Choosing the right print size is one of the most important decisions when preparing artwork for sale or display. Standard art print sizes make framing easier, simplify production, and help artists build consistent collections of prints that work well together.
Artists, photographers, and illustrators typically rely on a group of widely recognized print sizes that are easy for collectors to frame and display. These sizes range from small prints that are perfect for desks and shelves to large statement pieces designed for wall art.
Common Art Print Sizes
The following sizes are among the most common formats used for art prints and photography. Because these dimensions are widely recognized, frames and mats are easy to find for them.
5 × 7
Mini prints, greeting cards, and small art pieces.
8 × 10
Photography prints, portraits, and small wall art.
11 × 14
Gallery prints and mid-size framed artwork.
11 × 17
Posters, convention prints, and illustrations.
12 × 18
Poster prints and larger artwork.
16 × 20
Framed wall art and featured prints.
18 × 24
Large posters and statement artwork.
20 × 30
Large wall art and gallery displays.
Small Art Print Sizes
Small print sizes are often used for affordable artwork, greeting cards, or collectible prints. These formats make it easy for collectors to purchase artwork without committing to large wall pieces.
- 4 × 6 – A compact print size commonly used for photo prints, postcards, and small collectible artwork.
- 5 × 7 – A popular format for greeting cards and small art prints that still provides enough space for detailed illustrations.
- 8 × 10 – One of the most recognizable art print sizes, offering a balance between affordability and display presence.
Smaller prints are also popular at conventions and artist alley tables where artists may offer multiple designs at accessible price points.
Medium Art Print Sizes
Medium print sizes strike a balance between affordability and visual impact. These formats are often used for framed wall art and gallery displays.
- 11 × 14 – A classic gallery print size that works well for portraits and illustrations while still fitting many standard frames.
- 11 × 17 – A popular poster format frequently used for illustrations, event posters, and convention prints.
- 12 × 18 – A larger poster-style size with a 2:3 aspect ratio, commonly used for artwork designed for wide layouts.
Artists frequently include these sizes as the centerpiece of their print collections because they provide more presence on the wall while still remaining practical to ship and frame.
Large Art Print Sizes
Large art prints are designed to stand out. These sizes are commonly used for statement artwork, gallery displays, and decorative wall art.
- 16 × 20 – A popular large format that works well for framed wall art and photography prints while maintaining the same proportions as 8×10.
- 18 × 24 – A common poster size often used for larger illustrations, promotional artwork, and bold wall displays.
- 20 × 30 – A dramatic poster-sized format with a 2:3 ratio that creates a strong visual impact for larger pieces.
- 24 × 36 – One of the most versatile large poster sizes, commonly used for movie posters, illustrations, event prints, and bold gallery-style wall displays.
Because larger prints require more wall space, they are often purchased by collectors who want a bold centerpiece for their home or studio.
Recommended Print Size Lineup for Artists
Many artists offer multiple print sizes so collectors can choose artwork that fits their space and budget. A common approach is to provide a small, medium, and large option for each design.
For example, artists often build a print lineup around sizes such as 8 × 10, 11 × 14, and 16 × 20. These sizes scale naturally together and are easy for collectors to frame using widely available frames.
Offering a range of sizes allows collectors to start with a smaller print while still having the option to purchase a larger statement piece of the same artwork.
How Artists Choose Print Sizes
Artists often offer several print sizes so collectors can choose the option that fits their space and budget. A typical print lineup might include a smaller size, a mid-size print, and a larger statement piece.
For example, many artists offer a progression like 5x7, 8×10, 11×14, and a limited 16×20. This approach gives buyers multiple price points while allowing the artwork to scale naturally across different formats.
Art Print Aspect Ratios Explained
Different print sizes use different proportions, known as aspect ratios. Understanding aspect ratios helps artists prepare artwork that scales cleanly across multiple print sizes without awkward cropping.
When artwork is designed using one aspect ratio, it can usually scale to other sizes with the same ratio without cropping. For example, artwork created for an 8×10 print often scales naturally to 16×20.
Choosing the Right Print Size for Your Artwork
The ideal print size depends on the composition of the artwork and the aspect ratio of the original image. Some pieces work best in portrait formats such as 8×10 or 11×14, while others are designed for wider poster sizes like 11×17 or 12×18.
Before printing artwork, artists often consider framing options, wall display size, and how the piece will be presented alongside other prints in a collection.
Best Print Sizes for Artists
Artists often offer several print sizes so collectors can choose artwork that fits their space and budget. A common strategy is to provide a small, medium, and large option for each design.
Many artists build their print lineup using sizes such as 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20. These sizes scale well together and are easy for collectors to frame using widely available frames.
For artists selling at conventions or online marketplaces, offering multiple sizes allows buyers to start with smaller prints while still having the option to purchase larger statement pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common art print sizes?
Some of the most common art print sizes include 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, 11×17, 12×18, and 16×20. These sizes are widely used because frames and mats are easy to find for them.
What size art prints sell best?
Many artists find that mid-size prints such as 8×10 and 11×14 sell well because they balance affordability and display size. Larger prints like 16×20 are often offered as statement pieces, while smaller sizes can serve as entry-level options for collectors.
What is the standard size for art prints?
There is no single standard size for art prints, but many artists rely on commonly used formats such as 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20. These sizes are popular because they scale well together and are easy to frame.
What aspect ratios are common for art prints?
Common art print aspect ratios include 4:5, 3:4, and 2:3. When artwork is created using one of these ratios, it can often scale to multiple print sizes without significant cropping.
How do artists choose which print sizes to offer?
Artists typically offer several print sizes so collectors can choose artwork that fits their space and budget. A common lineup might include a smaller print, a mid-size option, and a larger statement piece.
What size frame should I use for art prints?
The frame size typically matches the print size. For example, an 8×10 print fits an 8×10 frame. Larger frames can also be used with a mat, which allows the artwork to sit inside a wider border for a gallery-style presentation.
What size art print should I choose?
The best art print size depends on where the artwork will be displayed. Smaller prints like 5×7 and 8×10 work well for desks, shelves, and small frames, while larger prints such as 11×14, 16×20, and 18×24 are better suited for wall displays and gallery-style presentations.
Are art prints the same size as photo prints?
Art prints and photo prints often use the same standard sizes, such as 5×7, 8×10, and 11×14. These dimensions are widely used because frames and mats are easy to find for them. However, artists may also offer additional poster sizes depending on the style and composition of the artwork.