Poster Sizes: Dimensions and Tips for Sharp Images

Looking to find the perfect poster size for your project? Look no further than this extensive guide of US standard, European standard, AND UK standard poster dimensions. Use our poster size calculator for a quick view of different standard dimensions and follow our print tips for high-quality posters.

Table of contents

Why Does Poster Size Matter?

Whether you’re choosing different poster sizes for a gallery wall, wanting to print a digital poster, or preparing to print your own poster design, it’s important to know the different poster sizes available. And on top of that, you need to align your poster dimensions with the correct image resolution and file type. This is your key to achieving top-notch print quality! 

And printing posters can be $$$ (see cost considerations below). So it’s extra important to make sure you get it right the first time to avoid the wasted costs of blurry posters.

Whether you're promoting an event, adding wall art to your space, or sending out flyers, understanding your options and the dimensions below will help you create the perfect poster!

Poster Size Cost Considerations

The costs of prints will vary based on several factors such as location, the printing method, paper quality, print quantity, and even the cost of printer ink, as well as the provider you choose. Using a reliable photo editor can also help you prepare your images with precision, ensuring that they are print-ready.

Poster Tips for Image Resolution and File Formats

Before diving into dimensions, there’s two more critical aspects of physical prints you need to consider to create stunning posters: resolution and file format. The right combination ensures your poster looks sharp and professional. Keep the resolution and file format tips listed below in mind as you prepare your designs for printing.

File Resolution for Different Poster Sizes

Aim for 300 DPI for high-quality printing. Lower resolutions can result in blurry or pixelated prints. But it’s always best to check with printers about the image resolution they require or recommend for quality printing.

File Format for Different Poster Sizes

PDF (Portable Document Format)

PDFs are fantastic for printing because they preserve the integrity of your design across different devices and printers. They handle both text and images well, ensuring that what you see on the screen is what you get in print. PDFs are particularly good for vector graphics and text since they scale without losing quality, making them perfect for posters that need sharp, clear lines and fonts. If you ever need to modify your document, understanding how to edit PDFs can be essential for making quick adjustments without affecting the formatting. You can also export all images from pdf once you have them ready in case you need them later on. Visit our vector file guide to learn more about vector graphics!

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

TIFFs are all about high quality. They use lossless compression, meaning your images keep every bit of detail and colour, which is crucial for professional printing. However, this also means the file sizes can be quite large. TIFFs are ideal when you need to make multiple edits to an image, as they don't degrade with each save, ensuring your final print is as crisp and vibrant as possible.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

JPEGs are the go-to for photographs due to their efficient compression, which significantly reduces file size. This makes them easier to handle and transfer, though it comes at the cost of some image quality. For printing, you need to ensure your JPEGs are high resolution to minimise visible compression artifacts. They’re less ideal for text and sharp graphics because the compression can blur edges, but for detailed photos, they work well when managed properly. You can also use this when sending emails, but keep in mind that attachments may result in your emails going to spam, so regularly check your DMARC aggregate report to avoid this.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

PNG is a good option for detailed graphics and images with transparency. It should be an excellent option for small and medium poster sizes. For small and medium posters, it can maintain quality images and excellent colour depth. That being said, it’s not an ideal option for large posters due to potential quality degradation when scaled up.

PDF, TIFF, JPEG & PNG: A Side-by-Side Comparison

North America Standard Poster Sizes

Small Posters

Medium Posters

When your dimensions get to 18 x 24 in / 45.72 x 60.96 cm and higher, JPEGs and PNGs may no longer be a good option. But, they can be acceptable if two requirements are met:

1. The original image resolution is high (e.g., 7200 pixels by 10800 pixels for 24 in x 36 in at 300 DPI).
2. There’s minimal compression to avoid artifacts.

If they’re missing this, you might notice a decline in quality due to pixelation and blurriness. Keep these things in mind if you choose one of the poster sizes below.

Large Posters

The European Standard / International Standard

Most European countries use ISO 216 which is considered the international standard for paper sizes. As mentioned above, the European system uses centimetres as its base unit. It includes the "A", "B" and "C" series of paper sizes, which includes the A4, the most commonly used paper size worldwide.

The A-Series

The ISO A series features 11 standard poster sizes, ranging from A0 to A10. What makes these sizes incredibly practical is their consistent aspect ratio. This means you can scale any A-series poster up or down without distortion. Whether you need a gigantic A0 poster or a tiny A10 flyer, the proportions stay perfect, making resizing a breeze.

The B-Series

The B series of paper sizes is also part of the ISO 216 standard and provides sizes that are intermediate between the sizes in the A series. So the B series of sizes is handy when the A series is too big or small for the document you’re working on. The aspect ratio for B series paper is also √2, just like the A series, which makes it easy to scale between different sizes without distortion.

Small Posters

Medium Posters

Large Posters

Standard UK Poster Sizes

In the UK, poster size use typically follows a mix of the ISO 216 standard poster sizes (listed above) and more traditional imperial paper sizes. We’ve included a list of today’s more commonly used imperial system poster sizes below:

Small Posters

Medium Posters

Large Posters

Design Your Own Custom Posters

Standard Poster Templates

Posters are a timeless and versatile element of design, offering endless possibilities for decorating your home, office, or any space that needs a creative boost. The key to their impact lies in selecting the right size, ensuring that your poster fits perfectly with the surrounding decor and effectively communicates your message or aesthetic. Whether you're creating a bold statement piece or a subtle decorative accent, the right poster size makes all the difference. To ensure your designs are optimized for user interaction and visual appeal, consider integrating UX design tools into your creative process.

Small posters are ideal for cozy spaces or as part of a gallery wall, adding just the right amount of visual interest without overwhelming the room. Medium-sized posters are perfect for making a noticeable impact while still being versatile enough to fit in a variety of locations, from bedrooms to offices. Large posters, on the other hand, are perfect for creating a dramatic focal point in a room, commanding attention and showcasing your chosen design in all its glory.

Kittl makes it easy to create stunning posters in any size with their range of customisable templates. Whether you're looking for a small, medium, or large format, Kittl's poster templates offers a variety of designs that can be tailored to your specific needs. With Kittl's user-friendly tools, you can effortlessly create a poster that perfectly complements your space, no matter the size. Explore Kittl’s extensive collection of standard poster templates here and find the perfect fit for your next creative project.

Movie Posters

Movie posters are iconic pieces of art that capture the essence of films and evoke powerful memories and emotions. Adding movie posters to your home decor not only showcases your love for cinema but also brings a unique and personal touch to your space. These posters serve as conversation starters, reflecting your taste in movies while adding a pop of colour and creativity to any room. Whether it's the nostalgic charm of classic films or the dynamic energy of modern blockbusters, movie posters can instantly elevate the aesthetic of your home.

One of the best aspects of movie posters is their versatility. They can be displayed in a variety of ways - framed as focal points in your living room with the help of this poster framing guide, grouped together in a gallery wall, or even used as subtle accents in a home office or bedroom. Their bold designs and striking visuals make them perfect for expressing your personality and creating a themed ambiance.

A free account with Kittl allows you to create your own movie posters with their free, customisable templates. Whether you want to recreate the look of your favourite film or design something entirely original, Kittl's platform makes it easy. With a wide range of templates available, you can effortlessly tailor each design to fit your vision. Explore Kittl's movie poster design templates here and transform your living space into a cinematic masterpiece!