A Sizes for Posters, Paper and Print | Guide to Paper Sizing
A Guide To Paper Sizing
A Sizes For Posters, Paper & Print
‘A’ sizes are commonly used across the globe and in 99% of our own printing. Here we will talk you through the dimensions, pixel size for the best print for posters, and dapple into other sizes we commonly use.
You can also dive straight into our Printed Poster range, with posters from 1/3rd A4 all the way up to 40" x 60" posters available, as well as custom sizing if required.
How does paper sizing work?
Put simply, the aspect ratio for A sizes is that two of one size will equate to one of the next size up.
- 2 x A4 (Portrait) = A3
- 2 x A3 (Portrait) = A2
- And so on…
The larger the size of the paper, the smaller the number - A10 is the smallest and A0 size is the largest.
‘A’ sizes are commonly used across the globe and in 99% of our own printing. Here we will talk you through the dimensions, pixel size for the best print for posters, and dapple into other sizes we commonly use.
We have several state-of-the-art printers in-house all equipped to print in various formats, sizes, on multiple material types and in different inks, and offer the full range of printed posters for any upcoming marketing material, promotions or brand awareness goals, or even if you're looking to get an art piece on display in your home or office.
‘A’ sizes are by far the most popular print size for posters and graphics, we also offer the following in standard dimensions, which we have detailed further down:
- 20 x 30in
- 30 x 40in
- 40 x 60in
The ISO paper sizes are widely used in the printing industry. Below we've compiled a size chart graphic to visually show the difference between the A-sizes. Whilst many large format printers work in rolls as well as ISO paper sizes, they are still widely used when discussing posters, small signage, pavement signs and billboards.
Looking for a size not listed here?
|
A Paper Size |
Metric Measurements |
Imperial Measurements |
High Res Pixels |
Low Res Pixels |
Downloadable Infographic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 x 1189mm | 33.11 x 46.81" | 9933 x 14043px | 2384 x 3370px | A0 Paper Size Information |
| A1 | 594 x 841mm | 23.39 x 33.11" | 7016 x 9933px | 1684 x 2384px | A1 Paper Size Information |
| A2 | 420 x 594mm | 16.54 x 23.39" | 4961 x 7016px | 1191 x 1648px | A2 Paper Size Information |
| A3 | 297 x 420mm | 11.69 x 16.54" | 3508 x 4961px | 842 x 1191px | A3 Paper Size Information |
| A4 | 210 x 297mm | 8.27 x 11.69" | 2480 x 3508px | 595 x 842px | A4 Paper Size Information |
| A5 | 148 x 210mm | 5.83 x 8.27" | 1748 x 2480px | 420 x 595px | A5 Paper Size Information |
| A6 | 105 x 148mm | 4.13 x 5.83" | 1240 x 1748px | 298 x 420px | A6 Paper Size Information |
| A7 | 74 x 105mm | 2.91 x 4.13" | 874 x 1240px | 210 x 298px | A7 Paper Size Information |
| A8 | 52 x 74mm | 2 x 2.9" | 614 x 874px | 147 x 210px | |
| A9 | 37 x 52mm | 1.5 x 2" | 437 x 614px | 105 x 147px | |
| A10 | 26 x 37mm | 1 x 1.5" | 307 x 437px | 74 x 105px |
Throughout our site, especially in our Notice Boards, Poster Cases and A-Board Pavement Signs, the display size will be given in either A4, A3, A2, A1 and A0. The frame of the product (if applicable) will then need to be added to the dimensions of the paper to give the overall size. We include this for you on the product page, so you can clearly see the paper size you need for print, and the display size of the product so you can choose the one best suited to your available space.
'A' Paper Sizes Infographics
Kindly made available by GDE (Graphic Design Employment), you can download the full sizing infographic here in PDF format.
Alternatively if you need the individual sizes, click on each image below and it will open in a new tab as a downloadable PDF.
A0 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
This is the biggest format of all. Its large size means big messaging potential as well as large displays that can be seen from a much further distance.
Common Uses
- Posters
- Technical Drawings
- Blue Prints
- Flip-Charts
A1 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
A1, which is also pretty large, is used for technical drawing too, as well as for maps, posters and other large-format advertising materials.
Common Uses
- Posters
- Maps
- Technical Drawings
- Large Format Displays
A2 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
Applications for the A2 format are varied: from drawing to printing photos; from posters to charts; from large wall calendars to flipcharts.
Common Uses
- Drawing
- Posters
- Photography Prints
- Large Wall Calendars
- Large Format Displays
A3 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
Along with A4, this is undoubtedly one of the most common sizes. It’s, therefore, no surprise that most office printers can take A3 as well as A4. So, what’s it used for?
Common Uses
- Drawings
- Artwork
- Posters
- Photos
- Magazines
- Musical Scores
- Certificates
- Promotional Leaflets (folded 6 ways)
- Maps
- Diagrams / Learning Material
A4 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
- Everyone, even the uninitiated, knows that A4 is the classic paper size for printers and as such, it is used for standard documents from letters to forms.
