Poster Printing Sizes and When to Use Each

A poster’s size determines where it works and how far away it reads. Too small for the space and it disappears; too big and it overwhelms or wastes budget. Posters come in a handful of standard sizes, each suited to a purpose, from a countertop sign to a window display. Here is how to match the size to the job.

Standard poster sizes

Size	Feels like	Best for
11 x 17 in	Small poster	Counters, bulletin boards
18 x 24 in	Medium	In-store displays, events
24 x 36 in	Large	Windows, lobbies, announcements
27 x 40 in	Movie-poster size	Big visual impact

Match size to viewing distance

The farther away people will read it, the bigger it needs to be. An 11 x 17 works at arm’s length on a counter; a 24 x 36 commands a window or lobby read from across a room or sidewalk. Decide where it lives and how far away the audience is, then size up accordingly.

Material and finish

Indoor posters print on poster paper or heavier stock; a matte or satin finish reduces glare under store lighting, while gloss makes colors pop. For posters in windows or anywhere humid, ask about more durable or laminated options so they do not curl or fade. See coated vs. uncoated paper.

Print posters at any size

We print full-color posters in standard and custom sizes on a range of materials. See our large format printing options, and check print resolution for large format. Request a free quote.