Print Size Guide: Standard Print and Poster Sizes in cm and Inches
Looking for a standard print size? Here are the most common print and poster sizes in centimeters and inches, followed by a quick guide to choosing the right one for your wall.
Standard print sizes (A series)
| Size | Centimeters | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 21 × 29.7 cm | 8.3 × 11.7 in |
| A3 | 29.7 × 42 cm | 11.7 × 16.5 in |
| A2 | 42 × 59.4 cm | 16.5 × 23.4 in |
| A1 | 59.4 × 84.1 cm | 23.4 × 33.1 in |
| A0 | 84.1 × 118.9 cm | 33.1 × 46.8 in |
Each A size is exactly half the one above it, so they all share the same shape. A design that looks right at A4 looks the same at A0.
Common poster and frame sizes
| Metric size | Inches | Closest US size |
|---|---|---|
| 30 × 40 cm | 11.8 × 15.7 in | 12 × 16 in |
| 40 × 50 cm | 15.7 × 19.7 in | 16 × 20 in |
| 50 × 70 cm | 19.7 × 27.6 in | 20 × 28 in |
| 60 × 90 cm | 23.6 × 35.4 in | 24 × 36 in |
| 70 × 100 cm | 27.6 × 39.4 in | 28 × 40 in |
In the US, the most common ready-made frame sizes are 8 × 10, 11 × 14, 16 × 20, 18 × 24 and 24 × 36 inches.
At The Hue Map, our world map wall art and city map prints are printed in A-series sizes from A4 up to A0, framed or unframed. Our custom map prints come in sizes from A4 up to 70 × 100 cm.
Which size for which wall?
A simple rule: a print should span about two-thirds of the width of the furniture below it, with its center at eye level, roughly 145 cm (57 in) from the floor.
| Where | Size that works | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Above a sofa | 70 × 100 cm or A0, landscape | A large wall needs one confident piece |
| Above a bed | 60 × 90 cm or 70 × 100 cm, landscape | Wide enough to balance the headboard |
| Over a desk | A3 or A2 | Readable up close without crowding the space |
| Hallway or narrow wall | A3 or A2, portrait | Tall shapes suit tight spaces |
| Gallery wall | A mix of A4 and A3 | Small sizes are easy to arrange in groups |
| Nursery or kids' room | A3 or A2 | Big enough to see detail from across the room |
A quick word on shape
Size is only half the story; shape matters when you buy a frame. A-series prints have a ratio of about 1:1.41. Other common shapes are 2:3 (such as 24 × 36 in), 3:4 (30 × 40 cm) and 4:5 (40 × 50 cm, 16 × 20 in). A print only fits a frame with the same shape, so check both before you buy.