UK poster sizes: A-sizes, imperial and billboard sheets
Every poster size we print, from A5 to A0, 20 × 30 in and 30 × 40 in, plus 4 and 6 sheet billboard posters, A-board sizes, poster papers and letter heights.
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Most UK poster sizes follow the A series: A4 (210 × 297 mm), A3 (297 × 420 mm), A2 (420 × 594 mm), A1 (594 × 841 mm) and A0 (841 × 1189 mm). Alongside them you will find two imperial sizes, 20 × 30 in (508 × 762 mm) and 30 × 40 in (762 × 1016 mm), and the “sheet” sizes used on outdoor poster sites, such as the 6 sheet at 1200 × 1800 mm. This guide lists every poster size we print, which paper to choose, and how big to make the words.
UK poster sizes we print #
Our poster printing covers eight sizes. From-prices are live prices for one poster on the cheapest options:
| Size | Millimetres | From | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | £20.42 | Counter cards, small notices |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | £20.71 | Doors, noticeboards, windows |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | £21.24 | Shop windows, staff rooms, events |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | £22.20 | Windows, corridors, A-boards |
| 20 × 30 in | 508 × 762 mm | £23.23 | Film and event posters, frames |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | £24.02 | A-boards, receptions, exhibitions |
| 30 × 40 in | 762 × 1016 mm | £26.86 | Large frames, shop displays |
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | £28.37 | Exhibition walls, large displays |
A3, A2, A1 and A0 each have their own product page with the price for that size. For the full A-series chart, including A6 and A7, see A paper sizes in mm.
Billboard and outdoor poster sizes #
Outdoor poster sites use their own UK poster sizes, measured in “sheets”, a trade term from when posters were pasted up in sections. Our billboard posters include:
- 4 sheet: 1016 × 1524 mm, from £87.62.
- 6 sheet: 1200 × 1800 mm, from £102.38. This is the portrait size used in many roadside and bus shelter panels.
The product page also lists 48 sheet and 96 sheet options. Large billboards are pasted up in several panels, and every site owner specifies the exact size and panel layout they need, so check their specification against the sizes on the product page before ordering. Billboard posters come on 150gsm satin poster paper or 120gsm blueback, and take 3 working days on Express, 5 on Standard or 7 on Saver.
For temporary signs on street furniture and at events, Correx poster boards put the poster on a rigid plastic board that shrugs off rain, instead of paper.
A-board poster sizes #
A-frame pavement signs take either A2 (420 × 594 mm) or A1 (594 × 841 mm) posters, and the two are not interchangeable. Measure the poster window of your frame, or check the frame’s paperwork, before you order. If your frame is fine and you only need new artwork, A-frame replacement posters start from £34.46 in A2 or A1, with the option of two different designs for the two faces.
Which poster paper to choose #
All UK poster sizes on our poster pages come in four materials. The right one depends on where the poster goes:
| Material | Best for |
|---|---|
| 150gsm satin poster paper | Framed posters and indoor walls. A smooth, slightly shiny finish with good colour. |
| 120gsm blueback | Pasted outdoor posters. The blue reverse stops old posters showing through from underneath. |
| 400gsm PVC-free | Indoor and sheltered posters that need to be tougher than paper. |
| 440gsm PVC | Outdoor posters that will get wet, cable-tied or clipped up rather than pasted. |
If the poster will be outside, look at waterproof posters, which come in A4 to A0 on 400gsm PVC-free or 440gsm PVC, from £22.82. Paper posters are made in 2 working days on Express, 4 on Standard or 6 on Saver.
How big to make the words #
A poster is only as good as the distance it can be read from. The sign-trade rule of thumb is about 25 mm of capital letter height for every 3 metres of viewing distance:
| Poster size | Typical reading distance | Headline capitals |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 1 to 3 m | 15 to 25 mm |
| A3 | 2 to 5 m | 20 to 42 mm |
| A2 | 3 to 8 m | 25 to 67 mm |
| A1 | 5 to 10 m | 42 to 83 mm |
| A0 | 8 to 15 m | 67 to 125 mm |
Our guide to sign letter height turns these heights into font sizes. Keep the message to one headline, a few lines of detail and one call to action.
Setting up artwork for UK poster sizes #
- Set the document to the finished size plus 3 mm bleed on every edge, so an A2 poster is 426 × 600 mm.
- Keep text a few millimetres inside the trim so nothing important is cut off.
- Use 300 dpi at full size for A4 and A3 posters read close up; 150 dpi is plenty for A1, A0 and larger.
- Send a PDF with fonts embedded or outlined. Full details are in our artwork guidelines, and every uploaded file gets a free file check by a person.
Putting posters up outside #
Posters on your own premises, notice boards and licensed poster sites are fine. Pasting posters on walls, lamp posts or hoardings you do not control can break advertising rules; the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 set out what needs consent in England. Check with your local council if you are unsure.
Still not sure? #
Tell us where the poster will go and how far away people will be, and we will suggest one of our UK poster sizes and a material. Call 0161 315 1151 or use the contact form.
