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A quick guide to common poster sizes
Poster sizes are not always as standard as people expect. In Australia, many posters follow A-sizes such as A4, A3, A2 and A1. But once you move into imported prints, movie posters and older collectibles, the sizing can change quite a bit.
That is usually where framing gets tricky. This guide covers the most common poster sizes in Australia, how they compare with US formats, and what to check before buying a frame.
If you are ready to frame something now, you can browse our full range of photo frames and picture frames for standard and display-friendly sizes.
What is the most common standard poster size in Australia?
If you want the short answer first, A2 and A1 are among the most common and practical poster sizes in Australia for home display. They are large enough to make an impact, but still manageable for framing.
For general printing and display, Australia mainly uses the ISO A-series paper system. These are the sizes most Australians will recognise from office printing, wall art prints, school posters and retail display material.
Standard poster sizes in Australia
| Poster Size | Size in mm | Exact Size in cm | Size in Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | 21 x 29.7 cm | 8.3 x 11.7 in |
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm | 29.7 x 42 cm | 11.7 x 16.5 in |
| A2 | 420 x 594 mm | 42 x 59.4 cm | 16.5 x 23.4 in |
| A1 | 594 x 841 mm | 59.4 x 84.1 cm | 23.4 x 33.1 in |
| A0 | 841 x 1189 mm | 84.1 x 118.9 cm | 33.1 x 46.8 in |
Other poster and frame sizes commonly seen in Australia
Alongside A-sizes, there are two other formats worth knowing.
50 x 70 cm is a common ready-made frame size in Australia. You will often see it used for decorative posters, art prints and Scandinavian-style wall art.
70.7 x 100 cm, also known as B1, is a recognised international size. It does exist in the Australian market, but it is generally harder to find than 50 x 70 cm as a standard off-the-shelf frame size.
| Size Reference | Exact Size in cm | Size in Inches |
|---|---|---|
| 50 x 70 cm | 50 x 70 cm | 19.7 x 27.6 in |
| B1 | 70.7 x 100 cm | 27.8 x 39.4 in |
When each Australian poster size is commonly used
A4 posters work well for small prints, notices, bedrooms, study nooks and compact wall styling.
A3 posters are a popular step up. They are common for music prints, small event posters and framed art in tighter spaces.
A2 posters are one of the most versatile choices for home display. They suit hallways, home offices and gallery walls.
A1 posters are where a poster starts to become a real focal point. They work well above furniture and in open wall spaces.
A0 posters are large-format statement pieces. They suit oversized walls, retail settings, exhibitions and dramatic interior styling.
If you also need help matching a print to a frame size, our photo frame size conversion chart can help cross-check common dimensions.
Common US poster sizes
A lot of posters sold online in Australia are imported from the US, especially film posters, music prints and pop-culture artwork. That is why it helps to know the most common American poster sizes too.
| Poster Size | Exact Size in cm | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 11 x 17 in | 27.9 x 43.2 cm | Small promo posters, music posters, indoor noticeboards |
| 13 x 19 in | 33 x 48.3 cm | Art prints, photographic posters, small display work |
| 16 x 24 in | 40.6 x 61 cm | Decorative posters and art prints |
| 18 x 24 in | 45.7 x 61 cm | Band posters, event posters, wall art |
| 20 x 24 in | 50.8 x 61 cm | Art posters and display prints |
| 24 x 36 in | 61 x 91.4 cm | Large-format posters, promo posters, wall art |
| 27 x 40 in | 68.6 x 101.6 cm | Standard modern movie poster size |
| 27 x 41 in | 68.6 x 104.1 cm | Older US movie poster size |
Why US poster sizes matter when framing in Australia
This is where people often get caught. A poster listed online might say “standard size”, but standard in the US is not always standard in Australia. A 24 x 36 inch poster, for example, is not the same as A1. It is similar in feel, but the dimensions are different enough that an A1 frame will not fit properly.
The same thing happens with movie posters. As a practical rule, pre-1985 one-sheets were often 27 x 41 inches, while post-1985 one-sheets are usually 27 x 40 inches. Because the change happened around the mid-1980s, there can be some overlap in transitional years. That one-inch difference is enough to matter when framing, so it is always worth measuring the actual poster before you buy a frame.
