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The Illustrated Tracks Guide to Poster Sizes: How to Choose the Right Motorsport Poster Size Without Guessing


Choosing the wrong size is the #1 mistake motorsport fans make when buying wall art.

Too small? It looks lost.
Too large? It overwhelms the room.

At Illustrated Tracks, we offer racetrack posters in 11×17in, 18×24in, 24×36in, plus international A-series formats — all sized to fit standard frames and avoid costly mismatches (which account for up to 60% of wall art returns across the industry).

This guide will help you choose the perfect size the first time.

Why Poster Size Matters More Than You Think

A racetrack map isn’t just decoration — it’s technical artwork.

Corner names. Sector markers. Track elevation changes.
Shrink it too far and you lose the detail.
Oversize it without planning and it dominates the space.

The right scale makes the piece feel intentional.

Standard Poster Sizes Explained

Most framing worldwide follows one of two systems:

  • US inch-based sizes

  • International ISO A-series sizes

A-Series (International Standard)

A-series sizes double in area as they scale upward:

  • A4 – 8.3 × 11.7 in

  • A3 – 11.7 × 16.5 in

  • A2 – 16.5 × 23.4 in

  • A1 – 23.4 × 33.1 in

  • A0 – 33.1 × 46.8 in

These fit widely available frames across Europe and internationally.

US Standard Sizes

Size Best Use
11 × 17 in Small spaces, desks, gallery walls
18 × 24 in Balanced medium format
24 × 36 in Statement piece above furniture

 

We focus on these formats because they are easy to frame — no expensive custom framing required.

 

How to Choose the Right Size for Your Wall

The 60–75% Rule

Artwork should cover 60–75% of the visible wall space above furniture.

Example:

If your sofa is 72 inches wide:

  • Ideal artwork width = 43–54 inches

That means:

  • One 24×36 in print works for smaller sofas

  • Two 18×24 in prints side-by-side work for larger ones

This keeps the art visually connected to the room.

The 2/3 Width Rule

Your artwork (or gallery grouping) should measure roughly two-thirds the width of the furniture below it.

This prevents the “floating stamp” effect — where art looks detached and undersized.

 

The Tape Trick (Avoid Regret)

Before buying:

  1. Grab painter’s tape

  2. Outline the exact dimensions on your wall

  3. Step back 5–10 feet

If it feels balanced, you’ve nailed it.

This simple trick prevents sizing disappointment.

 

Size by Room Type

Home Office or Small Room

  • A4 / 11×17 in

  • Works best at close viewing distances

  • Ideal above desks, shelves, or in narrow wall sections

Bedrooms & Hallways

  • 18×24 in or A2

  • Large enough for detail

  • Compact enough not to dominate

Living Rooms & Feature Walls

  • 24×36 in or A1

  • Strong presence from across the room

  • Ideal above sofas or fireplaces

If your ceilings are tall or your sofa is wide, larger formats create stronger visual balance.

 

Gallery Wall Setup for Motorsport Fans

Want multiple circuits from a season?

Create one unified visual block:

  • Centerpiece: A2 or 18×24 in

  • Supporting prints: A4 or 11×17 in

  • Keep spacing 2–4 inches between frames

Consistent sizing creates cohesion. Mixed track designs create personality.

 

Canvas vs Paper: Does Size Feel Different?

Canvas prints feel slightly more substantial because of depth (gallery wrap adds dimension). A 24×36 canvas can feel more dominant than a flat poster of the same size.

Acrylic prints display exact edge-to-edge dimensions and deliver a sleek, modern finish.

When measuring, always account for frame thickness if you plan to frame paper prints.

Common Size Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing art that’s too small for the wall

  • Ignoring frame bulk (adds 2–4 inches total)

  • Hanging too high (center should sit 57–60 inches from floor)

  • Picking size without measuring first

Final Thoughts

The right racetrack poster size transforms a track map from decoration into a design statement.

Measure first.
Use the 60–75% rule.
Visualize with tape.

Then choose the format that fits your space and viewing distance.

Explore the full range of racetrack wall art at Illustrated Tracks and select the size that makes your motorsport passion feel intentional — not accidental.


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