Plaque Sizes: A5, A4 or A3?

Compare the metal-face dimensions

Our sizes describe the rectangular metal face. Rotating the plaque changes its orientation, not its size or price. A wooden backing board adds to the outside dimensions; confirm the finished overall measurements with your quote.

• A5: 148 × 210 mm — a compact option for close viewing.
• A4: 210 × 297 mm — the same face size as a standard sheet of A4 paper.
• A3: 297 × 420 mm — twice the area of A4, with more space for portrait and inscription.

Try a paper template in the intended position

Cut a piece of paper to the proposed size and hold it where the plaque will sit. Look at it from the distance you will normally stand. Check nearby edges, door handles, brick joints and any space needed for a wooden board. A screen image cannot show the physical scale reliably.

Choose portrait or landscape around the photograph

An upright layout can suit a seated animal or a head portrait with the name below. A landscape plaque can put a large portrait on one side and a longer dedication on the other. A resting cat or full-body horse may naturally need more width. The original pose is a better guide than a fixed template.

Let longer wording have its own space

Names, dates and a dedication do different jobs. A name usually needs more emphasis than the dates, while the dedication should be easy to read in complete lines. If the inscription is long, consider a larger face or a simpler portrait crop. Shrinking everything to fit can weaken both the likeness and the message.

Allow a clear border around the design

A big portrait does not need to touch the plaque edge. Ears, hair and whiskers need room, and the composition must account for the fixing positions. We favour matching screw cover caps where appropriate. The complete sketch lets you see the portrait, text and available margins together before approval.

Use the free proof to make the final choice

You can start without being certain about the size. Tell us the intended position and send your wording. The free offer includes a portrait sketch, full layout, realistic plaque visualisation and quote. Before ordering, check the metal-face size, orientation, overall backing dimensions and the readability of every line.