INTRODUCTION, The “Small But Powerful” Format Most Businesses Overlook
When people think of posters, they imagine A1 or A2.
Big. Bold. Visible.
But what about A5?
Here’s the twist
An A5 poster isn’t really a “large” poster at all it’s a compact promotional format.
Used correctly, it can be incredibly effective.
Used incorrectly?
It disappears.
If your competitor knows when to use A5 strategically and you don’t they’ll get more engagement even with a smaller format.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Size Is an A5 Poster?
An A5 poster measures:
- 148 × 210 mm
- 14.8 × 21 cm
It is exactly half the size of A4.
And it’s one quarter the size of A3.
Here’s a simple size comparison:
| Size | Dimensions (cm) | Relative Size |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | 29.7 × 42 cm | Large indoor poster |
| A4 | 21 × 29.7 cm | Standard office size |
| A5 | 14.8 × 21 cm | Small display format |
So technically, A5 is considered a small poster or flyer size.
Is A5 Big Enough for a Poster?
This depends entirely on purpose.
Here’s what most business owners don’t realise:
A5 works brilliantly for close-range marketing
but fails for distance visibility.
If it’s viewed from more than 1–1.5 metres, it becomes hard to read.
That’s why A5 is rarely used for shop windows.
For larger displays, businesses often move up to A3, A2 or A1.
(See our guide on what is A1, A2, A3 and A4 for a full size comparison.)
Common Uses for A5 Posters
A5 is ideal for:
✔ Counter-top promotions
✔ Table displays in cafés
✔ Event handouts
✔ Small notice boards
✔ Appointment reminders
✔ Promotional flyers
Because it’s compact, affordable, and easy to distribute.
It’s more portable than A4 and often feels more “personal”.
5 Benefits of Using A5
- Low Print Cost → Reduces marketing spend
- Easy Distribution → Perfect for handouts
- Compact Display → Fits small spaces
- Less Overwhelming → Cleaner, focused messaging
- High Volume Campaigns → Ideal for mass promotion
But here’s the reality
Loss aversion truth:
If your competitor uses A2 in a window and you use A5,
their promotion will dominate attention.
Size influences perceived importance.
When Should You Avoid A5?
Avoid A5 if:
🚫 It’s a street-facing display
🚫 You need visibility from 2+ metres
🚫 It’s your main promotion
🚫 You want strong brand authority
For bigger impact, our large format printing service can help you choose the right size for visibility and ROI.
Because upgrading from A5 to A3 or A2 can dramatically increase engagement.
The #1 Mistake Businesses Make with A5
Trying to fit too much information onto it.
Because A5 is small, it requires:
- Short headlines
- Minimal text
- Strong contrast
- Clear call-to-action
If you overcrowd it, readability collapses.
Professional layout planning makes a huge difference even with small formats.
That’s why businesses working with experienced teams like Social Media Max often get better performance from even small-scale print campaigns.
Before vs After
Before:
Cluttered A5 flyer. Hard to read. Low response.
After:
Clear headline. Simple offer. Strong CTA. Higher engagement.
Small doesn’t mean weak.
It means strategic.
Final Thoughts
So, what size is an A5 poster?
👉 14.8 × 21 cm.
👉 Half the size of A4.
👉 Ideal for close-range marketing and handouts.
A5 isn’t about dominating space.
It’s about precision marketing in smaller environments.
Use it wisely and it can be powerful.
👉 Ready to grow your business with professional printing?
Contact Social Media Max today.
Don’t wait your competitors won’t.