FRAME SIZE FOR AN A2 POSTER

A2 is the large-format workhorse of the A-series — 42×59.4 cm (16.54×23.39 inches). It is the size most commonly used for gallery exhibition prints, promotional posters in shops, and statement wall art in homes. At this scale, the print has enough presence to work without a mount, though adding one gives it a more curated look. Without a mount, you need an A2 frame (42×59.4 cm). With a 5 cm mount border, the frame becomes 52×69.4 cm. Use the calculator below for your preferred border width.

QUICK REFERENCE: A2

Inches

16.54" × 23.39"

Centimetres

42 × 59.4 cm

Frame without mount

16.54" × 23.39"

Frame with 2" mount

20.54" × 27.39"

CALCULATE YOUR FRAME SIZE

CALCULATE YOUR FRAME SIZE

Standard mount borders are 2–3". The Fine Art Trade Guild recommends a minimum of 2".

YOUR DIMENSIONS

Poster Size16.54" × 23.39"
Mount Opening16.04" × 22.89"
Mount Outer20.54" × 27.39"
Frame Size Needed20.54" × 27.39"

Mount opening accounts for a 0.25" overlap per side — the mount lip that holds the poster in place.

Frame: 20.54" × 27.39"

16.54" × 23.39"
Frame
Mount
Poster

WHERE TO HANG AN A2 POSTER

A2 is a large print that commands attention. Hang it as a centrepiece above a sofa, bed, or fireplace mantel. In a living room, it works on walls 80–120 cm wide, filling about 50–70% of the space for a balanced look. Above a sofa, position the bottom of the frame 15–20 cm above the sofa back. On a blank wall, centre the print at 145–150 cm from the floor to the centre. A2 also works well in open-plan kitchens and dining areas as a visual anchor separating zones. In a home office, a single A2 print on the wall behind your desk chair makes a strong backdrop for video calls. Avoid cramming it into narrow spaces (walls under 65 cm wide) — the print needs room on both sides. Hallways work if they are wide enough, particularly at the end of a corridor where it draws the eye forward.

PRINTS CLOSE TO A2

Our 16×24 inch prints (40×60 cm, from £25.99) are almost identical in size to A2. Available with optional wooden or black framing.

FRAMING TIPS

A2 frames are less common in high-street shops than A4 or A3 but are readily available online and from framing specialists. A medium-width moulding (20–30 mm) works well at this scale. Aluminium frames are a popular choice for A2 — they are lighter than wood, which matters when you are hanging a larger piece. For a premium finish, choose a solid wood frame in oak or walnut. At this size, consider using acrylic glazing instead of glass: it is lighter, shatter-resistant, and easier to handle during hanging.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is A2 in inches?
A2 is 16.54×23.39 inches (42×59.4 cm). It is very close to the US 16×24 size — A2 is slightly wider but about 1.5 cm shorter. The two sizes are not interchangeable in frames.
Is A2 the same as 16×24?
No, but they are close. A2 is 42×59.4 cm, while 16×24 inches is 40.6×61 cm. A2 is about 1.4 cm wider and 1.6 cm shorter. A 16×24 print will be slightly loose widthwise and slightly too tall for an A2 frame. Always match the frame to your actual print size.
Should I use a mount with an A2 poster?
It depends on the look you want and the wall space available. Without a mount, the framed piece is about 45×62 cm (including a typical moulding) — a manageable size. With a 5 cm mount, it grows to about 55×72 cm, which needs a larger wall. Mounts add a gallery feel and protect the print from touching the glass. Skip the mount for a modern, edge-to-edge look.

OTHER POSTER SIZES

View all sizes in the full calculator →

READY TO FIND YOUR POSTER?

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