Table of Contents
A-Paper Sizes Explained for Printing and Framing
If you are trying to work out the right A-paper size for printing and framing, this guide makes it simple. It compares the most common A-sizes from A6 up to A0 in millimetres, centimetres, inches and pixels, so you can choose the right size, understand what it is commonly used for, and match it to the right picture frame more easily.
- A4 and A3 are the most common sizes for home printing, certificates and smaller framed prints.
- A2 and A1 are popular for posters, photography, plans and feature wall art.
- A0 is a true oversized format, best for large displays, exhibition work and statement pieces.
- 300 ppi is the safest target for sharp close-viewed prints, while 150 ppi can still work well for larger pieces viewed from further back.
A-Paper Sizes Conversion Chart in cm, mm and Inches
Use this table when you need a quick answer for A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 or A6 paper size in centimetres, millimetres and inches. It also includes the rounded metric shorthand these sizes are often sold as in retail and framing.
| A size | Exact size (cm) | Exact size (mm) | Exact size (inches) | Commonly sold as |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 10.5 x 14.8 cm | 105 x 148 mm | 4.1 x 5.8 in | 10 x 15 cm |
| A5 | 14.8 x 21 cm | 148 x 210 mm | 5.8 x 8.3 in | 15 x 21 cm |
| A4 | 21 x 29.7 cm | 210 x 297 mm | 8.3 x 11.7 in | 21 x 30 cm |
| A3 | 29.7 x 42 cm | 297 x 420 mm | 11.7 x 16.5 in | 30 x 42 cm |
| A2 | 42 x 59.4 cm | 420 x 594 mm | 16.5 x 23.4 in | 42 x 59 cm |
| A1 | 59.4 x 84.1 cm | 594 x 841 mm | 23.4 x 33.1 in | 59 x 84 cm |
| A0 | 84.1 x 118.9 cm | 841 x 1189 mm | 33.1 x 46.8 in | 84 x 119 cm |
Helpful note: The “commonly sold as” sizes are rounded shorthand. For printing and framing, always work from the exact size first. As a quick point of reference, A6 is quite close to a 4 x 6 inch photo, while A5 is fairly close to a 6 x 8 inch print.
What Are A-Sizes, and Why Do They Work So Well?
A-paper sizes are part of the ISO 216 system, which is used across most of the world for paper, printing and office documents. The clever part is the aspect ratio. Every A-size sheet keeps the same shape, so when you halve or enlarge it, the proportions stay consistent.
The simple logic behind A-paper sizes
That is why A4 scales neatly to A3, A2 or A1 without changing format. An A3 sheet is exactly half an A2 sheet. An A2 sheet is exactly half an A1 sheet. This makes A-sizes practical not just for printers and designers, but also for everyday people trying to choose the right poster size, artwork size or frame size.
Why this matters for printing and framing
- You can scale artwork more easily without changing its overall shape.
- It reduces guesswork when enlarging from A4 to A3, A2 or A1.
- It makes frame shopping easier because standard A-size frames are designed around the same proportions.
- It helps with layout consistency if you are creating a matching series of prints.
In plain English, A-sizes remove a lot of guesswork. If your print is designed at A4 ratio, you can enlarge it to A3, A2 or A1 without suddenly dealing with a different shape.
Common A-Size Print and Frame Uses, From A6 to A0
Not every A-size is used the same way. Some are more practical for photos and certificates, while others suit posters, plans and larger wall displays.
| A size | Best for | Common uses | Helpful framing note |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | Small prints, cards, mini artwork | Postcards, small keepsakes, gift inserts, mini display prints | Often grouped in sets, or used in small tabletop frames and albums. |
| A5 | Photo gifts and small art prints | Flyers, invitations, small illustrations, compact display prints | A good option when A4 feels a little too large for shelf styling. |
| A4 | Documents, certificates and versatile prints | Certificates, awards, menus, small art prints, family photos | One of the easiest sizes to print and frame. Also works well matted inside an A3 frame. |
| A3 | Popular home and office wall display | Art prints, certificates, posters, photography, school artwork | A very practical step up from A4, with lots of ready-made frame options. |
| A2 | Mid-size posters and feature prints | Posters, promotional prints, architectural drawings, wall art | Large enough to make an impact, but still manageable for most walls and standard framing. |
| A1 | Large posters and statement wall art | Advertising posters, display banners, photography, plans, flipcharts | Great for feature walls. Check print resolution carefully before enlarging to this size. |
| A0 | Oversized display and exhibition work | Exhibition graphics, engineering plans, oversized posters, large visual display | This size usually needs more thought around mounting, wall strength and safe hanging. |
A-Size Pixels and Resolution Guide for Printing
When you print an A-size image, the paper size is only half the story. The other half is pixel resolution. A file can be technically “A1 size” on screen, but still look soft in print if the pixel count is too low.
