Poster printing sizes from A4 to A0, and when to use each
A poster has to work from a distance and in a few seconds. Picking the right size makes a big difference to how well it is seen. Too small and it disappears on a busy wall. Too large and it may not fit the space, or it may cost more than the job needs. This guide explains each size, where it works best and how to design a poster people actually read.
A4 and A3
A4 (210 x 297mm) and A3 (297 x 420mm) suit noticeboards, counters, small windows and doors. A3 is a popular choice for shop windows and community boards because it is big enough to notice without taking over the space.
A2 and A1
A2 (420 x 594mm) and A1 (594 x 841mm) work well for shop windows, receptions, event signs and venue walls. They can be read from further away, so you can use larger headlines and images.
A0
A0 (841 x 1189mm) is for large displays that need to be read from across a room or a street, such as exhibition stands and big window displays.
How to choose
Think about where the poster will go and how far away people will be when they read it. If people will be walking past, the headline needs to be readable in a couple of seconds.
A simple way to decide is to stand where your audience will stand. If they will be close, such as at a counter or a noticeboard, a smaller size is enough. If they will be across the road or the other side of a room, go larger.
Step by step: planning a poster
Decide what you want people to do, such as book, visit or attend.
Measure the space where the poster will go, including any frame or window.
Note the distance people will read it from.
Choose the size that fits the space and can be read from that distance.
Write a short headline and pick one strong image.
Add the key details, then check the artwork at full size before printing.
Worked examples
A cafe window in Brighton. An A3 or A2 poster showing a seasonal offer can be read by people walking past, without blocking the view inside.
A community event in Lewes. A3 posters on local noticeboards and in shop windows spread the word. The date, time and place should stand out more than anything else.
A reception area. An A1 poster can introduce your services or a current promotion to people waiting, and can carry a little more detail because they have time to read.
An exhibition stand. An A0 poster gives you a headline that can be seen across a busy hall.
Design tips
Keep the headline short.
Use one strong image rather than several small ones.
Make the key details, such as the date, place or phone number, easy to find.
Check that images are high resolution, especially for the larger sizes.
Use strong contrast between text and background colours.
Leave plenty of space around the main message so it stands out.
Common mistakes
Scaling up a small design. Artwork made for A4 may look blurry or crowded when printed at A1 or A0. Design for the final size.
Too much text. A poster is not a leaflet. If people need the full details, give them a leaflet or a website to visit.
Hiding the key detail. If the date or phone number is the most important thing, make it large and easy to spot.
Wrong size for the space. Measure first. A poster that does not fit the window or frame is wasted.
Where to put your posters
The right place matters as much as the right size. Your own shop window and entrance are the obvious starting points. Beyond that, think about local cafes, community centres, libraries, gyms and noticeboards where your audience spends time, and always ask permission before putting a poster up. For an event, place posters along the routes people take to get there, and swap them out when the details change. Keep a note of where each poster went, so you can take them down promptly afterwards and leave a good impression with the places that helped you.
Pair posters with leaflets
For a launch or event, posters in the area work well alongside leaflets through local doors. The poster builds awareness where people pass by, and the leaflet puts the details in their home. Our flyer and leaflet printing and door to door leaflet distribution services mean you can plan both together.
Frequently asked questions
What size poster is best for a shop window?
A3 is a popular choice for shop windows, and A2 or A1 work well for larger windows or when people read from further away.
Can I print one poster or do I need a large run?
Tell us the quantity and sizes you need and we will quote for your job.
Do I need high resolution images for posters?
Yes, especially for the larger sizes. Low resolution images can look soft or blurry when printed big.
Can you print matching leaflets for the same campaign?
Yes. We can print posters and leaflets together, and deliver the leaflets door to door. See our leaflet distribution prices.
Get a quote
See our poster printing page, or visit our home page to see everything we offer. Call 07525 722 427 or email Brighton@leaflet-media.co.uk.
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