Poster Paper Size Guide
If you're ordering signage and posters, you might be wondering about what the standard UK paper sizes are. We've created this handy paper size guide to help answer your questions about all the different paper sizes available.
UK paper sizes chart - metric paper sizes - ‘A’ series
| Paper size | Milimetres | Centimetres | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 x 1189 mm | 84.1 x 118.9 cm | 33.1 x 46.8 inches |
| A1 | 594 x 841 mm | 59.4 x 84.1 cm | 23.4 x 33.1 inches |
| A2 | 420 x 594 mm | 42 x 59.4 cm | 16.5 x 23.4 inches |
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm | 29.7 x 42 cm | 11.7 x 16.5 inches |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | 21 x 29.7 cm | 8.3 x 11.7 inches |
| 1/3 A4 | 99 x 210 mm | 9.9 x 21 cm | 1.0 x 1.5 inches |
| A5 | 148.5 x 210 mm | 14.85 x 21 cm | 5.8 x 8.3 inches |
| A6 | 105 x 148.5 mm | 10.5 x 14.85 cm | 4.1 x 5.8 inches |
| A7 | 74 x 105 mm | 7.4 x 10.5 cm | 2.9 x 4.1 inches |
| A8 | 52 x 74 mm | 5.2 x 7.4 cm | 2.0 x 2.9 inches |
| A9 | 37 x 52 mm | 3.7 x 5.2 cm | 1.5 x 2.0 inches |
| A10 | 26 x 37mm | 2.6 x 3.7cm | 1.0 x 1.5 inches |
In A paper sizes, a higher number indicates a smaller size, with A10 being the smallest and A0 being the largest.
An easy way to understand how A-series paper sizing works, is that each size is exactly half the size of the next largest. This means that two A4 sheets fit into an A3 sheet, two A3 sheets fit into an A2 sheet, and so on.
1/3 A4 and DL paper size explained
If you fold a piece of A4 paper into three, this gives you 1/3 A4 (or, one-third A4) size. This is why it's also commonly called trifold size paper, often used for leaflets.
This size is also often referred to as DL size. Confusingly, however, these aren't exactly the same size. DL size is 110mm x 210mm, whereas 1/3 A4 is actually 99mm x 210mm. A key benefit is that 1/3 A4 leaflets and letters will easily fit into DL envelopes.
Imperial paper sizes
There is also a huge range of traditional English paper sizes, known as Imperial. We stock a number of poster holders designed for some of the larger Imperial poster sizes.
| Paper size | Milimetres | Centimetres | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double quad | 1016 x 1524 mm | 101.6 x 152.4 cm | 40 x 60 inches |
| Quad crown | 762 x 1016 mm | 76.2 x 101.6 cm | 30 x 40 inches |
| Double royal | 635 x 1016 mm | 63.5 x 101.6 cm | 25 x 40 inches |
| Double crown | 508 x 762 mm | 50.8 x 76.2 cm | 20 x 30 inches |
Our poster frame sizes are referred to by the size of their paper insert - for example, an A3 frame. In some cases, the size of the frame itself will be larger than the print.
Frames tend to overlap your poster slightly, so be careful to avoid placing anything important in this area. This is why in many of our products we refer to the "visual area".
Standard uses for all the different paper sizes
A10, A9, A8, A7 and A6 are the smallest paper sizes. They're typically used to display product and pricing information, such as on product labels or food display tickets.
The small paper sizes, including A6, 1/3 A4, A5 and A4, are really versatile and suits many uses. They're often used for leaflet displays and countertop signs.
A2, A3 and A4 are the most popular sizes for snap frames. They tend to be used for information posters such as fire safety, cleaning rotas, and certifications.
The largest poster sizes include 40" x 60", A0 and A1. They're popular for pavement signs and large-scale advertising posters such as movie posters.
Do you need bespoke sign printing? Check out our printed and branded products page to see all the items we can add your designs to. Or explore our full product range to see all kinds of poster and leaflet holders, in the paper sizes that you need.
Kira Swales
Kira Swales is a copywriter for UK POS. Kira has nine years' experience in e-commerce and copywriting, with a background in retail. She enjoys researching topics in depth in order to provide readers with the latest information on point of sale merchandising. Read more of her comprehensive guides in our Knowledge Hub.
