A2 is 420 × 594 mm, which is 42 × 59.4 cm or 16.5 × 23.4 inches. It's twice the size of A3 and half the size of A1, and it's one of the most popular sizes for posters and art prints. Framed, an A2 print comes out at roughly 46 × 63 cm to 52 × 69 cm on the wall.
Below you'll find A2 in every unit, how it differs from 50 x 70 cm and the other sizes it gets confused with, and how big it looks once it's framed.
In this guide
A2 dimensions in every unit
| Unit | Width × height (portrait) |
|---|---|
| Millimetres | 420 × 594 mm |
| Centimetres | 42 × 59.4 cm |
| Inches | 16.5 × 23.4 in (16.54 × 23.39 to two decimals) |
| Area | 0.25 m², a quarter of a square metre |
In landscape it's 594 × 420 mm. The shape stays the same.
A2 compared with the other A sizes
| Size | Millimetres | Compared with A2 |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297 | A quarter of A2 |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | Half of A2 |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | - |
| A1 | 594 × 841 | Twice A2 |
| A0 | 841 × 1189 | Four times A2 |
Two A3 sheets side by side make an A2, and A2 is the same shape as every other A size, so an A3 design scales up without cropping.
A2 vs 50 x 70 cm, and other lookalikes
These sizes get mixed up with A2 more than any others. None of them fit an A2 frame.
| Size | Centimetres | Difference from A2 |
|---|---|---|
| 50 x 70 cm | 50 × 70 | 8 cm wider, 10.6 cm taller |
| 20 x 28 inches | 50.8 × 71.1 | 8.8 cm wider, 11.7 cm taller |
| 18 x 24 inches | 45.7 × 61 | 3.7 cm wider, 1.6 cm taller |
| 40 x 60 cm | 40 × 60 | 2 cm narrower, 0.6 cm taller |
| 16 x 20 inches | 40.6 × 50.8 | 1.4 cm narrower, 8.6 cm shorter |
50 x 70 cm is the usual size for posters from Scandinavian and European shops, and it's noticeably bigger than A2. US posters are often 18 x 24 inches, which is also bigger. Measure before you order a frame. Our picture frame size chart has more on these.
A2 in pixels, for printing
| Resolution | A2 in pixels (portrait) |
|---|---|
| 300 ppi (high quality) | 4961 × 7016 px |
| 150 ppi (posters) | 2480 × 3508 px |
| 72 ppi (screen only) | 1191 × 1684 px |
An A2 print is usually viewed from a step or two back, so 150 ppi often looks fine. Our pixels to print size calculator will check a specific file.
How big an A2 print looks framed
| Moulding width | Outside size of an A2 frame |
|---|---|
| Slim, 20 mm | About 46 × 63.4 cm |
| Medium, 35 mm | About 49 × 66.4 cm |
| Wide, 50 mm | About 52 × 69.4 cm |
A single framed A2 works well above a sideboard, a desk or a bed, and it's a good anchor piece for a gallery wall. Above a three-seater sofa, two A2 frames side by side usually look better balanced than one.
Which frame for an A2 print?
| The look you want | Frame | Mount border |
|---|---|---|
| Print fills the frame, no mount | A2 frame | None |
| A2 print with a slim mount | 50 x 70 cm frame | About 4 cm at the sides, 5.3 cm top and bottom |
| A2 print with a deep mount | A1 frame | About 8.7 cm at the sides, 12.4 cm top and bottom |
| A3 print with a mount, in an A2 frame | A2 frame | About 6.2 cm at the sides, 8.7 cm top and bottom |
For an exactly even border, our custom-cut mounts can be made to any width.
See it before you buy. On any of our A2 frames, tap Preview Your Own Artwork and upload a photo of your print to see it in the frame.
Key takeaways
- A2 is 420 × 594 mm, 42 × 59.4 cm, or 16.5 × 23.4 inches.
- A2 is twice A3 and half A1.
- 50 x 70 cm and 18 x 24 inches are both bigger than A2 and won't fit an A2 frame.
- At 300 ppi, an A2 print needs 4961 × 7016 pixels; 150 ppi is often enough.
- For an A2 print with a mount, a 50 x 70 cm or A1 frame works well.
Common questions
How big is A2 in cm?
42 × 59.4 cm.
What is A2 size in inches?
16.5 × 23.4 inches (16.54 × 23.39 inches to two decimal places).
Is A2 bigger than A3?
Yes. A2 is twice the size of A3.
Is A2 the same as 50 x 70 cm?
No. 50 x 70 cm is 8 cm wider and 10.6 cm taller than A2. An A2 print fits a 50 x 70 cm frame only with a mount.
What size frame do I need for an A2 print?
An A2 frame if you want the print to fill it. For a mount, a 50 x 70 cm frame or an A1 frame.
What size is A2 in pixels?
4961 × 7016 pixels at 300 ppi, or 2480 × 3508 pixels at 150 ppi.
More size guides: A3 size, A1 size and the full picture frame size chart.
Browse our A2 picture frames, handmade to order by Guild Certified Framers.
About the author: Trevor Beers
Trevor Beers is a guest writer for East Side Studio London. With two degrees in English language and a passion for contemporary art, he explores the intersections of culture, criticism, and collecting. Splitting his time between London and Austin, Trevor brings an academic eye to emerging art scenes, offering thoughtful perspectives on today's evolving art landscape.
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