Your poster is perfect, the design is done and the deadline is tomorrow. Then you go to print your poster and theres a million different options! This guide covers every standard poster size we print, what each one is best for, and how to set up your file so it prints clean. By the end you will have the perfect poster quote ready to order.

What Are the Standard Poster Sizes?

The most common US poster sizes are 11 x 17, 18 x 24, 24 x 36, and 27 x 40 inches. PrintingCenterUSA also prints 12 x 18, 16 x 20, and 17 x 22 inches, plus custom sizes.

Here they are in inches and centimeters:

• 11 x 17 in (27.9 x 43.2 cm)
• 12 x 18 in (30.5 x 45.7 cm)
• 16 x 20 in (40.6 x 50.8 cm)
• 17 x 22 in (43.2 x 55.9 cm)
• 18 x 24 in (45.7 x 61.0 cm)
• 24 x 36 in (61.0 x 91.4 cm)
• 27 x 40 in (68.6 x 101.6 cm)

Which Poster Size Is Best?

Start by imagining someone walking by your poster. Where was it hanging? How far away will your audience be? How many do you need? And what is your budget?

If you are posting up in a community setting your poster might need to be smaller than if it were in a subway station. The farther away the poster the larger the text will need to be read. Use sizing to your advantage and put 10-20 large posters in key hub areas and bulk flyer size posters at front desks or commons. The larger the poster the higher the cost.

11 x 17 Posters

This is the classic event poster. You see it on community boards, in shop windows, and around campus. It is also the most budget-friendly option, so it is the one most people order in bulk.

Best for: concerts, proms, workshops, fundraisers, sales, and any event you want in a lot of places at a low cost.

12 x 18, 16 x 20, 17 x 22, and 18 x 24 Posters

Mid-size posters give you enough room to display large format showcases and tons of info. You’ll often find them in doctors offices and clinics. Patients need large text and helpful pictures so they can take  in health tips or safety info from feet away.

They are also the go-to for school posters. Teams, bands, and choirs use them for club photos, schedules, and local sponsor ads. The most popular size for school club posters is 18 x 24.

Best for: informational posters, team and club posters, large artwork, and anything with a lot of text.

24 x 36 and 27 x 40 Posters

These posters are the best sizes for large format. They shine bright in outdoor displays and subway stations. Passersby can take in your message at a quick glance and decide to engage. 27 x 40 is the standard movie poster size and it is the one you see at theaters and malls.

For large format the press sheets have to be larger and they cost more per poster. Most people order small batches for key locations to save money.

What About Metric and A-Series Sizes?

Outside the US, posters are usually sized with the ISO A-series. These are close to our US sizes but not identical.

• A3: 11.7 x 16.5 in (29.7 x 42 cm), close to 11 x 17
• A2: 16.5 x 23.4 in (42 x 59.4 cm), close to 18 x 24
• A1: 23.4 x 33.1 in (59.4 x 84.1 cm), close to 24 x 36
• A0: 33.1 x 46.8 in (84.1 x 118.9 cm), larger than any standard US size

If you need a metric or A-series format, custom sizes are available. Call 800-995-1555 and we will help you get it right.

Poster Design Tips

Make the most important thing the biggest thing on your poster for people to see. People read a poster in seconds, so your hierarchy has to work fast. Consider using active features like QR codes and other scannable items to engage your audience.

For an 11 x 17 event poster, use this order:

• An eye-catching title
• The date
• The time and location
• RSVP info, cost, or a call to action

For an 18 x 24 informational poster, you will likely have more text. Choose a strong background and title, but make sure the background never makes the smaller copy harder to read.

The larger poster will always gain more attention. The bigger the better we like to say. If people can read it from across the room or bus stop, your audience expands. Test your type size at the real viewing distance before you print.

How to Set Up Your Poster File

Here is how to set up your poster file specs before designing!

• Bleed for posters is 0.125 inches on every side. For example an 11 x 17 poster becomes 11.25 x 17.25 with bleed.
• Safe zone for a poster is at least 0.125 inches inside the trim line. Keep all important info inside the safe zone.
• Resolution: For all print use images at 300 DPI. A 24 x 36 poster at 300 DPI is 7,200 x 10,800 pixels.
• Color mode: Always design for print in CMYK.
• File type: Export a print-ready PDF from any creative platform you use!

Here is the full size with bleed for each poster:

• 11 x 17 becomes 11.25 x 17.25
• 12 x 18 becomes 12.25 x 18.25
• 16 x 20 becomes 16.25 x 20.25
• 17 x 22 becomes 17.25 x 22.25
• 18 x 24 becomes 18.25 x 24.25
• 24 x 36 becomes 24.25 x 36.25
• 27 x 40 becomes 27.25 x 40.25

The easiest way to design a poster is in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. We have free poster templates with the correct bleed and safety margins already set up.

Poster Sizes: Key Facts for Reference

What are the standard poster sizes: 11 x 17, 18 x 24, 24 x 36, and 27 x 40 inches. Also available: 12 x 18, 16 x 20, 17 x 22, and custom sizes.

Most common poster size in the US: 24 x 36 inches for large posters, 18 x 24 inches for general use.

Standard movie poster size: 27 x 40 inches (68.6 x 101.6 cm).

Most popular school club poster size: 18 x 24 inches.

Best size for event posters on community boards: 11 x 17 inches.

Best sizes for outdoor cases and bus stops: 24 x 36 and 27 x 40 inches.

Recommended bleed: 0.125 inches on all sides.

Recommended image resolution: 300 DPI.

Color mode: CMYK.

File format: print-ready PDF.

Why larger posters cost more: they require larger press sheets.

File review: every file goes through an automated 43-point inspection before it goes to press.

Turnaround: 3 to 4 business days after proof approval.

Check out our free file review and check your files before uploading! Not a designer? Find the perfect match with our Find a Designer program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standard poster sizes?
The most common are 11 x 17, 18 x 24, 24 x 36, and 27 x 40 inches. We also print 12 x 18, 16 x 20, and 17 x 22 inches, plus custom sizes.

What is the most common poster size?
24 x 36 inches is the most common large poster size in the US. For general use, 18 x 24 inches is the most popular.

What size is a movie poster?
The standard movie poster size is 27 x 40 inches, or 68.6 x 101.6 cm.

What size poster is best for an event?
11 x 17 inches. It is affordable, easy to hang on community boards, and usually ordered in bulk.

What size poster is best for a school club or team?
18 x 24 inches is the most popular size for school club and team posters.

What size poster is best for outdoors or a bus stop?
24 x 36 or 27 x 40 inches. Passersby can read your message at a glance.

How big is a poster in centimeters?
11 x 17 inches is 27.9 x 43.2 cm. 18 x 24 inches is 45.7 x 61.0 cm. 24 x 36 inches is 61.0 x 91.4 cm. 27 x 40 inches is 68.6 x 101.6 cm.

How much bleed does a poster need?
Add 0.125 inches of bleed on every side so you do not get white edges after trimming.

What resolution should my poster image be?
Use 300 DPI. Images from social media or email are usually 72 DPI and will print blurry.

Can I print a custom poster size?
Yes. Custom sizes are available for odd display cases or unique spaces.

Why do bigger posters cost more?
Larger posters need larger press sheets, which raises the cost per poster.

Ready to Print Your Poster?

Not sure how to get your file print-ready? Download a free poster template with bleed and safety margins already set up, or connect with a professional through our Find a Designer service. Every file goes through our automated 43-point inspection before it goes to press.

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Download free poster templates
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