Poster Sizes Explained: From A4 to Giant 6 Sheet
Quick answer: Print Studio Scotland's poster sizes run from A4 (210 x 297mm) up to a giant 6-sheet (1200 x 1800mm). Small Format posters cover A4 and A3 only, Wide Format spans the full range up to 6-sheet, and Window Posters come in A3, A2 and A1. A4/A3 suits desks, noticeboards and small windows; A2/A1 suits shop windows and mid-size displays; A0 and 60x40" suit exhibitions and statement pieces; 6-sheet is for maximum impact.
Standard Poster Dimensions
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| A4 | 210 x 297mm |
| A3 | 297 x 420mm |
| A2 | 420 x 594mm |
| A1 | 594 x 841mm |
| A0 | 841 x 1189mm |
| 60" x 40" | 1016 x 1524mm |
| 6 Sheet | 1200 x 1800mm |
Poster Size Guide by Use Case
A4 / A3 — desks, noticeboards and small runs
The most common size for bulk promotional runs, gig posters, classroom and community noticeboards, and price lists. Our Small Format range covers exactly this bracket, with bulk pricing that drops sharply per unit at higher quantities.
A3 / A2 — shop windows and small displays
A2 is a popular mid-size choice for shop windows, salons and estate agent displays — large enough to catch attention from the pavement without dominating the whole window. Our Window Posters are available in A3, A2 and A1.
A1 / A0 — bigger impact, still manageable
A1 and A0 sit within our Wide Format range and work well for larger retail windows, exhibition stand graphics, and interior artwork where you want real presence on the wall.
60x40" and 6 Sheet — statement pieces
At these sizes a poster becomes the centrepiece of a space — exhibition backdrops, gallery prints, or a giant advertising panel. Both are available within Wide Format, with custom sizes also available on request.
Full Size Chart: Print Studio Scotland Poster Range
| Product | Sizes Available | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Small Format | A4 / A3 | 170gsm Silk, Matte or Recycled |
| Wide Format | A4 / A3 / A2 / A1 / A0 / 60x40" / 6 Sheet | Blue Back, Power Semi-Matte, Endure (Waterproof), Satin Matte, High Gloss |
| Window Posters | A3 / A2 / A1 | 420gsm Endure (rigid, waterproof) |
Custom sizes are available on request across the Wide Format range — contact us for a quote.
How Much Space Do You Actually Have?
Before choosing a size, measure your wall, window or noticeboard space and allow a little breathing room around the edges — a poster that's too large for its spot looks cramped, and one that's too small gets lost. As a rough guide:
- Desk, counter or small noticeboard: A4 or A3.
- Shop or salon window: A2 or A1, depending on window size — our Window Posters cover this range with a ready-to-mount suction cup system.
- Larger retail window, office wall or exhibition stand: A0 or 60x40".
- Exhibition backdrop or maximum-impact advertising: 6 Sheet, or consider pairing multiple posters side by side.
Viewing Distance: How Big Should Your Text Be?
Size affects how much content you can fit, but viewing distance determines how big that content needs to be to actually be read. As a general design rule of thumb, headline text should be roughly 25–30mm tall for every metre of expected viewing distance — so a headline meant to be read from 3 metres away should be at least 75–90mm tall. For posters viewed close-up, such as a price list or menu, smaller, denser text works fine; for anything viewed from across a room or street, favour bigger, simpler headlines. For full file setup guidance once you've picked a size, see our Artwork & Design Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common poster size?
A4 and A3 are the most commonly ordered sizes, particularly for bulk runs and noticeboard use, while A2 and A1 are the most popular sizes for shop window displays.
What size is a 6 sheet poster?
A 6 sheet poster measures 1200 x 1800mm — the largest standard size in our Wide Format range, used for exhibition backdrops and maximum-impact advertising.
What size poster do I need for a shop window?
A2 or A1 suits most shop and salon windows. Our Window Posters come in A3, A2 and A1 with suction cups included for quick, fuss-free mounting.
Can I get a custom poster size?
Yes — custom sizes are available on request across our Wide Format range. Contact us at quotes@printstudioscotland.com and we'll advise what's possible.
What's the difference between A4/A3 posters and larger sizes?
A4 and A3 posters fall within our Small Format range, priced for bulk runs. A2 and above sit within our Wide Format range, printed individually on a wider choice of premium and waterproof materials.
Choosing Between Sizes? We Can Help
See the full Posters Scotland buying guide for pricing and turnaround across the range, our Small-Format vs Wide-Format vs Window Posters comparison if you're also deciding between materials, or our Poster Artwork & Design Guide once you've settled on a size. Browse the full collection, or contact our Paisley studio directly.