Picking a banner size is the first decision on any custom banner order, and it is the one most people guess at. This guide covers the standard vinyl banner sizes, how far away each one can be read, and how to choose a size for the place the banner will actually hang. RaahSign prints 13 oz vinyl banners in any size by the square foot, so you are never stuck with a size that does not fit.
Standard vinyl banner sizes
| Size (ft) | Inches | Best for | Readable from |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 4 | 24 × 48 | Tables, small storefront windows, directional signs | 25–40 ft |
| 2 × 6 | 24 × 72 | Fences, booth backdrops, above a door | 40–60 ft |
| 3 × 6 | 36 × 72 | The most popular size: grand openings, sales, events | 60–90 ft |
| 3 × 8 | 36 × 96 | Storefront fronts, school and church events | 75–100 ft |
| 4 × 8 | 48 × 96 | Construction fences, parking lot entrances, sports fields | 100–150 ft |
| 4 × 10 and up | 48 × 120+ | Building sides, highway-facing lots, festivals | 150 ft+ |
These are conventions, not rules. Because our banners are priced per square foot, a 30 × 84 in banner costs exactly what that area works out to, with no upcharge for a “custom” size.
How to size a banner for its location
- Measure the space first. Fence panels, railings and awnings have fixed widths. Leave 6–12 inches of clearance on each side so the grommets have something to tie to.
- Work backward from viewing distance. A good rule: every 1 inch of letter height is readable from about 10 feet. If drivers 100 feet away need to read your headline, the main text should be at least 10 inches tall, which means a banner at least 3 feet high.
- Keep the message short. A banner read at speed should carry one headline, one supporting line and one way to contact you. Fewer words let you use bigger letters.
- Plan for wind. Outdoor banners over 4 × 8 ft on open fences should be mesh or have wind slits. For big or windy locations, ask us for a quote and we will recommend the material.
Which material for which size
- 13 oz vinyl: the standard. Indoor and outdoor, 2 × 4 up to 10 ft on the short side, hemmed and grommeted.
- 15 oz vinyl: heavier and stiffer for banners that stay up for months.
- 18 oz blockout: opaque core so nothing shows through. Use it for double-sided banners and for hanging where light comes from behind.
Finishing that comes standard
Every RaahSign banner is hemmed on all edges. Grommets every 2 feet plus corners are free, or choose corners-only, top-only or none. Pole pockets are available for stands and poles. You choose all of this on the product page before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common vinyl banner size?
3 × 6 ft. It is large enough to read across a parking lot and still fits most storefronts and fences.
Can I order an odd size like 27 × 61 inches?
Yes. Enter any width and height in inches on the product page and the price updates instantly.
How big can a vinyl banner be?
Online we print up to 120 inches on the short side and 50 feet long. Larger banners are quoted individually.
What resolution does my artwork need?
About 100–150 DPI at full size for a banner. Our preflight check shows you the effective resolution before you approve the proof.
Every RaahSign order includes a free digital proof checked by a real person before anything prints, and we ship anywhere in the US from our Chicago shop.