Conference poster design

Scientific Poster Sizes: A0, A1, and 36 × 48 Inches Compared

Compare A0, A1, and common US poster dimensions, including aspect ratio, orientation, scaling, and readable content density.

By Hendri Susetyo (ArsyaVisual) · Published · Updated

Know dimensions and ratio

A0 is 841 × 1189 mm (33.1 × 46.8 in); A1 is 594 × 841 mm (23.4 × 33.1 in). A common US format is 36 × 48 in. Their proportions differ, so conversion requires reflow rather than stretching.

  • Read dimensions in stated order.
  • Confirm orientation.
  • Separate board and poster limits.

Match density to the format

A1 cannot carry A0 copy at the same readability. Protect body type and figure labels, then reduce panels and repeated context. Landscape suits wide comparisons; portrait often supports a vertical route, but evidence should decide.

  • Use a documented scale.
  • Protect margins.
  • Do not fill spare width automatically.

Verify the exported page

PowerPoint and PDF tools may scale at export or print. Read final PDF properties, inspect cropping, and ask whether the printer fits pages automatically. Print a 100 percent crop with text and imagery.

  • Record dimensions in the filename.
  • Disable fit-to-page when needed.
  • Ask whether smaller output is accepted.

A practical example

Moving A0 portrait to 36 × 48 landscape requires a new grid: charts may move side by side and background may collapse. Stretching distorts artwork.

Find an editable layout after choosing size

Browse PowerPoint poster templates and adapt the grid to the confirmed orientation and ratio before inserting final copy and figures.

Browse editable poster templates

Sources and further reading