A Guide to Poster Frame Sizes: Finding the Right Fit

When shopping for a frame, one of the first questions people ask is: what size is a poster frame? Choosing the correct size ensures your artwork, print, or photo looks polished and protected. While there are many options available, certain standard poster frame sizes are considered industry norms, making it easier to find ready-made frames.

Why Poster Frame Dimensions Matter

Poster frame dimensions are not just about aesthetics. A well-matched frame:

Protects your print from dust, bending, and fading.
Enhances presentation by preventing awkward gaps or overlaps.
Makes it easy to display posters without expensive custom framing.

Common Poster Frame Sizes

Although you can order custom dimensions, most people use standard frame sizes for posters. These are widely available in retail stores and online, and they’re designed to match the most common poster frame sizes used for movie prints, event posters, and wall art.

Here are the typical poster frame sizes you’ll find:

11” x 17” – Often used for small promotional posters or prints.
18” x 24” – A popular medium size, great for art prints and advertising posters.
24” x 36” – The most common large poster frame size, often used for movies, concerts, and large wall art.
27” x 40” – A standard poster size frame for official movie posters.
36” x 48” – Extra-large posters, typically seen in commercial or academic settings.

These represent the most common poster frame sizes, but regional variations exist. In some countries, “A-sizes” like A1 or A2 are more common.

Understanding Poster Frame Measurements

When figuring out what size frame for a poster you need, remember that frames are measured by the inner opening—the space where the poster fits, not the outside dimensions of the frame. For example, if you buy a 24” x 36” frame, it’s designed to hold a poster that measures exactly 24 inches wide and 36 inches tall.

Tip: Always measure your poster carefully before buying a frame. Trimming the poster to fit a smaller frame often damages the print and lowers its value.

Standard Frame Sizes for Posters

To answer directly: what is a standard poster frame size? The industry typically considers 18” x 24” and 24” x 36” as the standard poster frame sizes. These are the easiest to find, the most affordable, and the most likely to come in a wide variety of materials—wood, metal, or acrylic.

If you’re wondering how big is a poster frame compared to a print, the answer is simple: it’s made to fit exactly, unless you choose to use a mat board, which adds a decorative border and requires a larger frame.

Personal Experience with Choosing Frames

When I first started decorating my home office, I ordered a set of vintage travel posters online. I made the mistake of assuming all posters were the same size. Some were 18” x 24”, while others were slightly larger. The result? A mix of frames that didn’t match and posters that looked off-center. After carefully re-measuring and switching to standard sizes (mostly 24” x 36”), the difference was night and day—everything aligned neatly, and the room felt more cohesive.

This experience taught me that understanding normal poster frame sizes ahead of time saves time, money, and frustration.

Choosing the Right Frame for Your Poster

When selecting a frame, ask yourself:

Do I want a snug fit? → Go with the exact poster frame measurements.
Do I want to use a mat border? → Buy a larger frame and add the mat for a gallery-style look.
Is my poster uncommon in size? → Consider custom framing or look for adjustable poster frames.

Conclusion

Whether you’re framing a movie print, concert poster, or personal artwork, knowing the popular poster frame sizes makes the process easier. Stick to common frame sizes for posters like 11” x 17”, 18” x 24”, and 24” x 36” whenever possible. These typical frame sizes for posters are affordable, easy to find, and versatile for both home and office décor.