Recommended print resolution at a glance
- 300 ppi is best for prints viewed up close.
- 150 ppi is often acceptable for larger wall pieces seen from a greater distance.
- 72 ppi is included below as a rough web reference only, not as a recommended print setting.
A quick note on orientation and file size
These pixel dimensions are shown in portrait orientation. If you are printing landscape, just swap the width and height. The file size notes below are approximate uncompressed 24-bit RGB equivalents, so actual JPEG, PNG and TIFF files may be smaller or larger depending on compression and format.
| A size | Web reference only 72 ppi |
Good print quality 150 ppi |
Best print quality 300 ppi |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 298 x 420 px (approx. 0.4 MB) |
620 x 874 px (approx. 1.6 MB) |
1240 x 1748 px (approx. 6.2 MB) |
| A5 | 420 x 595 px (approx. 0.7 MB) |
874 x 1240 px (approx. 3.1 MB) |
1748 x 2480 px (approx. 12.4 MB) |
| A4 | 595 x 842 px (approx. 1.4 MB) |
1240 x 1754 px (approx. 6.2 MB) |
2480 x 3508 px (approx. 24.9 MB) |
| A3 | 842 x 1191 px (approx. 2.9 MB) |
1754 x 2480 px (approx. 12.4 MB) |
3508 x 4961 px (approx. 49.8 MB) |
| A2 | 1191 x 1684 px (approx. 5.7 MB) |
2480 x 3508 px (approx. 24.9 MB) |
4961 x 7016 px (approx. 99.6 MB) |
| A1 | 1684 x 2384 px (approx. 11.5 MB) |
3508 x 4967 px (approx. 49.9 MB) |
7016 x 9933 px (approx. 199.4 MB) |
| A0 | 2384 x 3370 px (approx. 23 MB) |
4967 x 7022 px (approx. 99.8 MB) |
9933 x 14043 px (approx. 399.1 MB) |
Quick tip: For web use, think in pixels first. For framing and printing, think in paper size plus ppi. That one small distinction saves a lot of confusion.
Viewing distance and print quality
Large prints are usually viewed from further away, so they can be more forgiving than smaller close-viewed prints. That is one reason an A1 or A0 print may still look good at a lower ppi than an A4 print viewed at arm’s length.
What to Check Before You Order an A-Size Print
Before you hit print, or upload a file to a print lab, there are a few practical checks worth making.
- Check the file resolution: An A4 file may enlarge neatly to A3 or A2 in shape, but that does not mean it has enough pixels for a sharp result.
- Check the intended viewing distance: Small framed prints are seen up close. Large A1 and A0 pieces are usually viewed from further back, so they can be more forgiving.
- Check your printer limits: Many home printers stop at A4 or A3. Larger sizes often require a specialist large-format printer.
- Check whether the design needs bleed: Posters and artwork intended to run right to the edge may need extra trim allowance.
- Check the paper type: Lightweight paper can look fine loose, but it is usually more vulnerable to rippling once framed.
Things to Consider When Framing A-Sized Prints
Framing A-sizes is fairly straightforward when the print and frame match exactly. An A3 print fits an A3 frame. An A2 print fits an A2 frame. Where people get caught out is when they want a border, when the print is slightly smaller than the frame, or when they are trying to fit a standard print into a more decorative frame size.
When a mat board makes sense
That is where a custom cut mat board can help. For example, an A4 print can be displayed inside an A3 frame with a mat board opening cut to suit A4. This gives you a cleaner border, helps with presentation, and keeps the artwork away from the glazing. If you want more general advice on fitting and displaying larger posters neatly, see our guide on how to frame a poster.
Why larger A1 and A0 prints need more care
Larger A1 and A0 prints need extra thought. Unmounted posters and lightweight papers are more vulnerable to cockling, buckling and waviness in a frame over time, especially if there are changes in humidity or poor mounting behind the print.
For larger decorative posters, photographic enlargements and display prints, mounting the print onto a rigid backing such as 5mm self-adhesive foam board is often the most practical way to help keep the sheet flatter inside the frame. If the work is original, signed, sentimental or valuable, it is still worth speaking to a professional framer about more conservative mounting methods.
Safe hanging for larger frames
Hanging also matters once you get into larger frame sizes. As a general rule, any large or heavy frame, especially A1 and A0, is better hung on two wall hooks rather than one. This spreads the load more evenly, keeps the frame level, and reduces strain on the wire and fittings.
You can read more in our guide on how to hang large frames safely with two wall hooks.
A simple rule of thumb for framing A-sizes
- Same-size print, same-size frame if you want a clean full-size look.
