Billboard Size & Dimension Calculator

The most common billboard sizes are the 14' x 48' Bulletin (the standard large billboard), 10'6" x 36' Poster (medium-sized poster panel), and 12' x 24' Junior Poster (smaller format). Large bulletins at 20' x 60' are also popular on major highways. These standardized sizes ensure consistent advertising presence across different locations.

For billboard design, 30 DPI is the industry standard for large-format printing. Unlike print materials viewed up close (which need 300 DPI), billboards are viewed from far distances, so lower DPI is acceptable and reduces file sizes. For smaller billboards or closer viewing distances, you can use 40-50 DPI. Very large billboards may use as low as 10-15 DPI.

Optimal viewing distance is calculated using the formula: (diagonal size in inches ÷ DPI) × 2. This ensures that at the calculated distance, viewers can clearly see all elements of your billboard design without pixelation. The distance accounts for both the billboard size and the resolution (DPI) of your design file.

The best file formats for billboard printing are vector formats like PDF, AI (Adobe Illustrator), or EPS, as they scale without quality loss. If using raster images, TIFF or PSD files at the correct pixel dimensions are acceptable. Always use CMYK color space (not RGB) for print, include bleed areas, and outline all fonts to prevent substitution issues.

Billboard pixel dimensions appear large because you're multiplying the physical size (in inches) by the DPI. For example, a 14' x 48' billboard at 30 DPI requires 5,040 x 17,280 pixels. While this seems massive, remember that billboards are viewed from far away, so the 30 DPI is sufficient. Higher DPI would create unnecessarily large file sizes without improving visible quality.

Billboard advertising costs vary widely based on location, size, and traffic. In smaller markets, a 14' x 48' bulletin might cost $1,500-$3,000 per month. In major cities or high-traffic areas, the same billboard can cost $10,000-$30,000+ per month. Digital billboards often cost 2-5x more but allow rotation with other advertisers. Production costs (printing/installation) typically add $500-$2,000.