The four most common art print sizes are A4 (21 x 29.7 cm / 8.3 x 11.7 in), A3 (29.7 x 42 cm / 11.7 x 16.5 in), A2 (42 x 59.4 cm / 16.5 x 23.4 in) and A1 (59.4 x 84.1 cm / 23.4 x 33.1 in). Each size up roughly doubles the surface area of the one before it. As a rule of thumb, A4 and A3 work beautifully in gallery walls, hallways and smaller rooms, while A2 and A1 hold their own as a single statement piece above a sofa, bed or fireplace. This guide walks through each size, how to choose by wall space and viewing distance, and when to pick framed over print-only.
What are the A4, A3, A2 and A1 print sizes in cm and inches?
The A-series follows the international ISO 216 standard, so the proportions stay the same as the sizes grow. Every print at Apollith is produced on 225gsm matt photo paper, which gives a smooth, glare-free finish that suits both our original digital illustrations and our faithful prints of public-domain works by the great masters.
Print size comparison table
- A4: 21 x 29.7 cm (8.3 x 11.7 in). Smallest size. Ideal for desks, shelves, small walls and grouped sets. Print-only from £19, framed £48.
- A3: 29.7 x 42 cm (11.7 x 16.5 in). The versatile middle size. Reads clearly on its own in a hallway or beside a doorway. Print-only £29, framed £78.
- A2: 42 x 59.4 cm (16.5 x 23.4 in). A confident feature size that anchors a wall without dominating the room. Print-only £39, framed £98.
- A1: 59.4 x 84.1 cm (23.4 x 33.1 in). Largest size. A true statement piece for above a sofa, bed or mantelpiece. Print-only £59, framed £128.
How do I choose the right print size for my wall?
The most reliable method is to measure your available wall space and aim for the artwork to fill roughly half to three-quarters of it. A single piece that floats in a sea of empty wall tends to look lost, while one that crowds the edges feels cramped.
Sizing a print above furniture
If you are hanging above a sofa, sideboard or bed, a good guide is to choose a piece that spans about two-thirds the width of the furniture below it. Above a standard three-seat sofa, that usually points towards A2 or A1, or a balanced pair of A3 prints hung side by side. Over a console table or in a narrower alcove, A3 often sits just right.
Sizing a print for a small space
In a cloakroom, a stairwell turn, a home office or a snug, A4 and A3 are your friends. They give you definition and colour without overwhelming the room, and they are easy to rearrange as a grouped gallery wall. Our original British landscape prints work especially well in clusters, letting you build a wall of hills and coastline that tells a small story.
How does viewing distance affect print size?
The further away you will usually stand from a print, the larger it should be to read clearly. A piece you pass at arm's length in a hallway can be smaller, while one viewed from across an open-plan living room needs more presence.
A simple starting point: take your typical viewing distance in centimetres and pick a size whose longest edge is somewhere between a quarter and a third of that distance. Viewed from around two metres back, that nudges you towards A2 or A1. Viewed from under a metre, A4 or A3 will feel perfectly resolved. Detailed pieces, such as the layered scenes in our classical art prints, reward a larger size and a closer look, so size up if you want viewers to lean in and explore the brushwork.
Framed or print-only: which should I choose?
This comes down to convenience, budget and the look you are after.
When print-only makes sense
Print-only is the lighter, more affordable option, starting from £19 for A4. It lets you choose your own frame to match existing furniture, swap art seasonally, or mount several pieces in a coordinated set of frames you already own. It is also the easier choice if you are posting a gift or building a gallery wall over time.
When framed is worth it
A framed print arrives ready to hang, with no trip to the framer and no guesswork over mounts and glazing. For a statement A2 or A1 above the sofa, the framed option keeps the proportions considered and saves you the cost and effort of framing a large piece yourself. Framed sizes run from £48 for A4 up to £128 for A1.
Frequently asked questions
Is A3 bigger than A4?
Yes. A3 (29.7 x 42 cm) is exactly twice the area of A4 (21 x 29.7 cm). Each step up the A-series, from A4 to A3 to A2 to A1, roughly doubles the surface area while keeping the same proportions.
What is the most popular size for wall art?
A3 is the most versatile all-rounder, large enough to stand alone yet still easy to place, while A2 is the favourite when people want a clear feature piece. A4 remains the go-to for desks, shelves and grouped gallery walls.
What paper are the prints made on?
Every Apollith print is produced on 225gsm matt photo paper. The weight gives the print a substantial, quality feel, and the matt surface avoids glare so colours stay true under both daylight and lamplight.
Can I mix sizes on the same wall?
Absolutely, and it often looks better than a uniform grid. A common approach is to centre a larger A2 or A1 piece and surround it with A4 and A3 prints, keeping consistent gaps of a few centimetres between frames for a cohesive feel.
Ready to find your size? You can browse all prints and choose framed or print-only on every piece, with sizes from A4 to A1 and prices starting from £19.
