Different poster sizes and Aspect Ratios explained
Overview
In this article, you will learn how to navigate the often-confusing world of poster sizes and aspect ratios. You’ll discover a recommended range of dimensions—from the A sizes popular in the UK to the inch-based sizes favored in North America—complete with measurements in centimeters, inches, and pixel dimensions. You will also learn how certain sizes scale seamlessly with one another, including groups like the A series, 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, and 5:7 ratios, as well as understand those unique sizes that don’t fit into these proportional groupings. Moreover, you will gain practical strategies to manage your poster designs more efficiently. You’ll find out why starting with the A format and then adapting your designs to other sizes based on actual sales can maximize your product offerings without overwhelming you with upfront work. This guide is designed to empower you, streamline your design process, and ultimately boost your sales by leveraging the nuances of poster sizes and aspect ratios.
Different poster sizes and Aspect Ratios explained
One confusing part about selling posters is that there are so many sizes to offer! However, fear not - this is a great thing, as the more sizes you offer, the more sales you are likely to get.
Our base size offering is what we recommend you to offer in your shops. This includes all A sizes (most popular in the UK), and a wide range of inch sizes (most popular in North America). However, you will find when you start selling that A sizes are also popular in the USA - and vice versa!
Our size offering, in order of smallest to largest, is the following:
Poster Sizes and Recommended Pixel Dimensions
| Print Size (cm) | Print Size (inches) | Recommended Pixel Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| 13 × 18 cm | 5 × 7" | 1500 × 2100 px |
| 15 × 20 cm | 6 × 8" | 1800 × 2400 px |
| 20 × 25 cm | 8 × 10" | 2400 × 3000 px |
| 21 × 29.7 cm | A4 | 2500 × 3500 px |
| 27 × 35 cm | 11 × 14" | 3300 × 4200 px |
| 28 × 43 cm | 11 x 17" | 3300 × 5100 px |
| 29.7 × 42 cm | A3 | 3500 × 5000 px |
| 30 × 40 cm | 12 × 16" | 3600 × 4800 px |
| 30 × 45 cm | 12 × 18" | 3600 × 5400 px |
| 40 × 50 cm | 16 × 20" | 4800 × 6000 px |
| 40 × 60 cm | 16 × 24" | 4800 × 7200 px |
| 42 × 59.4 cm | A2 | 5000 × 7000 px |
| 45 × 60 cm | 18 × 24" | 5400 × 7200 px |
| 50 × 70 cm | 20 × 28" | 6000 × 8400 px |
| 59.4 × 84.1 cm | A1 | 7000 × 9900 px |
| 60 × 80 cm | 24 × 32" | 7200 × 9600 px |
| 60 × 90 cm | 24 × 36" | 7200 × 10800 px |
| 70 × 100 cm | 28 × 40" | 8400 × 12000 px |
| 75 × 100 cm | 30 × 40" | 9000 × 12000 px |
| 84.1 × 118.9 cm | A0 | 9900 × 14000 px |
This can seem overwhelming at first. Therefore, what we recommend is the following:
- Initially, design your posters in the A format. All A sizes scale with each other - this means if you design your poster as A3, this is then ready to sell as A5, A4, A3, A2, A1, and A0. This gives you a great start and a wide range of sizes from one design.
- Redesign your poster to other sizes at the point of sale. We recommend then resizing your posters to a new format once you receive a sale. This saves you doing a lot of upfront work, and means you only need to spend the time redesigning your posters when you actually get a sale for that size.
What poster sizes scale with each other?
It is important to take note of the different aspect ratios that different sizes are. For example, once you resize a poster to be 24×36”, you can use this design for any orders of 16×24” and 12×18”. This guide will save you a lot of time in terms of knowing what designs work with what orders.
Here is a written breakdown of the different aspect ratios of poster sizes:
A Sizes (ISO Paper Sizes)
- A0 (33.1" × 46.8")
- A1 (23.4" × 33.1")
- A2 (16.5" × 23.4")
- A3 (11.7" × 16.5")
- A4 (8.3" × 11.7")
- A5 (5.8" × 8.3")
These sizes scale perfectly with each other.
2:3 Ratio (Proportional Sizes)
- 24" × 36"
- 16" × 24"
- 12" × 18"
These sizes scale proportionally within the 2:3 aspect ratio.
3:4 Ratio (Proportional Sizes)
- 30" × 40"
- 24" × 32"
- 18" × 24"
- 12" × 16"
- 6" × 8"
These sizes scale proportionally within the 3:4 aspect ratio.
4:5 Ratio (Proportional Sizes)
- 16" × 20"
- 8" × 10"
These sizes scale proportionally within the 4:5 aspect ratio.
5:7 Ratio (Proportional Sizes)
- 5" × 7"
- 20" × 28"
These sizes scale proportionally within the 5:7 aspect ratio.
Other Sizes (Unique Aspect Ratios)
- 11" × 14"
- 11" × 17"
- 28" × 40"
How to redesign my posters?
Redesigning posters can be slightly painful, however it is worth it in order to maximise your sales.
Some designs, you will simply be able to resize your image and it will work well in the new format. However, some designs you may need to move around certain elements in order to make it look right. You will need to assess this on a case by case basis and see what looks right.