custom magnets
Marketing

Standard Magnet Sizes: Which Fits Your Campaign?

Promotional magnets come in different types and elevate promotions and client connections. You can also customize each type using the standard magnet sizes.

  • Magnets are unique marketing materials that connect brands with clients and customers.
  • They also come in standard types and sizes, each having their unique uses and audiences.
  • Let PrintPlace help you choose the right promotional magnets for your marketing campaigns.

Promotional magnets may be a niche marketing tool compared to flyers or brochures, but they have a unique charm that literally sticks with any promotion or branding. When designed well, they’re easy to use, surprisingly collectible, and can last long after your campaign ends.

Printing your logos, signature designs, and promotional info on custom magnets for cars, refrigerators, and other surfaces can be a great way to boost brand visibility. It also helps to know the different types and sizes available, and which work best for each. Discover PrintPlace’s guide to standard magnet sizes and learn how to maximize each type for your needs.

Different Promotions Require Different Types of Magnets

1. Refrigerator Magnets

When you hear about marketing magnets, the first thing many people think about are the unique and creative refrigerator magnets that brands give to people as trade show gifts or promotional inserts.

These usually go on the fridge doors and are used to pin notes and reminders.

Some of the standard fridge magnet sizes include:

  • Small magnets (2″ x 2″, 3″ x 3″)
    • These sizes are the most common refrigerator magnets, adding a touch of design to a fridge door.
    • They’re also practical, since they can hold small notes, reminders, and photos in place.
  • Medium magnets (3.5″ x 5″, 4″ x 6″)
    • These are considered the standard sizes for calendar magnets, giving enough space for brand layouts and specific promotions.
  • Large magnets (5″ x 7″, 6″ x 8″)
    • These larger pieces feature more detailed content, including menus, coupons, or flyer-style designs that benefit from the added space.
    • Some large refrigerator magnets even feature a writable surface, allowing users to jot down quick notes with a dry-erase marker.

2. Car Magnets

The oversized magnets work as temporary car decals, transforming your vehicle into a mobile advertisement. Aside from the usual branding, logos, and promotional images, car magnets can also serve as menu boards for food trucks.

Some of the widely-used car magnet sizes include:

12″ x 18″

  • This size is ideal for compact cars, offering a neat and direct way to display quick, visible advertising while on the road.

12″ x 24″

  • This longer size fits well on most vehicle doors and provides a sleek, balanced look when placed on both sides of the car.

18″ x 24″

  • This is considered the standard for car magnets, offering ample space for logos, complete contact details, and key messages, turning your vehicle into a full mobile banner.

24″ x 36″

  • As the largest option, this size works best for vans, SUVs, and other spacious vehicles, delivering maximum brand visibility. These magnets also work as food truck menu boards, displayed at the vehicle’s side.

3. Business Card Magnets

Business card magnets help professionals connect with clients at trade shows or meetings. The best part is that these long-lasting, magnetic cards can be placed on any metallic surface, ensuring your recipients will remember you.

Its standard size is the 2″ x 3.5″ business card size, although the magnetic option is thicker and sturdier than other business cards.

Comparing the Different Magnet Types and Sizes

Refrigerator magnets Car magnets Business card magnets
Standard sizes
  • 2″ x 2″
  • 3″ x 3″
  • 3.5″ x 5″
  • 4″ x 6″
  • 5″ x 7″
  • 6″ x 8″
  • 12″ x 18″
  • 12″ x 24″
  • 18″ x 24″
  • 24″ x 36″
  • 2″ x 3.5″
Common uses
  • Refrigerator magnets are great promotional freebies that promote your business, while also holding notes on fridge doors.
  • Car magnets are primarily used for outdoor promotions.
  • The magnets work like a mobile billboard, actively helping with any sale or campaign.
  • Business card magnets function similarly to standard business cards but feature magnetic backing.
  • These magnetic cards allow for an unforgettable first impression and let clients stick them to their office cabinets so they can contact you easily.
Placement
  • Refrigerator magnets are commonly displayed on fridges or lockers.
  • Their designs are suitable for both home and office use.
  • These magnets are often placed on the sides of vehicles for maximum visibility.
  • These magnets can be placed on metal cabinets, desks, or any flat metallic surface.
  • Clients may usually pin them at easy to spot areas in their office desks or cubicles.
Target audience
  • Refrigerator magnets are meant to be distributed, either as freebies, souvenirs, or trade show gifts
  • The target audiences are usually potential customers and event visitors.
  • Unlike magnetic business cards and fridge magnets that are handed out, car magnets are meant to be used by businesses for promotions.
  • Car magnets typically target everyday people and local communities who can see the magnetic decal on the road.
  • Business card magnets are intended to be distributed and handed out professionally, as part of any deals.
  • They are usually handed to business partners, professionals, and key contacts.

Capitalizing on the Standard Magnet Sizes

1. Match the Magnet Size With Your Content

Choose a magnet size that fits your campaign message comfortably. Try to balance short texts and easy-to-read details with smaller magnets. Meanwhile, use larger magnet sizes for more specific details and high-quality images.

2. Match the Magnet Type With the Promotion Style

Custom magnets are also versatile in their design and use. You can design magnetic calendars that list all important dates and schedules or create a dry-erase magnet with a writable surface for daily reminders.

Meanwhile, car magnets can feature full menu designs and offerings, especially if you are operating a food truck.

3. Consider How Long You Want Your Promotion Displayed

The best thing about promotional magnets is that they are made to last, even long after your promotions end. Try to design long-term artwork and designs that make your magnets evergreen and attractive, so your clients can reuse them even if the campaign is done.

4. Think About Where Your Audience Will See It

Along with longevity, the refrigerator magnets can fit well in any location, whether at home or the office. Try to design professional magnets that can be seen anytime. You can also design larger car magnets that are highly visible outdoors, especially on the road.

 


Promotional magnets come in different types and sizes; each working best when it’s matched to the right promotion, design, and target audience. While magnets are not common for promotions, they are versatile enough to fit any campaign or message and offer long-lasting visibility that looks great on cars, fridges, and everywhere in between.

If you want to start creating your custom magnets, PrintPlace makes the process easy and offers high-quality magnet printing that will get your brand noticed in a fun, memorable way.