What Is a Standard Poster Size?

by William Kenny

What is a standard poster size? Uncover the world of poster dimensions in our guide. From A3 to A1, learn how to select the perfect size for your needs.

An example of a standard poster size is A2 (42cm x 59.4cm). Choosing standard poster sizes means your pictures are more likely to suit common display areas. It also makes it easier to find suitable frames to make your posters look professional – saving you time and money.

But these days posters are available in a huge range of sizes. So how to choose the one that will work best for you?

In this article, learn more about different poster sizes and discover how you can maximise the potential of small, mid-sized, and large poster prints.

What is a Standard Poster Size?

First let's address the main question.

What is a standard poster size? The most common are A3 (29.7cm x 42cm), A2 (42cm x 59.4cm), A1 (59.4cm x 84.1cm), and the cinematic "One Sheet" (68.6cm x 101.6cm). Of course, many other sizes are available too, both for mass-produced and custom-printed posters.

Many printing companies, MYPICTURE included, offer poster prints in dimensions such as 20cm x 30cm, 40cm x 60cm, and so forth. We can broadly categorise them into four main types: small, medium, large, and extra large.

The poster size that’s right for you depends largely on what you intend to do with your poster. For instance, are you looking to display artwork, make a bold decor statement, or perhaps advertise an event? The poster size you select can have a significant impact on how your message is perceived.

The Lowdown on Common Poster Sizes

So what are poster sizes typically, and how could they serve your specific needs? Let’s look at some examples.

A3 (29.7cm x 42cm)

The A3 format is the smallest standard poster size and an ideal choice for wall art in any apartment or office. It's also perfect for detailed illustrations, photographs, or graphics that don't require a great deal of space.

A2 (42cm x 59.4cm)

As we venture into the medium category, the A2 format becomes the go-to standard poster size. It's great for mid-sized advertisements or promotional materials that need a bit more visibility. You might use an A2 poster at a trade show or in a gallery space.

A1 (59.4cm x 84.1cm)

So what is a size of a poster that truly makes a statement? A1 is your answer. This size is perfect for large-scale promotions or artworks, and it's ideal for outdoor use where maximum visibility is needed. You might also find this format useful for educational or instructional posters.

Movie Posters (68.6cm x 101.6cm)

Finally, we've got the classic movie poster size, which is a bit of an outlier compared to A-series measurements. This format, often known as a "One Sheet," is typically used in cinema advertising as it’s perfect for showcasing film artwork.

What Are Poster Sizes at MYPICTURE

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So how big is a MYPICTURE poster? We offer a wide range of poster sizes to accommodate various needs.

Starting from the petite yet impactful 20cm x 20cm poster size, we offer an array of formats going right up to an imposing 120cm x 80cm.

Rather than offering the conventional A2, A3, and similar formats, which are different sizes but all the same shape, we wanted to offer our customers a range of aspect ratios as well as a range of sizes.

We want to ensure that as wide a range of images as possible can be printed as a poster without unnecessary cropping or distortion. Our approach also gives you more flexibility when it comes to fitting your poster into a specific display space or frame size.

Whether you're decorating a small nook or making a big statement in a room, we want you to find the perfect poster size at MYPICTURE to bring your vision to life!

Why Size Matters: The Role of Poster Sizes

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So why does poster size matter? It’s not just about aesthetics – poster size also has a bearing on functionality.

A small poster size might not work for an outdoor advertisement or a big space like an open-plan office, as it would be too small to catch the viewer's eye. Meanwhile a large poster might feel overbearing if placed in a small room.

The right poster size provides just the right amount of impact. It's about creating the perfect balance between the poster, the space it's in, and the message it conveys.

Create the Perfect Poster with MYPICTURE

In the end, there's no single answer to "how big is a poster". The beauty of poster printing lies in its versatility and how it adapts to your specific needs.

So whether you're exploring poster sizes for your new wall art display or you want to use posters for educational or marketing campaigns, the ideal poster size is out there, ready to transform your vision into reality. Remember, size matters, but so do the thought and the passion behind your poster.

Embark on your poster printing journey with MYPICTURE and we’ll bring your design to life with the perfect poster size!