What Size Banner Stand Do I Need?
October 13, 2026
Most people need a stand about 33.5" to 36" wide with a graphic about 80" tall. That size fits beside a table in a 10x10 booth, in a lobby or at a registration desk. Go narrower when floor space is tight, and wider when the stand is your main backdrop. Here's how to choose the width, the height and the graphic material.
1. Choose the width
Banner stands come in a handful of standard widths. Prices below are for a complete stand with a printed vinyl graphic.
| Width | Good for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 16" to 24" | Tight spots: beside a door, at the end of a table, at a check-in desk | Mosquito 23.5": $133.38 |
| 31.5" to 36" | The standard size. One or two in a 10x10 booth, in lobbies and at events | Maui 33.5": $160.00 |
| 47" to 48" | More room for a photo, a product shot or a list of services | Mosquito 47.25": $246.66 |
| 59" to 60" | Almost a backdrop on its own. Two side by side span about 10 ft | Mosquito 59": $307.57 |
| 5 ft to 8 ft | Photo backdrops, step-and-repeats and small booth backwalls | Jumbo Wide 5 ft: $747.85 |
Measure the space first. A stand's base is an inch or two wider than its graphic, and most bases are 8" to 12" deep.
2. Choose the height
Most retractable stands show a graphic about 78" to 80" tall. The top sits a little above eye level, and the bottom ends just above the floor. Stands with a telescoping pole let you pick the height. The Blade Lite takes graphics from 60" to 83.25" tall. The 36" Silverstep takes 69" to 92". The Giant Mosquito goes from 68" up to 122".
Check the show's height rules before you go tall. Many shows follow the IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events) guidelines for in-line booths. They allow displays up to 8 ft tall in the back half of the booth, and only 4 ft in the half nearest the aisle. Under those rules, a full-height banner stand belongs against the back wall or along the sides in the back half. Anything over 8 ft, like the Giant Mosquito at full height, is for lobbies, island booths or shows that allow it. Your show's exhibitor manual has the final word.
3. Design for how people will see it
- Put the important part up top. A standard table is about 30" high. Anything printed below that is hidden by tables, chairs and people. Keep your logo and headline in the top third, and save the bottom for color or a photo.
- Make the headline big enough. Sign makers use a rule of thumb: 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of viewing distance. Letters 3" tall can be read from about 30 ft away, across an aisle. That's the minimum to be readable; go bigger to catch attention.
- Say one thing. A short headline, your logo, one strong image and your website read better from the aisle than a paragraph of text.
We send a template for the exact size you order, and you approve a proof before anything prints. See Upload artwork for file details.
4. Choose the graphic material
Most of our stands offer several print materials. Their prices appear in the product options.
- Vinyl: the most economical choice, and fine for most uses.
- Fabric: a matte, opaque finish that doesn't reflect overhead lights.
- Melinex and other no-curl films: premium materials that hang flat and resist curling at the edges.
- PVC-free: for companies that avoid vinyl.
5. Other choices
- Double-sided: for aisles, lobbies and anywhere people pass on both sides. The Dual holds two banners back to back.
- Outdoor: outdoor stands have wider feet, ground stakes or a water or sand ballast. The Thunder and the Element are both double-sided.
- Lit: the Spotlight LED lights the banner from its base, so it looks like a light box. You'll need power at the show.
- Tabletop: the Economy Tabletop Retractor is 18" or 24" wide, sized for a table at a job fair or a counter.
- Changing your message: a stand lasts for years, so plan on new graphics. Many stands sell replacement graphics. A new 80" graphic for the Maui is $60.00. The InstaChange swaps its graphic as a cartridge.
Where to start
If you're not sure, a 33.5" stand with an 80" vinyl graphic covers most situations and costs the least. Browse all retractable banner stands, the lighter telescopic and X-stands, or our picks. If you have a question about a specific show or space, ask us.
Prices are as of October 2026 and include a printed graphic unless noted. Shipping and tax are added at checkout.