Common Uses- Notepads
- Books
- Illustrations
- Magazines
- Artwork
- Posters
- Photos
- Classic Leaflet (folded in 3)
- Certificates
- Diagrams / Learning Material
A5 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
The A5 format is also widely used. We started this article by saying that there would likely be an A5 notepad on your desk.
Common Uses
- Notepads
- Book Printing
- Leaflets
- Flyers
- Promo Material
- In-Store POS Displays
A6 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
You’re bound to be familiar with this format too, especially if you’re still in the habit of sending postcards from holiday destinations or accompanying gifts with a greetings card.
Common Uses
- Postcards
- Promotional Offers
- In-Store Sales
- Leaflets
- Flyers
- Diaries
- In-Store POS Displays
A7 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
Given its compact dimensions, A7 can be used to create, for example, a mini-calendar with the timetable for classes at a gym or school, as well as flyers or greetings cards.
Common Uses
- Timetables for Gyms and Schools
- Flyers
- Greeting Cards
- In-Store POS Displays
A8 PAPER SIZE & POPULAR USES
To give you an idea of the A8 format, just look inside your wallet: business cards and loyalty cards are usually in a similar but slightly larger format (85 x 55 mm). So, there’s nothing to stop you from using this standard format for business cards, mini greetings cards, stickers or labels.
Common Uses
- Business Cards
- Loyalty Cards
- Club Cards
- Stickers
- Labels
- POS and Shelf Labels
20x30" Double Crown or 1 Sheet
An unusual and eye-catching size for your next printing project, the 20"x30" cut is traditionally used for advertisements and artwork.
Common Uses
- Theatrical Show Posters
- Event Posters
- Fly Posters
- Wall Menus
30x40" Quad Crown or 2 Sheet
Supersize your photography shots, or a brilliant imperial measurement for large-format poster printing.
Common Uses
- Theatrical Show Posters
- Photography Printing
- Event Posters
- Fly Posters
40x60" Double Quad or 4 Sheet
The 4 sheet print rivals that of the A0, and is another popular print size in the theatres and events sector.
Common Uses
- Theatrical Show Posters
- Large Format Photography Printing
- Small Movie Posters
- Event Posters
- Fly Posters
Looking for a size not listed here?
|
Paper Size |
Metric Measurements |
Imperial Measurements |
High Res Pixels |
Low Res Pixels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double Crown / 1 Sheet | 508 x 762mm | 20 x 30" | 6000 x 9000px | 1800 x 2700px |
| Quad Crown / 2 Sheet | 762 x 1016mm | 30 x 40" | 9000 x 12000px | 2700 x 3600px |
| Double Quad / 4 Sheet | 1016 x 1524mm | 40 x 60" | 12000 x 18000px | 3600 x 5400px |
Throughout our site, especially in our Poster Printing, Poster Cases and Pavement Signs section, the display size will be given in either A Sizes as mentioned above, and sometimes our Imperial sizes here. The frame or surround of the product (if applicable) will then need to be added to the dimensions of the paper or print material to give the overall size. We include this for you on the product page, so you can clearly see the display area + any frame so you can choose the one best suited to your available space.
'A' Paper Sizes in Pixels: Low & High Resolutions Explained
We use computers for all the purposes around us, especially now in the fields of Graphic Design, Photography and Website Design. Knowing your paper size dimensions is one thing, but it is even more critical for us to understand how those paper sizes link up today in our world of computers in pixel size, for the best quality visual effect and print.
Low Resolution (@72dpi-90dpi)
Low Resolutions compromise of resolutions that are below 300 PPI but above 72 PPI. These devices are generally old devices when technology wasn’t this far or smaller devices like low-resolution mobile screens or low-resolution projectors, etc.
High Resolution (@300dpi)
High Resolutions are the ones that have a large number of Pixels Per Inch i.e. a whopping 1440 PPI to 2880 PPI. Such sizes and resolutions can theoretically either be seen on a very minute or small screen; with a whopping 4K panel or on largest screens with 16K or higher panels.
Print vs Digital
When sending a graphic to print, it is recommended to use a resolution of 300dpi, but depending on the quality of the image and the size you’re printing to, you can often get away with using a lower dpi. An A3 photographic image may look fine with a resolution of 150dpi.
When it comes to digital, people are often under the impression that the resolution should be set to 72dpi, but this is only a legacy value and it is image dimensions that are more important, because you are fitting a grid of pixels (your image) into a grid of pixels (the screen). A 500px x 500px image will always be 500px x 500px, no matter what the pixel density is.
Need help with your pixel resolution?
We have a dedicated in-house Graphic Design Team on hand to assist you. You can view their area of the website in the Design Tab above, or contact them with this handy form.
Your artwork and design should be sent to us in PDF format if possible. Ensure all critical information is within a 50mm bleed around the outside of the template of the product you are looking to purchase. We are able to assist with your Graphic Design, from concept to creation if you wish! We can also help in small area of design like laying up your artwork for print, resolution, stock imagery and more.
For further information, please read our Artwork Preparation guide or call our artwork studio on 01297 630130.
Looking for Printed Posters?
Posted by Samantha on February 15th 2022
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