Document size guide

Poster Size: 18x24, 24x36, Pixels and Print Setup

Poster size varies by viewing distance. Use 18 x 24 in for common event posters, 24 x 36 in for large wall posters, and calculate pixels at the effective print PPI.

Last checked: 2026-05-03

Calculate pixels and bleed Compare sizes

At a glance

A common poster size is 18 x 24 in. At 150 PPI it exports to 2700 x 3600 px; at 300 PPI it exports to 5400 x 7200 px. Use 24 x 36 in for larger wall posters.

Source confidence: Editorial Last checked: 2026-05-03 Source: ISO 216 paper size reference Specs may change; verify before final production. Found a spec change? Send correction.

How we calculate this

Methodology and source handling

We convert physical sizes to inches, multiply by the selected DPI/PPI value, and round to whole pixels.

Methodology Editorial policy

Quick answer

Copy-ready answer

A common poster size is 18 x 24 in. At 150 PPI it exports to 2700 x 3600 px; at 300 PPI it exports to 5400 x 7200 px. Use 24 x 36 in for larger wall posters.

457.2 x 609.6 mm

Dimensions and specs

Pixels	2,700 x 3,600 px
Inches	18 x 24 in
Millimeters	457.2 x 609.6 mm
Centimeters	45.72 x 60.96 cm
Aspect ratio	3:4
Recommended DPI/PPI	150 DPI/PPI for raster exports

Pixels

Pixel dimensions by DPI

DPI / PPI	Width	Height	Use
150 DPI	2700 px	3600 px	Draft, large-format, or preview raster export.
300 DPI	5400 px	7200 px	High-quality print or sharp raster handoff when required.

Formula

How to calculate this size

Pixel formulapixels = millimeters / 25.4 x PPI

457.2 mm x 150 PPI = 2,700 px wide.

Trim result2,700 x 3,600 px

Use this when the artwork stops at the finished edge.

Bleed result2,738 x 3,638 px

Add 3.18 mm per side before calculating pixels when artwork reaches the edge.

Common mistakes

Avoid these document setup mistakes

Choosing pixels before page size

Set the physical page or trim size first, then calculate pixels only for raster export or upload requirements.

Forgetting bleed or safe margins

Extend backgrounds to the bleed canvas and keep text, logos, QR codes, and page numbers inside the safe area.

Exporting a screenshot instead of a document

Use PDF, PPTX, or the required document format when text, links, vectors, and page size need to remain editable or searchable.

Calculator

Calculate pixels and bleed

Enter any DPI to calculate the pixel dimensions for this physical size.

Workflow

Practical setup workflow

Step	Check
Pick viewing distance	Use higher effective PPI for close viewing and lower effective PPI for large posters seen from farther away.
Use vector where possible	Keep logos and type as vectors in the print PDF instead of flattening everything to one image.
Confirm printer specs	Ask the print shop for bleed, color, and PDF settings before final export.

Specs

Poster dimensions

Setting	Value
Primary size	18 x 24 in
Pixels	2,700 x 3,600 px at 150 DPI/PPI
Inches	18 x 24 in
Millimeters	457.2 x 609.6 mm
Centimeters	45.72 x 60.96 cm
Aspect ratio	3:4
Recommended DPI/PPI	150 DPI/PPI for raster exports
24 x 36 in poster	3600 x 5400 px at 150 PPI; 7200 x 10800 px at 300 PPI
11 x 17 in tabloid	1650 x 2550 px at 150 PPI; 3300 x 5100 px at 300 PPI
Bleed setup	0.125 in per side; full canvas 18.25 x 24.25 in

Checklist

Export checklist

Item	Why it matters
PDF copy	Keeps type, vectors, and page size predictable for review or print.
Raster copy	Use the DPI calculator when a printer, marketplace, or upload tool asks for pixels.
Bleed and safe area	Add bleed only when artwork must run to the edge.

Related pages and tools

hub Document sizes tool DPI calculator tool Print bleed calculator tool Aspect ratio calculator tool Compare sizes trust Methodology Formulas, rounding rules, bleed assumptions, platform confidence labels, and source handling. trust Editorial Policy How PixelMeasures reviews sources, labels confidence, and handles correction reports.

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FAQ

Common questions

What size should I use for poster?

A common poster size is 18 x 24 in. At 150 PPI it exports to 2700 x 3600 px; at 300 PPI it exports to 5400 x 7200 px. Use 24 x 36 in for larger wall posters.

Do pixels matter for poster?

Pixels matter only for raster exports. Start with the physical page size, then use DPI or PPI to calculate pixels for the required output.

What aspect ratio is poster?

Poster uses an aspect ratio of 3:4 for the primary size on this page.

References

Sources and references

Document sizes combine official format references where available with common production conventions. Confirm printer-specific bleed before final production.

ISO 216 paper size reference
Source for A-series paper dimensions.
Adobe Photoshop Help: Set image size and resolution
Used for DPI/PPI and raster size interpretation.
Microsoft Support: change the size of your PowerPoint slides
Official Microsoft source for PowerPoint Standard 4:3 and Widescreen 16:9 slide-size options.
Adobe Express: business card maker
Adobe documents the common 3.5 x 2 in horizontal business card canvas.

Last checked: 2026-05-03