Free Reference · Posters & Wall Art
Poster Size Chart: Standard Sizes in
Inches & CM
From a small A3 print to a full movie one-sheet, the sizes that come up again and again, and what
each one is actually good for.
Standard poster sizes
| Size | CM | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 11 × 17 in | 28 × 43 cm | Small event posters, flyers-as-posters |
| A3 (11.7 × 16.5 in) | 29.7 × 42 cm | International standard, art prints |
| 18 × 24 in | 46 × 61 cm | The most common poster size, event, band, wall art |
| 24 × 36 in | 61 × 91 cm | Movie-style reproductions, large wall art |
| 27 × 40 in | 69 × 102 cm | Standard theatrical movie poster ("one-sheet") |
| A1 (23.4 × 33.1 in) | 59.4 × 84.1 cm | International large-format standard |
| A0 (33.1 × 46.8 in) | 84.1 × 118.9 cm | Conference posters, oversized display |
Why the "one-sheet" size trips people up
If you've ever gone looking for a real movie poster, you've probably run into this: the actual theatrical size is 27x40 inches, but almost every reproduction you can buy online is 24x36 instead. That's not a mistake on the seller's part, 24x36 has standard, cheap, off-the-shelf frames, and 27x40 mostly doesn't. Unless you specifically need the true theatrical dimensions, 24x36 will save you a custom framing bill.
The same logic applies more broadly: before picking a size off this chart, check what frames are actually available at that dimension. 18x24, 24x36, and A1 all have wide frame availability. Step outside those and you're likely looking at custom framing, which changes the economics of the whole project.
Poster size FAQs
What is the most common poster size?
18×24 inches, large enough for impact without needing oversized framing. It's the standard for movie-style prints, event posters, and wall art.
What size is a movie poster?
Standard US theatrical posters are 27×40 in (one-sheet). Home-market reproductions are usually 24×36 in instead, since it's easier and cheaper to frame.
What poster size fits standard frames?
18×24 in, 24×36 in, and A1 all have widely available off-the-shelf frames. Other sizes usually mean custom framing.
How far should a poster be viewed from?
Roughly 1.5 to 2 times its diagonal measurement, a 24×36 in poster reads best from about 6 feet back.
What resolution do I need for a large poster?
150 DPI is generally enough for posters viewed at arm's length or further, the eye doesn't need the sharpness required for something held close.
Related free tools
Keep reading
Selling posters or wall art online?
WTPBiz's poster designer keeps every size on this chart print-ready, no manual checking required.
