Choosing Large Format Poster Sizes for Events, Retail, and Promotions

Posters have been a go-to for high-quality visuals that promote brands, products, and events. Many posters also double as collectible decoration that elevates any space. While standard poster sizes are familiar to many and easy to display, large-format posters play a different role. These oversized poster options are designed to stand out, catch attention from afar, and clearly communicate promotions in various environments.

If you are looking to create an extra-large poster to cover your event marketing, branding, and information displays, start by choosing the best poster dimensions to get your message across.

Comparing Large Format Poster Sizes

Poster size	Common uses	Advantages
18” x 24”	This poster size is often used for event announcements, indoor promotions, office notices, and wall displays. It’s a visible display that passersby can see quickly and get the information they need.	This size is a good middle ground between standard and large-format posters, making it affordable to print and easy to mount or frame. The size and design are visible at a distance, though people can appreciate its appeal at mid-range viewing distances.
24” x 36”	This size option is a popular choice for movie posters, balancing high-quality visuals with bold, attention-grabbing text The poster is also used as storefront signage, retail promotions, and brand messaging.	The poster size delivers a strong visual presence, supports bold graphics, and readable headlines. While slightly larger than your average poster, this size can still fit most indoor locations, especially areas that require noticeable displays without occupying much wall or window space.
27” x 40”	Concert posters, theater show promotions, exhibitions, and premium live events use this size not just to grab attention but also as event markers. These posters usually highlight the featured acts or event themes with high-quality and detailed visuals.	This oversized poster option strikes a balance between professional appearance and fun visuals, often focusing on attracting people at a glance. Most posters in this size are meant to be seen from a distance; texts are often limited to bold event names and performers, while the focus is on high-quality images, incredible photos, and an organized layout.
36” x 48″	This large format is ideal for trade shows, outdoor advertising, and brand awareness displays. These sizes are perfect for wide promotional spaces where messages remain visible across broad, high-traffic areas.	The poster size provides maximum visibility and maintains readability from any distance. These posters are often exhibited in designated zones with glass frames, so they can be used both indoors and outdoors. Their poster images often display expressive branding and presentation that draw attention in crowded or expansive environments.

Choosing Large Format Posters for Different Campaigns

While large format posters have standard sizes for specific promotions, you can still be flexible and creative with your promotional posters. Choosing alternative sizes can give you unique advantages, such as better layout, higher visibility, or more room to organize your messaging and marketing goals. Consider some of our tips when choosing poster sizes for different campaigns:

For Events and Trade Shows

Choose a mix of large posters for backdrops and visibility, paired with smaller sizes for close-up details.

Larger posters attract attention from a distance, while smaller standard sizes work well nearby, giving interested visitors more precise details without overwhelming the booth or competing with surrounding displays.

For Retail Displays

Large posters grab attention quickly, but mid-sized options often work better indoors, highlighting sales, seasonal promotions, and new products.

Consider poster sizes that maintain visibility without blocking walkways, shelves, or customer flow within the store.

For Outdoor Promotions

Although not ideal for long-term outdoor use, large posters make a strong first impression for short campaigns, especially when displayed in protected frames.

Check outdoor locations with designated areas for poster mounting. The best spaces are along shaded sidewalks or in high-traffic areas near establishments.

For Educational and Informational Posters

Large-format posters suit schools and offices by using bold headers for visibility and a structured layout for details, charts, and visuals.

Most large-sized school posters are used for announcements and school guidelines that are readable in shared spaces.

 

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Large Format Posters Are Worth the Investment

Large-format posters offer strong visibility, clear messaging, and a polished look that helps promotions stand out. They may offer a slightly different use than the standard posters, but they still rely on creative design to remain visually engaging. When paired with the right size, finish, and print quality, these posters can improve brand presence, especially during peak promotional seasons.

Once you have the proper large-format poster dimensions for your campaign, you can start designing your posters, and PrintPlace will turn your designs into premium large-format posters with vibrant colors and finishes that leave a lasting impression.