The most common poster frame sizes are 11×17, 18×24 and 24×36 inches. Movie posters use 27×40 inches.
A frame’s listed size is its inside opening, not the outer edge. This guide covers standard sizes, movie posters, mat boards and how to match frame size to poster size.
Standard Poster Frame Sizes Chart in Inches and Centimeters
What are the standard poster sizes? The chart lists them. 24×36 is the usual pick for large wall art, and 18×24 for medium prints.
Small (Tabloid)
Tabloid poster
Small to Medium
Small art and photo posters
Small to Medium
Popular medium wall art
Medium
Common medium poster
Medium
Tall wall poster
Large
Popular large poster
Large (Movie One-Sheet)
Modern theatrical movie poster
Vintage Movie One-Sheet
Older theatrical movie poster
Oversized
Extra-large display poster
Small, Medium and Large Poster Frame Sizes
Poster sizes fall into three simple groups. Pick one by the wall space and the viewing distance.
Small Poster Frames
Small frames start at 11×17 inches. They suit tabloid displays, bulletin boards, flyers and small event posters.
Medium Poster Frames
Medium frames run from 18×24 to 20×30 inches. They work for concert prints, art prints and architectural layouts.
Large Poster Frames
Large frames range from 24×36 to 27×40 inches. They suit statement posters and theatrical one-sheets. Oversized 40×60 displays go beyond that.
Movie Poster Frame Sizes
What is the frame size of a movie poster? The modern theatrical one-sheet measures 27 x 40 inches (68.58 x 101.6 cm). A 27×40 frame fits it.
Vintage one-sheets from before 1980 measure 27 x 41 inches (68.58 x 104.14 cm). Measure collectible posters before you frame them.
Measure Frame Size vs Poster Size
What size frame do I need for a poster? Match the frame to the poster’s exact width and height. An 18×24 poster fits an 18×24 frame.
The outer footprint is bigger. It adds about 1 to 4 inches in total, depending on the molding width. Plan your wall space around the outer size.
Mat Board and Border Dimensions
A mat board adds a paper border between the poster and the glass. A standard mat border adds about 2 to 3 inches on each side.
Each border adds twice its width to the total size. An 18×24 poster with a 2-inch mat needs a 22×28 frame.
More Post: Mirror Frame Size
Questions
What size frame do I need for a 24×36 poster?
Use a 24 × 36-inch frame for a poster without a mat. If you want a 2-inch mat border on all sides, choose a frame with an opening of 28 × 40 inches, ensuring the frame and mat are designed for your poster.
Can a 16×24 poster fit in an 18×24 frame?
A 16 × 24-inch poster will not fit directly into an 18 × 24-inch frame without leaving a gap. A properly sized custom mat can cover the extra width. Otherwise, choose a 16 × 24-inch frame.
Is 24×36 a standard poster size?
Yes. A 24 × 36-inch poster is a common large format for wall art, decorative prints, photography, and promotional posters.
Is 12×16 a standard poster size?
12 × 16 inches is a common print size, although it is less common than standard poster sizes such as 11 × 17, 18 × 24, and 24 × 36 inches. Frames are available in 12 × 16 inches, too.
What are the standard sizes of poster frames?
Common poster frame sizes include 11 × 17, 13 × 19, 16 × 20, 18 × 24, 24 × 36, 27 × 40, and 40 × 60 inches. Availability varies by retailer and frame style.
What are the standard poster sizes?
Common poster sizes include 11 × 17, 18 × 24, 24 × 36, and 27 × 40 inches. The 18 × 24 and 24 × 36-inch formats are popular for artwork and wall posters. Choose a frame that matches the poster’s actual dimensions.
Is 24×36 a standard movie poster size?
No. The traditional US movie one-sheet is approximately 27 × 40 inches. A 24 × 36-inch poster is a common size for general wall art and some movie-style prints.
What is the frame size of a movie poster?
A 27 × 40-inch frame is commonly used for modern US theatrical movie one-sheets. Some older movie posters measure approximately 27 × 41 inches, so check the poster’s actual dimensions before buying a frame.
Hi, I’m Aria Blake, the author at FramesSize.com. I help make measurements simple with clear guides, easy explanations, and practical size comparisons. Explore our content to understand dimensions, frame sizes, lengths, and everyday measurements quickly and confidently.
