Banner sizes: standard dimensions for events, trade shows and storefronts

Banner size depends on where the banner will hang and how far away people will read it. A storefront banner, a retractable banner beside a booth and a hanging sign over a trade show floor all have different standard sizes. This guide lists the common sizes, explains how to set up the file and covers lower-impact alternatives to PVC vinyl.

To price a banner, see our eco friendly signs and banners and PVC-free retractable banners.

Standard banner sizes at a glance

• 2 x 4 ft and 2 x 6 ft: small horizontal banners for tables, counters and indoor walls.
• 3 x 6 ft and 3 x 8 ft: the most common sizes for storefronts, event entrances and fences.
• 4 x 8 ft and 4 x 10 ft: large banners for building fronts, sports fields and stages, read from a distance.
• 18 x 36 in and 24 x 36 in: common vertical sizes for pole and wall banners.
• Custom sizes: banners can be made to fit a specific wall, railing or frame. Measure the space before you design.

Retractable banner sizes

Retractable banners, also called roll-up or pull-up banners, stand on a base and roll into it for transport. They are the most common banner at trade shows and conferences.

• 33 x 80 in: the standard size. It fits most booths and travels easily.
• 36 x 92 in: taller, for venues with high ceilings or a crowded floor.
• 47 x 80 in: a wider banner that covers more of a booth backdrop.

The bottom few inches of a retractable banner sit inside the base, and the lower part is often hidden behind a table. Keep your logo and main message in the top two thirds of the design.

Trade show booth sizes

• 10 x 10 ft booth: the most common booth. A backwall graphic is usually about 10 ft wide by 8 ft tall, and one or two retractable banners fit beside it.
• 10 x 20 ft booth: a double booth, often with a 20 ft backwall or several banners.
• Table throws: sized for 6 ft and 8 ft tables, fitted or draped to the floor. See tablecloth printing.
• Floor graphics: printed floor stickers guide visitors into the booth.

Check the exhibitor manual for height limits and any rules about hanging signs before you order. For the rest of your booth, see printing for events and trade shows.

How to set up a banner file

• Build the file at the final size, or at a scale such as 1:2 or 1:4 with images sized to match.
• Banners are read from a distance, so 100 to 150 ppi at full size is usually enough for photos.
• Keep text and logos 1 to 2 inches in from the edges, where hems, grommets and pole pockets go.
• As a rule of thumb, allow about 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of reading distance.
• Use high contrast between text and background, and limit the message to a few words.
• Export a PDF with fonts embedded or converted to outlines.

Our guide to print-ready files covers color mode and export settings in more detail.

Banner materials beyond PVC vinyl

Most standard banners are printed on PVC vinyl, which is difficult to recycle. Lower-impact options include PVC-free polyester, recycled textile and polypropylene banners, plus recycled corrugate, honeycomb board and foam board for rigid signs. Outdoor banners need a weather-resistant material, while indoor banners have more options. You can also reuse frames, stands and retractable bases, and replace only the printed graphic when the message changes. Our guide to eco friendly signage compares the materials.

Common questions

What is the most common banner size?

For storefronts and events, 3 x 6 ft and 4 x 8 ft are among the most common sizes. For trade shows, the standard retractable banner is 33 x 80 inches.

What size is a standard retractable banner?

33 inches wide by 80 inches tall. Taller 36 x 92 inch and wider 47 x 80 inch versions are also common.

What resolution should a banner file be?

About 100 to 150 ppi at full size is usually enough, because banners are viewed from several feet away.

How big should text be on a banner?

Allow about 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of reading distance. A banner read from 30 feet away needs letters about 3 inches tall.