Poster print sizes, pixels, and viewing distance
For a close-viewed A3 poster, aim for about 3508 × 4961 px at 300 PPI; larger posters viewed from farther away can often use 150–200 PPI.
Check your own imageA poster does not have one universal pixel requirement. The right number depends on its physical size, how close people will stand, and the detail in the artwork.
Start with the finished dimensions, choose a realistic PPI target, then add the printer’s bleed before exporting the final file.
Choose the physical poster size first
Decide the finished paper size before resizing the artwork. A3 is 297 × 420 mm, while A2, A1, and custom displays require progressively more pixels at the same PPI.
Keep the artwork and paper in the same orientation. If their aspect ratios differ, decide whether edge content may be cropped or whether a border is acceptable.
- A3 at 300 PPI: about 3508 × 4961 px
- A3 at 200 PPI: about 2339 × 3307 px
- Use the printer’s exact custom dimensions when supplied
Match PPI to viewing distance
Use about 300 PPI for posters that people inspect at arm’s length, especially when they contain small type, fine lines, or product detail.
Large wall posters can often work at 150–200 PPI because viewers stand farther away. Judge the effective PPI at the final size instead of changing a DPI label in the file.
Allow for bleed and safe edges
A full-bleed poster needs artwork beyond the trim line. Three millimetres is common, but the print shop’s specification always takes priority.
Extend backgrounds into the bleed and keep logos, faces, and important type inside a safe margin. Export the larger production dimensions, not only the trimmed size.
Check your own image
Enter pixels or choose an image. The file stays in your browser.
Effective resolution: 244 PPI · A3
Print preflight
Includes bleed
- Resolution
- Printable, but inspect the detail up close
- Framing
- Crop required
Pixels still needed to meet the target: 756 × 1008 px
Maximum recommended print size
256 × 341 mm · 10.1 × 13.4 in
Pixels required for this target
3508 × 4961 px
Aspect ratio and crop
Left and right edges will be cropped · 5.71%
Production setup
303 × 426 mm · 3579 × 5031 px
Common size comparison
| Size | PPI | Status |
|---|---|---|
| A5 | 488 | Meets target |
| A4 | 345 | Meets target |
| A3 | 244 | Usable |
| US Letter | 356 | Meets target |
| 4 × 6 in | 672 | Meets target |
| 5 × 7 in | 576 | Meets target |
| 8 × 10 in | 378 | Meets target |
● All calculations stay in your browser
Frequently asked questions
How many pixels does an A3 poster need?
An A3 poster needs about 3508 × 4961 pixels at 300 PPI. At 200 PPI, it needs about 2339 × 3307 pixels.
Is 150 PPI enough for a poster?
150 PPI can be enough for a large poster viewed from several feet away. Use a higher value for close viewing or small text.
How much bleed should a poster have?
A poster commonly has 3 mm of bleed on every edge. Confirm the exact value with the printer before exporting.