Understanding Aspect Ratios for Print Posters

When creating a print poster, choosing the right aspect ratio is crucial. Whether you're designing for a movie poster, an art print, or a promotional flyer, the aspect ratio determines how the final print will look and fit in different frames or display settings.

But what exactly is an aspect ratio, and how do you choose the best one for your print-on-demand business? In this guide, we’ll break down the most common poster ratios, their ideal use cases, and how to set up your designs for perfect prints.

What is an Aspect Ratio?

Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image. It is usually written as width:height (e.g., 3:2 or 16:9). This ratio determines how the poster will appear when printed and ensures that it maintains proper proportions without distortion.

For example, a 24x36 inch (60×91cm) poster has an aspect ratio of 2:3, meaning the width is two-thirds of the height. If your design isn’t set up with the right ratio, it may get cropped or stretched when printed.


Common Aspect Ratios for Print Posters

1. 2:3 Ratio (Most Popular for Standard Posters)

• Common Sizes: 12x18", 16x24", 24x36"

• Best For: Movie posters, general print designs, photography prints

• Why Use It? A versatile and widely used aspect ratio, perfect for commercial prints and posters that fit standard frames.

2. 3:4 Ratio (Classic Framed Art Prints)

• Common Sizes: 9x12", 18x24", 30x40"

• Best For: Fine art prints, framed wall décor, professional photography

• Why Use It? Works well for elegant and traditional framed art prints, making it a great choice for high-end designs.

3. 4:5 Ratio (Great for Portrait Posters and Photography)

• Common Sizes: 8x10", 16x20", 24x30"

• Best For: Portrait prints, artwork, professional photography

• Why Use It? A common aspect ratio for portraits, allowing for balanced composition without too much negative space.

4. 1:1 Ratio (Square Posters for Modern Aesthetics)

• Common Sizes: 12x12", 24x24", 36x36"

• Best For: Minimalist prints, modern designs, Instagram-style posters

• Why Use It? A stylish choice for contemporary prints, often used in grid layouts for gallery walls.

5. 16:9 Ratio (Wide Posters for Cinematic Feel)

• Common Sizes: 10x18", 16x28", 24x42"

• Best For: Landscape photography, cinematic posters, widescreen promotional prints

• Why Use It? Ideal for panoramic views and dramatic horizontal compositions.

How to Choose the Right Ratio for Your Posters

If you're selling print-on-demand posters, it's important to offer sizes that match popular aspect ratios. Here are a few factors to consider:

✅ Target Audience: If your customers prefer standard framing, 2:3 or 4:5 ratios are the best choices.
✅ Design Type: Portrait designs work best in 4:5, while landscape images look great in 16:9.
✅ Print-on-Demand Platform Requirements: Some platforms may recommend specific ratios to fit their available print sizes.

How to Set Up Your Designs for Print-Ready Mockups

1️⃣ Use High-Resolution Images.
2️⃣ Leave a Safe Margin: Keep important elements (like text or logos) away from the edges to avoid trimming during printing.
3️⃣ Test with Mockups: Use a mockupgenerator.co to preview your design in real-world settings and ensure it looks great at different sizes.


Understanding aspect ratios is key to producing professional-quality print posters. Choosing the right ratio ensures your designs fit standard frames, look visually balanced, and print without distortion. Whether you're selling artwork, photography, or promotional prints, knowing these poster ratios will help you create better designs and improve your print-on-demand success.