, perfect for academic Posters or anywhere you want the focus purely on the content.
Outdoor Materials
Weatherproof Paper is made from durable polypropylene. It’s tear-proof and scratch-resistant, ready for any challenge your Poster might face.
Blueback Paper is weatherproof and durable, with a low surface shine for better readability. It’s the perfect material for outdoor signage.
Mesh Banner is perforated with tiny holes. This design allows wind to pass through, reducing stress on mounting systems. It’s perfect for long-term outdoor displays in areas with strong weather.
PVC Banner provides excellent durability for long-term outdoor use. It’s heavier than paper options but is completely weatherproof and tear-proof.
For more detailed information about Poster paper options, take a look at our Poster Paper Guide.
Making Your Poster Size Decision
Understanding Poster sizes empowers you to make informed decisions about your next Poster project. Whether you choose the commanding presence of an A0, the versatile A1 Poster size, the practical A3 Poster size, or any other dimension, success comes from matching your size choice to your specific needs.
Consider your audience, viewing distance, display location, and budget when making your selection. Remember, sometimes a well-designed A3 Poster can be more effective than a poorly planned A0.
Ready to start your Poster project? Begin by clearly defining your objectives, then use this guide to select the perfect Poster dimensions for maximum impact.
About the author
Meet Drew! As part of the Printed.com marketing team, Drew spends her days crafting content. When she’s not working her magic on marketing, you’ll find her enjoying quality time with her daughter and her furry friend, Archie.
