Poster size calculator
Get the size right
Poster Size Guide and Frame Calculator
This poster size guide takes the guesswork out of buying wall art, telling you the right print size for your wall, the framed size once you add a mat and frame, how far back to hang it, and the height to fix it at.
Recommended print size
- Best viewing distance
- Hang the centre at145 cm from the floor
- Frame style that suits it
See the framed size
Add a mat border and frame to see the true size it takes up on the wall.
Mat border is the flat band of card between your print and the frame. It gives the art room to breathe and makes a piece feel more gallery than poster.
Framed size is the full outer measurement once the mat and frame are added. It is what actually needs to fit your wall, so it is the number to plan around.
How the calculator works
Framed width = print width + (2 × mat border) + (2 × frame width)
Framed height = print height + (2 × mat border) + (2 × frame width)
Viewing distance ≈ 1.5 × the print's diagonal, so bigger art wants a bit more room to step back.
For the size itself, we match about two thirds to three quarters of your wall or furniture width, then round to the nearest size we print.
Common poster sizes at a glance
| Name | Centimetres | Inches | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3 | 30 x 42 | 12 x 17 | Desks, gallery walls |
| 12 x 16 in | 30 x 41 | 12 x 16 | Desks, small walls |
| A2 | 42 x 59 | 17 x 23 | Hallways, bedrooms |
| 18 x 24 in | 46 x 61 | 18 x 24 | Above a console or bed |
| A1 | 59 x 84 | 23 x 33 | Feature walls, statement art |
| 24 x 36 in | 61 x 91 | 24 x 36 | Large sofas, big rooms |
| A0 | 84 x 119 | 33 x 47 | Oversized statement walls |
Poster size questions, answered
What size poster should I hang above a sofa?
Aim for art that spans about two thirds of the sofa width. For most three seat sofas that means a single 24 x 36 in or A1 print, or a pair of 18 x 24 in prints side by side.
How wide should the mat border be?
A border of 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) looks balanced on most prints. Go wider for a calm, gallery feel, and keep it even on all four sides.
How high should I hang a poster?
Centre the print about 145 cm from the floor, which puts it at eye level for most people. Above a sofa, drop it so the bottom sits around 20 cm above the cushions.
What are the standard poster sizes?
The common ones are the A series (A3, A2, A1, A0) and the inch sizes 12 x 16, 18 x 24, and 24 x 36. All of these are in the table above with their measurements.