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Small posters are usually A5 (148 x 210 mm) or A4 (210 x 297 mm). They work best where people stand close: noticeboards, counters, doors, lifts, toilets, shelves and small windows. They are also the most economical size for big campaigns, because many more fit on a print sheet. Keep the message short and the type bold.
A5 vs A4 at a glance
| A5 | A4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 148 x 210 mm | 210 x 297 mm |
| Reading distance | Up to about 1 m | Up to about 2 m |
| Best spots | Counters, shelves, tables, lift panels | Noticeboards, doors, windows, staff rooms |
| Holds | A headline and a few lines | A headline, an image and a short list |
Where small posters beat big ones
- Shared noticeboards at libraries, community centres, churches, schools and supermarkets, where space is limited and big posters get refused.
- Counters and tills, in a clip frame or stand, for offers and loyalty schemes.
- Toilets and back-of-door spots: a captive audience at close range.
- Lifts and stairwells in offices and flats.
- Shelf-edge and product displays in shops.
- Table cards in cafés and restaurants.
- Letterbox drops: a small poster doubles as a leaflet people can pin up.
Designing for a small sheet
A small poster has to work harder per square centimetre:
- One headline, one image or icon, one action.
- Headline type of 36 to 60 pt on A5, 48 to 90 pt on A4.
- Body text no smaller than 10 pt.
- QR codes at least 20 mm square, on a plain background.
- Margins of at least 5 mm, plus 3 mm bleed.
Because people read small posters up close, image resolution matters more than on a big poster. Aim for 300 dpi at the printed size.
Paper for small posters
For short runs of a few posters, the main poster printing page offers A5 and A4 on 150gsm satin poster paper, and on waterproof PVC or PVC Free for doors and windows that get wet.
For campaigns, indoor posters are better value. They come in A5 and A4 (as well as A3, A2 and A1) on twelve papers from 90gsm to 450gsm, in gloss, silk, smooth white and uncoated finishes, single or double sided, from 25 copies up to very large runs. A few pointers:
- Lightweight papers (90 to 130gsm) for notices and mass distribution.
- Mid-weight (170 to 250gsm) for posters that are handled or pinned up for weeks.
- Heavy (300 to 450gsm) for table cards and counter displays that need to stand in a holder.
- Double sided for posters seen through windows from both sides, or as leaflets with a poster on one side and details on the other.
Small posters as wall art
Small sizes are not only for notices. A5 and A4 prints are ideal for shelves, desks and gallery walls, where they sit alongside bigger pieces. For that use, a heavier paper looks better in a frame: the wall art prints range offers A5 and A4 (and A3) on 300gsm smooth white or 350gsm recycled uncoated paper, from a single copy.
How many to order
Count every location, add 10 to 20 percent for replacements and late requests, and round up to the next quantity break if it is close. Small posters get taken down, covered up and lost more often than big ones, so spares pay for themselves.
Quick ideas
- A5 “scan to order” cards for café tables
- A4 opening hours for a shop door on PVC
- A4 class timetable for a gym noticeboard
- A5 event reminders handed out at the end of a show
- A4 safety and hygiene notices for staff areas
- A5 art prints for a market stall’s entry price point
Small posters that get taken home
An A5 poster has a second life that a big one does not: people can take it away. At a market stall, a school open evening or a church notice table, a stack of A5 posters with a clear title and a date often goes home and ends up on fridges and noticeboards. Print them double sided, with the poster on the front and useful details on the back, such as a map, a timetable or a list of dates. For this use, a mid-weight paper of 170 to 250gsm feels substantial without being bulky, and the indoor poster range makes larger runs economical.
Fixing small posters well
Drawing pins tear lightweight paper in time, so use two pins at the top and two at the bottom on noticeboards. On glass, removable adhesive pads at each corner keep posters flat. In public places that get a lot of traffic, an acrylic wall pocket protects the poster and makes it easy to change.
Keeping a set consistent
If you use small posters across several sites, such as a chain of cafés or a set of school buildings, keep the layout and colours identical and change only the message. People learn to recognise your posters and read them faster.
Questions
What size is a small poster?
Small posters are usually A5 (148 x 210 mm) or A4 (210 x 297 mm).
Can I order just a few A4 posters?
Yes. The main poster range prints A4 from a single copy. For larger runs, indoor posters start at 25.
What paper is best for small posters?
Satin poster paper for a few posters. For campaigns, a lightweight silk or gloss from the indoor range keeps the cost per poster down.
Can small posters be printed on both sides?
Yes. Indoor posters can be single or double sided.