- Go up one frame size and add a mat board if you want a border or need to bridge between print sizes.
- Treat A1 and A0 as display pieces and plan for proper backing, careful mounting and safer hanging.
Frequently Asked Questions About A-Paper Sizes and Frames
What size is an A1 frame in cm and inches?
An A1 frame is designed to fit an image measuring 59.4 x 84.1 cm, which is 23.4 x 33.1 inches. Some retailers may round this to 59 x 84 cm, but the exact size is 594 x 841 mm.
Is A1 the same as 24 x 36 inches?
No. They are close in feel, but they are not the same size. A1 is 59.4 x 84.1 cm, while 24 x 36 inches is 61 x 91.4 cm. That difference is enough to matter when printing, buying a frame or ordering a mat board.
What size frame do I need for an A3 print?
If you want an exact fit, you need an A3 frame. If you want to display an A4 print with a border, A3 frames with a mat board cut to A4 are a common option.
Can I put an A4 print in an A3 frame?
Yes, but usually with a mat board. An A4 print is smaller than an A3 frame opening, so a mat board creates a neat visual border and centres the print properly inside the larger frame.
How many pixels do I need for A2 or A1 printing?
As a general guide, an A2 print at 300 ppi needs around 4961 x 7016 pixels. An A1 print at 300 ppi needs around 7016 x 9933 pixels. Lower pixel counts can still work for larger wall art viewed from a greater distance.
Why do large A-size prints go wavy in a frame?
Usually because of moisture movement, lightweight paper and poor mounting support. The larger the sheet, the more obvious those waves can become. For larger decorative prints, posters and photographic enlargements, mounting the print onto a rigid backing such as 5mm self-adhesive foam board is often the most effective way to help reduce waviness and keep the print flatter inside the frame.
B-Paper Sizes Reference Chart
While A-sizes are far more common for everyday printing and framing, B-sizes do appear from time to time, especially in posters, commercial printing and certain imported print formats. If you come across a B-size print or frame, this quick chart will help you compare the dimensions in centimetres, millimetres and inches.
| B size | Exact size (cm) | Exact size (mm) | Exact size (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B0 | 100 x 141.4 cm | 1000 x 1414 mm | 39.4 x 55.7 in |
| B1 | 70.7 x 100 cm | 707 x 1000 mm | 27.8 x 39.4 in |
| B2 | 50 x 70.7 cm | 500 x 707 mm | 19.7 x 27.8 in |
| B3 | 35.3 x 50 cm | 353 x 500 mm | 13.9 x 19.7 in |
| B4 | 25 x 35.3 cm | 250 x 353 mm | 9.8 x 13.9 in |
| B5 | 17.6 x 25 cm | 176 x 250 mm | 6.9 x 9.8 in |
| B6 | 12.5 x 17.6 cm | 125 x 176 mm | 4.9 x 6.9 in |
Helpful note: B-sizes are less common than A-sizes, so they are not always available as ready-made picture frames. If your print is an unusual B-format, you may need to step up to the next standard frame size and use a custom cut mat board for a neat fit.
Choosing the Right A-Size Print and Frame With Less Guesswork
The best A-size is not always the biggest one. It is the one that suits your file, your wall space, your printer, and how you want the finished piece to look once framed.
A practical way to think about it
- A4 and A3 are the most practical everyday choices.
- A2 and A1 are strong options for posters and wall art.
- A0 is more of a statement size, and usually needs more planning around mounting and hanging.
Once you know the exact print size, framing becomes much easier. Start with the print dimensions, compare them against a standard frame size, and use a mat board where needed to tidy up the fit.
If you are ready to display your artwork, browse our full range of photo and picture frames, or explore our photo frame size conversion chart for more common frame size comparisons.
Related Reading: More Helpful Guides for A-Size Prints, Frames and Mat Boards
If you are still working out the best A-size frame, mat board or hanging method, these guides may help:
- Photo Frame Size Conversion Chart – a handy reference for comparing common frame sizes in centimetres and inches.
- Picture Frame Size Calculator – useful for working out the right frame size for your print, artwork or poster.
- What Is a Mat Board? – a simple guide to how mat boards work, and why they are useful when your print size does not match a standard frame exactly.
- Why Art Wrinkles and Buckles in a Frame – helpful if you are framing larger A1 or A0 prints and want to reduce rippling, cockling or waviness over time.
- How to Hang Large Frames Safely with Two Wall Hooks – practical advice for hanging larger and heavier frames more securely on the wall.
- Helpful Poster Size Conversion Chart – useful if you are also comparing A-size prints with common Australian, US or movie poster formats.
- Expert Tips on How to Frame a Poster – practical advice on choosing a frame, using mat boards and fitting larger posters neatly.
