Standard Poster Sizes for Academic & Medical Conferences in the U.S.
Presenting a Poster at a Conference
Presenting a poster at a conference is a great opportunity to share your research, get feedback, and network with peers. Whether you’re a graduate student or a medical professional, knowing the standard poster sizes can help you prepare a clear, visually appealing presentation that fits the venue’s requirements.
🎯 Common Poster Sizes
In the U.S., most academic and medical conferences specify standard poster dimensions. Here are the three most commonly used poster sizes:
| Poster Size (inches) | Poster Size (cm) | Orientation | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 x 36 | 91 x 122 | Landscape | Small to medium conferences, grad school presentations |
| 56 x 42 | 107 x 142 | Landscape | Scientific & medical conferences (e.g., ASCO, AAMC) |
| 72 x 48 | 122 x 183 | Landscape | Large national or international conferences |
🧭 Orientation: Landscape vs. Portrait
While landscape orientation is more common, especially at medical or scientific conferences, some events may request portrait orientation. Always check the event guidelines.
Tip: If you’re not sure, default to landscape 48 x 36 unless told otherwise.
🖨️ Printing Tips
- Check your institution’s printing center – many offer academic discounts or free printing.
- Save your file as a PDF to preserve formatting.
- Use vector graphics or high-res images (300 DPI) for clarity when printed at large sizes.
✅ Final Checklist
Before you print, make sure to:
- 🔲 Verify size and orientation required by the conference.
- 🔲 Leave at least 0.5″ margins on all sides.
- 🔲 Use fonts that are legible from 3–5 feet away (e.g., 24–32 pt for body text).
- 🔲 Proofread everything — spelling errors can distract from your message.
💡 Bonus Tip: Practice Your Pitch
Don’t just design the poster — practice explaining it in 2–3 minutes. Most interactions at poster sessions are brief, and a concise, engaging summary will help you stand out.
📥 Template Resources
Need help designing your poster? Check out:
- Canva Academic Poster Templates
- PowerPoint Research Poster Templates from Genigraphics
- Overleaf (for LaTeX users)
At Bay View Exhibits, we specialize in 4×6 and 4×8 poster board rentals. No matter what size poster you choose, we’ve got you covered.
By choosing the right size and layout, your poster will look professional and meet conference expectations. Good luck, and happy presenting!