When it comes to decorating or promoting, posters are one of the most flexible tools out there. But with so many sizes of posters available, figuring out the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you're creating art prints for your home or designing a poster print for a trade show, understanding dimensions is key. This guide breaks down the most common poster sizes, what they're best for, and how to pick the right size for your needs.
Sizes Of Posters
The size of a poster plays a huge role in how it's noticed. Too small and it fades into the background. Too large and it can overwhelm the space. Here are the standard poster sizes you’ll run into most often:
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Small posters: 11 x 17 inches
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Venera JahaMedium posters: 18 x 24 inches, 22 x 28 inches
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Large posters: 24 x 36 inches and up
Each of these categories serves a different purpose, from community events to outdoor advertising. Let’s take a closer look at what each can do.
High Resolution Images Matter
No matter the poster size, quality counts. Blurry or pixelated photo posters don’t just look bad, they fail to attract attention. Always start with high resolution images to make sure your design looks crisp when printed at a larger size.
For best results, your image should be 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print dimensions. This ensures clear, vivid colors, especially for art prints and foam board mounted displays.
Large Posters
Large posters, typically 24 x 36 inches or bigger, are ideal for high-traffic settings like storefront windows, bulletin boards, or street posts. They offer ample room for large text, bold design elements, and striking photos.
This is also the go-to format for movie posters and major sales promotions, where grabbing attention from a distance is key.
Custom Poster Sizes
Looking for something unique? A custom poster gives you freedom to tailor dimensions to your project, perfect for personal projects or when your space calls for something less standard. Just make sure your image has proper bleed and that your layout is set for print specs.
Bulletin Posters
Often found on bulletin boards and in community events, bulletin posters are usually in medium poster size. Think 18 x 24 or 22 x 28 inches. These are big enough to catch eyes but small enough for indoor use, like in schools, libraries, or local businesses.
24 x 36 Inches
This is arguably the most common poster size. It's used for everything from advertising movies to promoting trade shows. At this size, you get ample room for both images and text without overwhelming the space.
A 24 x 36 inch poster also fits well on foam board for displays or storefront windows.
Foam Board Mounting
Mounting your poster print on foam board adds structure, making it easier to display at events or in high traffic areas. It’s especially useful for sales promotions and indoor use, where posters need to stand upright without frames.
Common Poster Sizes
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular poster sizes and how they’re typically used:
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11 x 17: Smallest standard size, great for indoor flyers and notices
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18 x 24: Medium sized posters, perfect for community info or event promotions
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22 x 28: Commonly used in store displays and bulletin boards
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24 x 36: The classic large poster for outdoor advertising and major announcements
Each size serves a different viewing distance, from close-up reading to catching attention across the street.
22 x 28 Inches
Often used in retail settings, 22 x 28 inch posters are ideal for sales promotions and product highlights. They’re just large enough to stand out without requiring too much wall space.
11 x 17 Inches
The letter sized poster format is practical and affordable. Ideal for community events, school projects, and personal projects, this small poster size is easy to print and display just about anywhere.
22 x Inches and Variable Sizes
Some posters are designed in formats like 22 x varying heights. These work well for banners or vertical layouts where height may shift depending on the content. When choosing sized posters like these, always consider the viewing distance and how the layout flows.
Best Poster Size: How To Choose
So what’s the best poster size? It depends on your goals:
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Want to advertise movies? Go with 24 x 36
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Need to display in a small space? Use 11 x 17
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Hosting a trade show? Try 22 x 28 or larger
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Creating art prints? Stick with common frame sizes like 18 x 24 or 24 x 36
Choosing the perfect poster size comes down to where it will be placed, how far away viewers will be, and what kind of impact you want it to have.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're printing art prints for your wall or designing a poster for your next event, understanding the sizes of posters is key to making the right choice. From letter poster size to custom dimensions, there's a format for every need.
For more inspiration, browse Laboo Studio’s collections of photo posters and medium sized posters — all printed on premium materials with stunning high resolution images.
