Poster Sizes: A0 to A5 in mm, cm and Inches

Millimetres are the standard unit for print, so every size is given in mm first, then converted to centimetres and inches. Width comes first, then height.

• A0: 841 × 1189mm (84.1 × 118.9cm, or 33.1 × 46.8 inches). The largest standard size, for big window displays and event backdrops.
• A1: 594 × 841mm (59.4 × 84.1cm, or 23.4 × 33.1 inches). A large window poster, or a full-size poster for a pavement board.
• A2: 420 × 594mm (42.0 × 59.4cm, or 16.5 × 23.4 inches). A strong all-rounder for windows, walls and A-board frames.
• A3: 297 × 420mm (29.7 × 42.0cm, or 11.7 × 16.5 inches). Good for point of sale, notice boards and smaller windows.
• A4: 210 × 297mm (21.0 × 29.7cm, or 8.3 × 11.7 inches). The size of standard office paper, for counters, notice boards and close-up reading.
• A5: 148 × 210mm (14.8 × 21.0cm, or 5.8 × 8.3 inches). The smallest standard size we list, for tight spaces and short messages.

Inches are rounded to one decimal place, so use the millimetre figures when you set up artwork.

The A series starts with A0, a sheet with an area of 1 square metre. Cut A0 in half across its longer side and you get two A1 sheets. Cut an A1 in half and you get two A2 sheets, and so on down the range. A6, at 105 × 148mm, is the next size down.

Every size keeps the same proportions, a ratio of 1 to the square root of 2 (about 1 to 1.414). That is why a design made for A3 can be scaled up to A1 or down to A4 without being stretched or re-cropped. It also means 2 sheets of any size sit side by side to make the next size up, and 16 A4 sheets make one A0.

• Windows: A1 and A0 read clearly from across the pavement, while A2 and A3 suit smaller panes and shorter distances. Shop windows are where posters earn their keep, so measure the glass first. Our retail signage page has more ideas.
• Counters and point of sale: A4 and A3 are easy to read at arm's length. For a freestanding display, put a poster in a double-sided acrylic poster holder, which takes sizes from A5 to A1.
• A-board frames: pavement A-boards take A2, A1 and A0 posters, as well as 20 × 30 inch (508 × 762mm). Our guide to A-board sizes shows how to pick between them.
• Events: A1 and A0 stand out in busy venues, and a run of A3 or A4 posters works well for directions and notices. See our event signage page.

The further away people are when they first see the poster, the bigger it should be and the fewer words it should carry.

These are today's starting prices for each size, including VAT, at standard production:

• A5: from £12.00
• A4: from £12.00
• A3: from £16.50
• A2: from £22.00
• A1: from £32.50
• A0: from £43.50

The calculator on the poster page shows your exact price as you choose the size and material, and these figures come from the same calculator. The full list is on our poster prices page. Posters take 2 working days to make once you approve your proof, then delivery.

Each size comes in two options in the poster calculator. The paper option is blueback poster paper, made for indoor posters. The calculator shows the price of each option at your size, so you can compare them before you order.

Supply your artwork at the size you are ordering, in proportion to the A series, with 3mm of bleed on every edge and text kept at least 5mm in from the edge. If you scale artwork between sizes, keep the A proportions so nothing is cropped or stretched.

Big headlines and strong contrast read best from a distance. Our guide to preparing artwork for print covers file types and setup, and every file is checked by a real person before printing.