1. How to Choose the Right Poster Size for Your Display

    Poster size is not just an aesthetic decision — it directly affects whether your poster can be read from the distance at which it will be viewed, whether it fits the display space and whether it achieves the visual impact you need. Choose too small and your poster gets lost in its environment. Choose too large and it won't fit, or will feel overwhelming in a small space.

    In this guide, we walk through the standard poster sizes available at Dipol Print, what each one is best suited to and the key factors to consider when making your choice.

    The Standard UK Poster Sizes

    A3 (297×420mm)

    A3 is the smallest standard poster size — roughly the size of two A4 sheets side by side. It is designed for close-range viewing and works best in environments where the viewer will be reading at arm's length or closer.

    Best for: Noticeboards, shop counters, reception desk displays, toilet and changing room walls, café table-top displays, window displays in smaller shops, and any environment where the viewer is within one to two metres of the poster.

    Minimum font size for legibility at 1m viewing distance: approximately 12pt for body text.

    A2 (420×594mm)

    A2 is a versatile mid-size poster — large enough to command attention in a room, small enough to fit in most standard display frames and snap frames. It works well as a step up from A3 when more visual impact is needed or when the display location is slightly further from the viewer.

    Best for: Retail window displays, indoor venue walls, exhibition displays, corridor and hallway displays, gym and leisure centre walls. Suitable for viewing distances of one to three metres.

    A1 (594×841mm)

    A1 is the most widely used size for high-visibility retail and event poster displays. At roughly the size of a broadsheet newspaper opened flat, it commands attention across a room and is legible from several metres away when text is sized appropriately. A1 fits standard bus shelter and hoarding poster frames.

    Best for: Retail environments, events, exhibitions, outdoor hoarding, bus shelter advertising, venue walls and any display where the poster needs to be read from three to five metres away.

    Minimum font size for legibility at 3m viewing distance: approximately 30pt for body text, larger for headlines.

    A0 (841×1189mm)

    A0 is the largest standard poster size — nearly a metre wide. It creates a genuinely striking visual presence and is designed for display in large spaces where maximum impact is needed. At A0, text sizing becomes critical — headlines need to be very large to remain legible at normal viewing distances, and body text should be kept to an absolute minimum.

    Best for: Large retail spaces, exhibition backdrops, outdoor advertising, building hoardings, sports venues and anywhere a bold, large-scale visual statement is needed.

    Resolution note: A0 and larger posters can be supplied at 150dpi rather than 300dpi, as they are viewed from a greater distance. See our guide: Understanding DPI for Print

    Large Display Sizes

    Beyond A0, we offer a range of larger display sizes for campaigns that need maximum visual impact:

    • 20×30in (508×762mm) — slightly larger than A1
    • 40×30in (1016×762mm) — wide landscape format, popular for retail feature walls
    • 60×40in (1524×1016mm) — large-scale display for major retail and exhibition environments

    See our full large format poster printing range.

    Key Factors When Choosing Poster Size

    Viewing Distance

    The most important factor. A poster that can't be read from the distance at which it will be viewed has failed regardless of how well it's designed. As a general rule:

    • 1–2 metres — A3 or A2
    • 2–4 metres — A2 or A1
    • 4+ metres — A1 or A0
    • 10+ metres — A0 or larger display format

    Display Location and Frame Size

    If you're placing your poster in an existing snap frame, noticeboard or display system, the size is determined by the frame. Always measure your frame before ordering. Standard snap frames and poster holders are typically available in A4, A3, A2 and A1 sizes.

    Content Volume

    The more content your poster needs to carry, the larger the size needs to be to keep it legible. A poster with a single headline and a phone number can work beautifully at A3. A poster with an event schedule, multiple acts and sponsor logos needs A1 or larger to remain readable.

    Indoor or Outdoor

    Outdoor posters are typically larger than indoor equivalents because they compete with more visual noise and are viewed from greater distances. See our full guide: Indoor vs Outdoor Poster Printing

    Budget

    Larger posters cost more to print — but the cost per unit decreases significantly when ordering in quantity. If budget is a constraint, consider whether a smaller size at higher quality (better stock, better finish) will serve your needs better than a larger size at lower quality.

    Artwork Setup

    Print Your Posters in Brighton & Hove

    Dipol Print offers poster printing in sizes from A3 to A0 and beyond on silk, gloss, uncoated and waterproof PVC stocks for businesses across Brighton & Hove and the wider UK. Collect from our print shop at 97 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1TP or order online for UK-wide delivery. Not sure which size is right for your display? Get in touch — we're happy to advise.