Print Frame Co 1 min read

Standard Poster Sizes: US & UK Poster Size Chart

Three art posters in visibly different standard proportions

Quick answer: standard US poster sizes are 11x17, 18x24 and 24x36 inches — 24x36 is the classic large poster. Movie one-sheet posters are 27x40 inches. In the UK and Europe, posters follow A sizes, most commonly A2 and A1. Full chart below.

Standard poster sizes chart

Poster Sizes (W x H)
Name Inches Centimetres Typical use
Ledger / small 11 x 17 in 28 x 43 cm Flyers, small prints
Medium 18 x 24 in 46 x 61 cm Art posters, decor
Large (standard poster) 24 x 36 in 61 x 91 cm Most commercial posters
Movie one-sheet 27 x 40 in 69 x 102 cm Cinema posters
UK/EU A3 11.7 x 16.5 in 29.7 x 42 cm Small posters
UK/EU A2 16.5 x 23.4 in 42 x 59.4 cm Standard posters
UK/EU A1 23.4 x 33.1 in 59.4 x 84.1 cm Large posters
UK/EU A0 33.1 x 46.8 in 84.1 x 118.9 cm Oversized display

For the full A series in millimetres, centimetres and inches, see the A paper sizes chart.

US vs UK poster sizes

US poster sizes are imperial and don't match A sizes exactly — an 18x24 poster is close to (but not the same as) A2, and 24x36 sits between A1 and A0. This matters when framing: a frame made for A1 will not correctly fit a 24x36 poster. If you own posters from both systems, made-to-measure framing avoids the mismatch entirely.

Framing a poster

Posters are printed on thinner paper than art prints, so framing does two jobs: it flattens and protects the poster, and it upgrades how it reads on the wall. A mat border can make even a mass-printed poster look gallery-hung. Browse poster frames made to any of the sizes above — or any size in between — and see our large picture frames, 50x70cm poster frames, A1 poster frames and A2 poster frames for 24x36 and up. You can also print your own poster at any size, with or without a frame.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard poster size?

24 x 36 inches in the US. A1 (59.4 x 84.1 cm) is the closest standard poster size in the UK and Europe.

What size are movie posters?

Modern cinema “one-sheet” posters are 27 x 40 inches (69 x 102 cm). Older and international movie posters vary, so measure before buying a frame.

What size frame do I need for a 24x36 poster?

A frame made for a 24 x 36 inch print. Avoid “approximate fit” frames — a poster loose in its frame ripples over time. A made-to-measure poster frame holds the sheet exactly.

Is A1 the same as 24x36?

No. A1 is 23.4 x 33.1 inches, so it is nearly 3 inches shorter than a 24 x 36 poster. An A1 frame will not fit a 24 x 36 sheet, which is why posters bought from both systems usually need a frame cut to size.