Poster Size Calculator
How It Works
Choosing the right poster size ensures your message is readable and impactful from the intended viewing distance. The general rule is that poster height should be at least 5% of the maximum viewing distance for images and 7% for detailed text.
For hallway displays viewed from 5-10 feet, 18x24 or 24x36 posters work well. For trade show booths viewed from 10-20 feet, 36x48 or larger is recommended. For outdoor signage viewed from 20+ feet, consider 48x72 inch or banner-sized displays.
Font size matters too — the minimum readable font size is approximately 1 inch of letter height per 25 feet of viewing distance. This calculator recommends appropriate font sizes for your specific distance to ensure readability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common poster size?
The most popular poster sizes are 18x24 inches (small), 24x36 inches (medium/movie poster), and 27x40 inches (one-sheet). For academic posters, 36x48 or 48x36 inches is standard.
What font size should I use on a poster?
As a rule of thumb, use 1 inch of letter height per 25 feet of viewing distance for body text. Titles should be 2-3 times larger. For a poster viewed from 10 feet, use at least 28-36pt body text.
Portrait or landscape — which is better?
Portrait orientation works best for narrow spaces, retail displays, and content with vertical flow. Landscape is ideal for wide spaces, presentations, and content with charts or wide images.
What resolution do I need for poster printing?
For posters viewed up close, 300 DPI is ideal. For posters viewed from 3+ feet, 150 DPI is acceptable. For large banners viewed from a distance, 72-100 DPI may suffice.