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Standard Poster Sizes
A complete chart of standard poster sizes in inches and centimetres — US sizes, A-series metric sizes, and movie poster dimensions, with aspect ratios and common uses.
Aspect ratio
2:3
Common use
Standard large poster
Standard US poster sizes
The most common poster sizes in the US. 18×24 and 24×36 are the everyday standards; 27×40 is the movie poster size.
| Size (inches) | Metric | Aspect ratio | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11×17 in | 28×43 cm | ≈11:17 | Small poster, flyers (tabloid) |
| 12×18 in | 30×46 cm | 2:3 | Small poster, photo prints |
| 16×20 in | 41×51 cm | 4:5 | Small art poster |
| 18×24 in | 46×61 cm | 3:4 | Most common small/medium poster |
| 24×36 in | 61×91 cm | 2:3 | Standard large poster |
| 27×40 in | 69×102 cm | ≈27:40 | Movie poster (one-sheet) |
| 24×48 in | 61×122 cm | 1:2 | Panoramic / banner poster |
Metric (A-series & B-series) poster sizes
Outside the US, posters follow the A-series and B-series. A2 and A1 are the most common, and every A-size shares the same 1:1.41 (√2) ratio.
| Size | Millimetres | Inches | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297×420 mm | 11.7×16.5" | Small poster |
| A2 | 420×594 mm | 16.5×23.4" | Medium poster (very common) |
| A1 | 594×841 mm | 23.4×33.1" | Large poster (standard) |
| A0 | 841×1189 mm | 33.1×46.8" | Extra-large poster |
| B2 | 500×707 mm | 19.7×27.8" | European film / event poster |
| B1 | 707×1000 mm | 27.8×39.4" | Large European poster |
Movie poster sizes
Theatrical poster sizes. The modern standard is the 27×40 one-sheet.
| Name | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-sheet | 27×40" | The standard modern movie poster |
| One-sheet (older) | 27×41" | Pre-1985 one-sheet |
| Half-sheet | 22×28" | Landscape lobby poster |
| Insert | 14×36" | Tall, narrow display |
| Subway / bus shelter | 40×60" | Large transit advertising |
Choosing a poster size
- Design at the right aspect ratio. Match your artwork to the poster (2:3 for 24×36, 3:4 for 18×24, 1:1.41 for A-series) to avoid cropping.
- Check resolution. Aim for 150–300 DPI at the final size so the print stays sharp.
- Match the frame. Standard poster frames come in 18×24, 24×36, and 27×40 — see the frame size chart for matted options.
- Preview on the wall. See the poster at true scale in a real room with the wall art mockup generator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard poster size?▾
The most common standard poster sizes in the US are 18×24, 24×36, and 27×40 inches. 24×36 is the size most people mean by a standard large poster, while 18×24 is the most common small/medium poster. Internationally, A2, A1, and A0 are the standard poster sizes.
What size is a movie poster?▾
A standard modern movie poster (the one-sheet) is 27×40 inches. Older one-sheets, before about 1985, were 27×41 inches. Other theatrical sizes include the half-sheet (22×28 in) and the insert (14×36 in).
What are the A-series poster sizes?▾
The A-series poster sizes are A3 (297×420 mm / 11.7×16.5 in), A2 (420×594 mm), A1 (594×841 mm), and A0 (841×1189 mm). A2 and A1 are the most common poster sizes outside the US, and every A-size shares the same 1:1.41 (√2) aspect ratio.
Is A1 the same as 24×36?▾
No, but they are close. A1 is 23.4×33.1 inches (594×841 mm) and 24×36 is the US standard large poster. A1 is slightly narrower and shorter, and has a different aspect ratio (1:1.41 versus 2:3), so artwork made for one will not fit the other exactly.
What is the biggest standard poster size?▾
Among common sizes, A0 (841×1189 mm / 33.1×46.8 in) is the largest standard metric poster, and 27×40 to 40×60 inches covers the largest US poster and transit advertising sizes.
What poster aspect ratio should I design for?▾
Match your artwork to the poster you will print. 24×36 and 12×18 are 2:3, 18×24 is 3:4, and all A-series sizes are 1:1.41 (√2). Designing at the right ratio avoids cropping or white borders when the poster is printed.
What frame size do I need for a standard poster?▾
Poster frames are sold to match standard sizes: 18×24, 24×36, and 27×40 frames hold those posters directly. For a mat border, choose a frame one standard size larger. See the frame size chart for the full breakdown.
Will my image be high enough resolution for a large poster?▾
For a crisp print, aim for around 150–300 DPI at the final poster size. A 24×36 poster at 150 DPI needs roughly a 3600×5400 pixel image. Check your file against the target size before printing.
Related tools
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