Standard Poster Size: A Guide to Understanding What Size of Poster You Need

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Posters are designed to be eye-catching and informative. Yet, what many people do not realize is there is no one standard poster size. Posters can come in various sizes and layouts, leading to a lot of guesswork when you are trying to create the perfect poster for your needs.

That is why, in this guide, we want to simplify this sizing process for you. Helping you understand all the different sizes, purpose, and poster size is ideal for your goals.

What is the Standard Poster Size

The beauty of a poster is that there are numerous sizes you can choose from depending on the purpose or message you are trying to convey. For instance, there are movie posters, commercial and personal posters, and event posters. Yet, even with all of these choices, there are usually four standard poster sizes that most people tend to pick:

• The 11 x 17: This poster size is considered to be the most popular small poster size. It is often used in personal or commercial advertisements in public buildings, on bulletin boards, or as handouts. This poster is easy to print by the thousands while also being very portable because of their size.
• The 18 x 24: This size is the most popular medium poster size. Due to its ability to be eye-catching and produce a more impactful advertisement, this poster size is often used to promote an event or used as home decor.
• The 24 x 36: This size is considered to be the most common large poster size. Its impressive dimensions make it an ideal visual piece if you are looking for your poster to gain attention. That is why they are often used when you want to make a statement or catch someone's eye.
• The 27 x 40: This is one of the larger poster sizes often used for specific promotions, such as by movie theaters, when they want to promote a new film.
• The 11.75 x 36: This poster size is less popular than the other standard sizes. However, this poster size is often used for panoramic prints, art prints, or special advertisements that you want to showcase because of its slender nature.

What Size of Poster Should I Use?

Ultimately, when you are trying to figure out the best poster size, you need first to decide what you will use the poster for and where it will be located. For instance, if you are looking for smaller posters that can be used as flyers or handouts, then the 11x17 poster size might be your best option. If you are looking for a larger size to use as a portrait or as a window advertisement, consider the 18x24 poster.

If you are looking for larger sizes, such as the 24x36 or 27x40, know these posters are usually reserved for specific purposes. The 24x36 poster is the classic choice if you need a poster to stand out in a crowd, such as at a trade show, because they can be seen from a distance. While the 27x40 is often used for movie posters.

Step Outside the Norm

Just because there are standard poster sizes, it does not mean you cannot look into other sizing options. If your job calls for a poster that needs to be bigger or smaller, then do not be afraid to step outside the norm and create the poster you need and the results you want.