Common Australian movie poster sizes
Australia has its own movie poster history, and some formats changed size over time. That is especially true for Daybills and One Sheets, so the dimensions below are best treated as format guides by era.
| Poster Format | Size in Inches | Exact Size in cm |
|---|---|---|
| Lobby Card | 11 x 14 in | 27.9 x 35.6 cm |
| Daybill (1920s to early 1940s) | 15 x 40 in | 38.1 x 101.6 cm |
| Daybill (post-war to 1980s) | 13 x 30 in | 33 x 76.2 cm |
| Mini-Daybill (late 1980s onward) | 13 x 26 in | 33 x 66 cm |
| One Sheet (pre-1985) | 27 x 41 in | 68.6 x 104.1 cm |
| One Sheet (post-1985) | 27 x 40 in | 68.6 x 101.6 cm |
| Three Sheet | 41 x 81 in | 104.1 x 205.7 cm |
A note on Australian daybills
Australian daybills are a category of their own. Older daybills were tall and narrow, but the exact size changed over time. Earlier examples were around 15 x 40 inches, later many were closer to 13 x 30 inches, and mini-daybills later dropped to around 13 x 26 inches.
That means “daybill” describes a format family more than one single exact size. If you are framing an original daybill, do not rely on the label alone. Measure the actual poster first.
Common US movie poster sizes
If you collect film posters, US movie poster language comes up constantly. Here are the formats you are most likely to encounter.
| Poster Format | Size in Inches | Exact Size in cm |
|---|---|---|
| Lobby Card | 11 x 14 in | 27.9 x 35.6 cm |
| Half Sheet | 22 x 28 in | 55.9 x 71.1 cm |
| Insert | 14 x 36 in | 35.6 x 91.4 cm |
| One Sheet (pre-1985) | 27 x 41 in | 68.6 x 104.1 cm |
| One Sheet (post-1985) | 27 x 40 in | 68.6 x 101.6 cm |
| Three Sheet | 41 x 81 in | 104.1 x 205.7 cm |
| Bus Stop / Subway | 40 x 60 in | 101.6 x 152.4 cm |
For most people, the key one to know is the one-sheet. It is the classic movie poster size and still the most common format for modern cinema posters.
Common concert and band poster sizes
Concert and band posters usually come in a simpler range. In Australia, many local gig posters and promo prints follow A-sizes. Imported music posters often follow US sizes.
Common Australian concert poster sizes
| Poster Size | Exact Size in cm | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 21 x 29.7 cm | Small venue posters, promo sheets, counter displays |
| A3 | 29.7 x 42 cm | Common for local gigs and venue noticeboards |
| A2 | 42 x 59.4 cm | Mid-size promo posters and framed wall display |
| A1 | 59.4 x 84.1 cm | Large event posters and statement wall display |
Common US concert poster sizes
| Poster Size | Exact Size in cm | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 11 x 17 in | 27.9 x 43.2 cm | Bulletin and indoor promo posters |
| 18 x 24 in | 45.7 x 61 cm | Classic band poster size |
| 24 x 36 in | 61 x 91.4 cm | Large-format gig and tour posters |
| 27 x 40 in | 68.6 x 101.6 cm | One-sheet, sometimes used for major music promotions |
If the poster is for home display rather than public promotion, the best size is usually the one that suits the wall and the frame options available to you.
Poster size vs frame size: what catches people out?
Choosing a frame for a poster sounds simple, until you realise there are a few traps.
1. “Standard size” does not always mean the same thing
Australian A-sizes, US inch sizes, and vintage movie poster formats all use different systems. Two posters can look similar in a product photo and still require completely different frames.
2. Movie posters are especially inconsistent
Vintage posters were often folded, trimmed, or printed with small studio variations. Older one-sheets can be 27 x 41 inches, not 27 x 40 inches. Daybills changed size across different decades.
3. The listed size may not be the exact sheet size
Some reproductions are trimmed slightly. Some art prints include a white border. Some posters are described by image size rather than paper size. Always check whether the dimensions refer to the full paper or the printed artwork area.
