Pull Up Banner Size Guide

The most popular pull up banner size in the UK is 850mm wide by 2000mm tall. This is the industry standard for trade shows, exhibitions, and reception areas - it strikes the ideal balance between visual impact and portability. In this guide we cover every available size, how to choose the right one for your space, and how to set up your artwork correctly.

What Is a Pull Up Banner?

A pull up banner - also known as a roller banner, roll up banner, or retractable banner - is a lightweight, freestanding display stand with a custom-printed graphic that retracts neatly into a base cassette when not in use. Simply pull the graphic upward from the base, secure it to the support pole, and your display is ready in under 30 seconds.

The retractable mechanism keeps the graphic protected during transport, and every Marler Haley roller banner comes with a carry bag as standard, making them the go-to display solution for exhibitions, trade shows, retail environments, and corporate events across the UK.

Not sure if a pull up banner is the right type of display for you? Visit our banner stand guide to compare different banner types.

Pull Up Banner Sizes

Pull up banner dimensions

Pull up banners are available in a wide range of widths, from compact desktop sizes through to extra-wide 2400mm backdrop banners. The table below shows every size available from Marler Haley, with guidance on where each works best.

⭐ The 850mm × 2000mm pull up banner is the most popular size in the UK. If you're unsure which width to choose, this is the safest and most versatile option for the vast majority of events and venues. It gives you a large, impactful graphic area while remaining lightweight and easy to transport.

Which Size Pull Up Banner Do I Need?

Choosing the right size comes down to three things: your available floor space, how far away viewers will be standing, and how easy you need the banner to be to transport. Here's a quick guide by scenario.

Shell Scheme Exhibition Stand (standard 3m × 2m space)

An 850mm wide banner is the go-to choice. It gives you strong visual presence without eating into the floor space you need for conversations and product demos. Most exhibitors use one or two 850mm banners as a corner or back-wall display within their shell scheme. For a fuller back wall, consider pairing two 850mm banners side by side, or stepping up to a 1500mm or 2000mm wide option.

Reception Area or Office

An 850mm or 1000mm wide banner works well beside a desk or against a feature wall. Avoid anything wider than 1200mm in smaller receptions - it can dominate the space rather than complement it. A 1000mm banner adds a sense of presence without being overwhelming, and looks intentional rather than ad-hoc.

Retail Space or Point-of-Sale

A 600mm compact banner is the smart choice when floor space is limited. Its slim footprint keeps walkways clear while delivering a visible promotional message beside a counter or entrance. Desktop A4/A3 banners are ideal for counter-top use - perfect for highlighting a new product or promotion at the till.

Photography Backdrop or Media Wall

Wide format banners of 1500mm or 2000mm are the most common choice for backdrops. Two 850mm or 1000mm banners placed side by side can also work effectively and are easier to transport. For a seamless look across a wider space, step up banners of 2000mm or 2400mm provide maximum coverage.

Marketing Roadshow or Multi-Event Use

If your banners need to travel frequently, prioritise 800mm or 850mm width - these fit easily into most car boots, overhead luggage compartments, and standard carry bags. Look for models with a replaceable graphic cassette (such as the Merlin), so you can update your message without replacing the stand.

Venue Height Restrictions

Most pull up banners stand at approximately 2050–2150mm tall (graphic height; total assembled height including the pole top is slightly greater). Many venues - particularly hotels, conference centres, and purpose-built exhibition halls - impose a maximum display height of 2.5 metres. Standard roller banners are well within this limit. Always check with your venue coordinator before ordering a tall-format or wide-format banner for high-profile events.

Pull Up Banner Artwork Setup: What You Need to Know

Once you've chosen your size, the next step is setting up your artwork correctly. Getting the specifications right before you send your file prevents costly reprints and ensures your banner looks sharp and professional when printed.

Pull up banner artwork should be created at a minimum of 150 DPI at its full printed size, with 3–5mm bleed on all edges, a 10mm safe zone for key content, and at least 150mm of non-essential design at the bottom (the cassette hidden area).

Resolution

Minimum 150 DPI at full print size. Higher resolution (e.g. 300 DPI) is unnecessary for large-format and creates oversized files. If your images look sharp at 100% zoom on screen at actual print dimensions, they'll print well.

