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Top Large Format Poster Sizes & How to Use Them Effectively

Written by UPrinting - Updated on April 14, 2025

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Whether you’re promoting a sale, adding visual flair to a workspace, or directing guests at an event, choosing the right poster size is key. The size you pick influences how easily your message can be read from afar and where the poster can be placed. Here’s a quick overview of popular large-format poster sizes and where they work best:

Large Format Poster Sizes Application Where to Place
24″ x 36″ Retail Advertising Storefront windows, mall displays, and promotional sales posters.
Event Promotion Concerts, festivals, conventions, and grand openings.
Corporate Signage Internal company messaging, safety posters, and motivational displays.
Outdoor Advertising Billboards, bus stop advertisements, and citywide promotional campaigns.
Trade Shows & Exhibitions Informational graphics, product showcases, and brand awareness materials.
Educational Displays Maps, infographics, and research presentations.
18″ x 24″ Real Estate Signage Property listings and open house announcements.
Political Campaigns Yard signs, street posters, and campaign promotions.
Point-of-Purchase (POP) Displays Small business promotions, limited time offers, menus, and product launches.
Community Events School fairs, fundraisers, and charity events.
Public Notices City announcements, legal postings, and safety warnings.
27″ x 40″ Theater Promotions Official posters for upcoming films, recitals, or theatre productions.
Collectors’ Items Movie memorabilia, poster prints, and limited-edition artwork.
Transit Advertising Posters at bus stops, subway stations, and transit shelters.
22″ x 28″ Cultural & Art Displays Art galleries, museums, promotional posters, and themed exhibitions.
Retail Store Displays Seasonal promotions, in-store sales, and new arrivals.
Menu Boards Fast-food chains and restaurant promotional offers.
Directional Signage Trade show navigation, building directories, and parking guidance.
Health & Safety Posters Hospitals, public buildings, and workplaces.
11″ x 17″ Small Business Advertising Coffee shops, local stores, and event flyers.
Concert & Band Posters Promotional materials for music events and performances.
Classroom & Educational Posters School projects, lesson visuals, and motivational posters.
Cafés & Restaurants Menu, seasonal specials, daily deals, and local advertisements.
Workplace Notices Employee guidelines, HR announcements, directional signages, and safety reminders.

Benefits of Large Format Posters

If you’re considering printing a large format poster, here are a few reasons why they’re a smart investment:

  • ⤷  High Visibility – Large posters naturally draw attention, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like storefronts, trade shows, and public spaces.
  • ⤷  Customizable – You can choose from different sizes, finishes, and materials to fit your specific message, branding, and environment.
  • ⤷  Durable Options Available – Sturdy materials like photo paper, 20 mil styrene, and 24 pt. cardstock offer excellent durability and a professional feel, whether you’re displaying posters indoors or handling them frequently.
  • ⤷  Professional & Eye-Catching – High-resolution printing Sturdy materials like photo paper, 20 mil styrene, and 24 pt. cardstock offer excellent durability and a professional feel, whether you’re displaying posters indoors or handling them frequently.
  • ⤷  Versatile Application – Use them for advertising promotions, showcasing new products, providing event information, decorating interiors, or even displaying educational content.
  • ⤷  Cost-Effective Marketing – Compared to other advertising methods, posters offer a one-time cost for a long-lasting impact—especially when placed in strategic, high-visibility locations.
  • ⤷  Quick Turnaround – Many printing services offer fast production times, allowing you to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
  • ⤷  Reusable – With proper storage and handling, many large-format posters can be used multiple times for recurring events or seasonal promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most popular poster size?
A: The 24″ x 36″ size is most commonly used for retail, promotions, and events. It offers excellent visibility while still being manageable in size.
Q: Can large format posters be used outdoors?
A: Yes, but it depends on the material. If you’re planning to display your poster outdoors, 20 mil styrene is a great option. Its waterproof nature makes it suitable for temporary outdoor use, especially in covered or mildly exposed areas. However, photo paper and 24 pt. cardstock are best suited for indoor use, as they’re not weather-resistant and may be damaged by moisture or prolonged sun exposure.
Q: What’s the best resolution for printing large-format posters?
A: For high-quality results, make sure to use high resolution images. We recommend that your file is at least 300 dpi at full print size. Lower resolutions may appear pixelated when printed.
Q: Can I order custom-sized posters?
A: Absolutely! While standard sizes like 18″ x 24″ and 24″ x 36″ are popular, we offer custom dimensions to fit your specific needs.
Q: How should I store and transport large posters?
A: To avoid creases and damage, roll your posters and store them in a poster tube. Avoid folding them, as this can leave permanent marks.

Large-format posters are a simple yet powerful way to communicate messages, promote events, and enhance branding. Choosing the right size, material, and design will ensure your posters make a lasting impact.


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