4. A mat board can make framing easier
If your poster does not match a ready-made frame exactly, a custom mat board can help bridge the difference neatly while improving presentation at the same time. It can also keep the poster from pressing directly against the glazing.
That is especially useful for imported poster sizes. For example, an 11 x 17 inch poster can work inside a common 16 x 20 inch frame with a custom opening, and an 18 x 24 inch poster can often be adapted into an A1 frame with a well-sized mat. You can see our custom cut-to-size mat board options here.
You can also read our guide on how to frame a poster for practical display advice.
How to measure a poster properly before buying a frame
Before ordering any frame, take a tape measure or steel ruler and check the actual paper size.
- Measure the full height and width of the poster, not just the printed image.
- Measure carefully in centimetres or millimetres and note the exact size.
- Check whether the poster has borders.
- If it is vintage, allow for slight variation.
- If it has been rolled for a long time, flatten it before final framing.
For help with that last step, see our guide on how to flatten a rolled print or poster for framing.
Which poster sizes are easiest to frame?
From a practical point of view, these are usually the easiest poster sizes to frame in Australia:
- A4, A3, A2 and A1 for Australian posters and prints
- 50 x 70 cm for decorative posters and wall art
- 24 x 36 inches because it is a widely recognised poster frame size
Some imported sizes can also be framed neatly with the help of a cut-to-size mat board. For example, 11 x 17 inches can often be adapted into a common 16 x 20 inch frame, and 18 x 24 inches can often be adapted into an A1 frame.
The hardest sizes are usually vintage or less-common formats such as old daybills, inserts, half sheets, trimmed posters, or 27 x 40 inch one-sheets, which will usually need a custom-made frame in Australia.
If you are working out the best visual size for a room, our wall art size guide is another helpful starting point.
Frequently asked questions about poster sizes
What is the most common poster size in Australia?
For general printing and display, A2 and A1 are among the most common poster sizes in Australia. Many posters also follow the broader ISO A-series system from A4 up to A0.
Is A1 the same as 24 x 36 inches?
No. They are similar 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.
Is 50 x 70 cm a standard poster size in Australia?
Yes. 50 x 70 cm is a ready-made frame size in Australia and is used for some decorative posters and art prints.
What size is B1?
B1 is 70.7 x 100 cm. It is a recognised standard size, but it is usually harder to find than 50 x 70 cm as a ready-made frame in Australia.
What size is a standard movie poster?
The most common modern movie poster size is 27 x 40 inches (68.6 x 101.6 cm). Older movie posters are often 27 x 41 inches (68.6 x 104 cm), and Australian daybills use different dimensions again.
What size frame do I need for a poster?
You need a frame that matches the actual measured size of your poster. Do not assume a poster will match a frame just because it is described as standard.
Are concert posters a standard size?
Some are, but not all. In Australia, many concert posters use A-sizes such as A3 and A2. In the US, common music poster sizes include 11 x 17, 18 x 24 and 24 x 36 inches.
Can I frame an odd-sized poster?
Yes. A cut-to-size mat board or made-to-measure frame can make an odd-sized poster much easier to display neatly.
The right frame starts with the right poster size
Poster sizes seem straightforward at first, but once you compare Australian, US, movie and concert formats, it is easy to see why so many people end up with the wrong frame.
The good news is that a little measuring goes a long way. If you know the real dimensions of your poster, you can make better decisions about framing, placement and presentation from the start.
If you are ready to display your print properly, explore our range of poster-friendly photo frames and picture frames and give your poster the finish it deserves.
Related Reading: More Helpful Guides for Posters, Frames and Wall Art
If you are still working out the best poster size, frame size or display method, these guides may help:
- Photo Frame Size Conversion Chart – a helpful reference for comparing common frame sizes in centimetres and inches.
- Expert Tips on How to Frame a Poster – practical advice for choosing, fitting and displaying poster frames.
- How to Flatten a Rolled Print or Poster for Framing – useful if your poster has been shipped in a tube or stored rolled up.
- Wall Art Size Guide and Standard Dimensions for Every Room – a practical guide to choosing wall art sizes that suit different rooms.