Bleed

Add 3–5mm bleed on all four edges. This area will be trimmed after printing — do not place logos or text here. Bleed prevents white borders appearing on the finished print.

Safe zone

Keep all important content — logos, text, contact details, key imagery — at least 10mm from the trimmed edge of the design (not the bleed line). Content too close to the edge risks being cut or obscured by the banner hardware.

Cassette hidden area

At least 150mm at the bottom of your printed graphic will be hidden inside the roller cassette when the banner is on display. Do not place any important content in this zone. Check the artwork template for your specific product, as this varies slightly between models.

File format

Preferred: PDF. Avoid Word, PowerPoint, or low-resolution web images (PNG/JPG saved from a website).

Colour mode

CMYK for all print files. RGB files will be converted to CMYK during printing, which can cause colour shifts — particularly noticeable with blues, purples, and oranges. Convert to CMYK before submitting.

Artwork templates

Download the correct template for your chosen product directly from the individual product page. Templates include exact print dimensions, safe zones, bleed guides, and the cassette hidden area marked clearly. Need design help? Our Graphics Services team can create your artwork from your logo and brief.

All artwork is checked by our team before printing. We'll flag any resolution, bleed, or colour issues before your job goes to press - so you won't receive a banner that doesn't meet your expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard pull up banner size in the UK?

The standard pull up banner size in the UK is 850mm wide by 2000mm tall. This is the most popular size for trade shows, exhibitions, and reception areas, providing a large graphic area while remaining lightweight and easy to transport. 800mm wide banners are also widely used and offer a slightly slimmer profile.

What is the most popular roller banner size?

The 850mm × 2000mm roller banner is the most popular size in the UK. It's available across all price ranges - budget through to premium - and suits the widest range of venues, events, and display environments. When in doubt, 850mm is a safe default.

What DPI should pull up banner artwork be?

Pull up banner artwork should be created at a minimum of 150 DPI (dots per inch) at its full printed size. This produces sharp, clear graphics at large-format print dimensions without generating unnecessarily large file sizes. Creating artwork at much higher resolutions (e.g. 300 DPI) offers no visible quality improvement for large-format banners.

How much of my pull up banner design will be hidden?

At least 150mm at the bottom of your printed graphic will be hidden inside the roller cassette when the banner is on display. This is known as the cassette zone or cassette hidden area. Always leave this area free of important content - logos, text, QR codes, and key imagery should all sit above this zone. Check the artwork template for your specific product, as the exact measurement varies slightly by model.

What is the difference between 800mm and 850mm pull up banners?

The practical display difference between 800mm and 850mm is minimal - just 50mm (5cm). The 850mm has become the more common industry standard and is the size most hardware and cassette systems are designed around, particularly replaceable graphic systems. If you are choosing between the two and have no strong preference, choose 850mm - it gives you the widest compatibility with replacement graphics and future hardware upgrades.

Can pull up banners be used outdoors?

Standard pull up banners are designed for indoor use only. Wind can topple them and rain will damage the graphic. Marler Haley offers a dedicated outdoor roller banner (available in 850mm width) that is weatherproof and includes metal ground pegs for added stability. For other outdoor display options, see our outdoor advertising range.

How do I choose between a budget and premium pull up banner?

Budget banners (such as our Genesis Economy) are ideal for single events or short-term campaigns where cost per use is the priority. Premium banners (such as the Barracuda) are built for repeated, frequent use, with more stable bases, better hardware, and a lifetime guarantee. If you're attending multiple events per year, a premium banner delivers better long-term value. If you need a display for one or two occasions, a budget model is perfectly suited.

Shop Our Full Range of Pull Up Banners

Now you know the right size - find it in our range. We print all our roller banners in-house at our UK facility, check every file before print, and deliver in an average of 2–3 working days. Budget, premium, eco-friendly, double-sided, and outdoor options all available.

Still have questions? Call us free on 0800 072 7742, use the live chat on site, or contact our team - we're here Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

Written by the Marler Haley Display Team • Last reviewed: 18 May 2026