Posters are one of the most popular and versatile forms of marketing and communication. When you think of posters, you often think of the standard sizes for room decorations and the sizes they usually come in. Most posters have standard sizes, from the letter size (8” x 11″), small (11” x 17″), medium (18” x 24″), and large (24” x 36″). It’s common for organizations and business owners to print their posters in these standard sizes for consistency, cost-efficiency, and visual appeal.
Still, the perfect size for a poster can vary depending on the location and its purpose. Understanding the standard sizes for different locations can help you design and print posters that capture attention and communicate your message.
This article will explore the typical poster sizes for various locations and offer some design tips you can use.
Cinemas and Theaters
Movie theaters have long relied on posters to advertise upcoming films and promote the ones currently showing. These are usually the first seen when entering a theater, and their eye-catching appeal is always visible from a distance, especially in crowded areas like lobbies or entranceways. For this, you’ll need larger posters ranging from 27” x 40″ to 40” x 60″.
- Standard Sizes: 27 x 40″ (official movie posters), 40 x 60″ (bus stop size)
- Reason for Size: The poster dimensions offer a balanced canvas for images and text, ensuring the movie’s key details are displayed clearly.
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- 27” x 40″ posters are the standard for official movie posters installed on the “Now Showing” and “Next Attraction” Booths.
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- 40” x 60″ posters are used to promote movies outside the cinema, such as bus stops, fences, or building exteriors.
- Design Tip: Use vibrant colors, high-resolution images, and minimal text to maintain the visual impact. The poster design should also accurately reflect the theme and story of the movie to prevent misinformation and false advertising.
Stores, Shops, and Restaurants
Retail spaces, small businesses, and dining establishments often use posters to announce promotions, new products, or events. The posters’ sizes usually depend on the store layout and the level of promotion they want for their sales and campaigns. As such, they usually range from 18 x 24″ to 24 x 36″, with the 22 x 34″ size hitting the sweet spot.
- Standard Sizes: 18 x 24″ (medium), 22 x 34″ (decorative), 24 x 36″ (large)
- Reason for Size: These poster sizes are optimum for interior decor, specifically for small shops and restaurants. Promotional poster sizes also often reflect their design.
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- You could print numerous, smaller, simpler posters that you can plaster all around the area.
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- Another option is to have one large advertisement design that attracts people as the center of attention.
- Design Tip: Make the message or campaign the focus of your design — use bold fonts and eye-catching colors to direct customers’ attention.
Public Events and Trade Shows
Trade shows and public events usually require larger posters that can draw attention from a distance. At the same time, smaller posters can give attendees a closer look at the business or event they are interested in. These posters are often used to advertise booths, symposiums, or schedules.
- Standard Sizes: 24” x 36″ (large posters) and 18” x 24″ (medium posters)
- Reason for Size: Variety is key to attracting many people to your trade show booth or symposium. These posters can be plastered anywhere within the area. You can also plan which poster sizes are optimal for a specific location.
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- A large poster ensures your message can stand out among other booths and displays in a crowded space like a trade show. Display this prominently near your booth or on the stage if you are presenting.
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- Medium-sized posters are great in large quantities and can be posted on all available and allowed areas within a trade show.
- Design Tip: Keep the design simple and include essential details like your company name, booth number, and key products or services. You can also go interactive and include a QR code so they can access your website immediately.
Outdoor Posters
Posters used outdoors must be large enough to be seen by passersby, whether on foot or in vehicles. These posters must also withstand various weather conditions and remain visually striking. You can use the sizeable standard poster sizes or billboard-sized posters. Of course, the bus stop poster sizes are optimal for most outdoor locations.
Standard Sizes: 24” x 36″ (large posters), 27” x 40″ (billboard-sized posters), 40” x 60″ (bus stop posters)
- Reason for Size: The larger dimensions are critical for readability from a distance, especially in busy outdoor settings. Some outdoor spaces may also require permits and approval before posting your posters, so going for larger sizes in small printing quantities is your safest option.
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- 24” x 36″ large posters are excellent for promoting outside your shop or restaurant.
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- If you want to showcase your sale or promotion in different areas, the 27” x 40″ billboard size can get you the proper visibility and brand awareness.
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- Once all the permits are approved, you can start posting the larger 40” x 60″ posters in public areas such as bus stops, fences, and park walls.
- Design Tip: Use bold typography and high-contrast colors to ensure readability and keep the message concise. You may also want to design posters that can be approved more quickly and are appropriate for outdoor settings.
Printing posters in appropriate sizes is crucial for maintaining uniformity and maximizing the visibility of your marketing efforts. The right poster size helps your message stand out and be easily understood, whether indoors or outdoors.
That said, just because specific sizes have become “standard” doesn’t mean these are the only sizes you can use. Get creative and execute your posters with the right images and sizes that fit your vision, then post them in places that will attract the most attention.
When you’re ready to create your posters, Signs.com offers everything you need to bring your vision to life, from standard sizes to custom designs.
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