Exhibition stand sizes: standard plot dimensions and what fits

8 types

stand types chosen by size

Stand types

1–10 days

build time by size and type

Stand types

The module and standard sizes

Fair halls are divided on a 3-metre square module; plots are multiples of it. 9 square metres (3x3) is the entry size and is sold with a shell scheme at most fairs. 12 (3x4) and 18 (3x6) square metres are the sizes single-product companies choose most. 36 (6x6) and 54 (6x9) square metres come as corner or peninsula plots; 100 square metres and above are island plots.

Abroad the module is the same but the minimum plot changes: at German fairs anything under 12 square metres is rarely sold, and at US fairs the module is 10 feet (3.05 metres), so sizes are quoted in multiples of 100 square feet (9.3 square metres).

Height is a separate dimension: 2.5 metres on row plots, between 4 and 6 metres on corner and island plots, as stated in the hall manual. What can be done at small sizes is shown with size ranges on the stand types page.

What fits at each size

9 sqm: one back wall graphic, one product point, one high table and a small closed compartment. Meetings are held standing. 12–18 sqm: two product points, a screen, a seated meeting for two and one square metre of hidden space; row or corner plot.

36 sqm: the product area and the meeting area separate; a meeting table for four, a refreshment corner, two square metres of hidden space and an identity tower fit. 54 sqm: two meeting points, a trial area and machinery display; corner or peninsula.

100 sqm and above: island plot; a closed meeting room, a refreshment counter, several product groups and a second deck if needed. At this size visitors walk through the stand and the walkway enters the drawing. Build time grows with size; times by type are on our exhibition stand services page.

The mistake made when choosing a size

The most common mistake is choosing the square metres by budget rather than by product. A large machine does not fit in 18 square metres; the forklift path and the safety distance need more room than the product itself. The opposite happens too: a single-product company takes 54 square metres and cannot fill it, and the empty space makes the stand look weak.

The right order is: first the size and weight of the product to be shown, then how many seats the meeting area needs, then the plot. When these three are written in the brief, the square metres follow by themselves.

When the plot plan reaches us we also read the number of open sides, the position of the neighbours and the power point; the same 36 square metres is drawn differently on a corner and in a row. How we proceed is on our design page.

What is the smallest exhibition stand?

At most fairs 9 square metres (3x3); some fairs offer a 6 square metre package. Abroad, anything under 12 square metres is rarely sold.

How tall can a stand be?

Between 2.5 and 6 metres depending on the hall; the limit is low on row plots and high on islands. Anything above the limit needs written approval from the organiser.

Is the plot size the same as the stand size?

The stand stays inside the plot but does not reach its edge: a few centimetres are left on each side for wall thickness and clearance from the neighbour. On an 18 square metre plot the usable area of the stand is around 17.