What Are the Standard Exhibition Stand Sizes?

Exhibition stand sizes are usually quoted in metres on the floor plan and millimetres on the artwork brief, and mixing the two up is an easy way to order the wrong graphics. This guide sets out the standard Australian exhibition stand sizes, what usable area actually means once aisles and structure are accounted for, and how to read your own floor plan with confidence.

Outline

1. Quick answer
2. Standard Australian exhibition stand sizes
3. Usable area versus quoted floor space
4. Reading your floor plan
5. Common mistakes to avoid
6. A simple planning process
7. Frequently asked questions
8. Talk to Displays 2 Go

Quick answer

The most common exhibition stand sizes in Australia are 2x2m, 2x3m, 3x3m and 3x6m, usually sold in whole square-metre modules. Convert to millimetres for artwork briefs (a 3x3m stand is 3000mm by 3000mm) and always confirm your actual usable area against the organiser's floor plan, since walls, shell-scheme structure and open sides all reduce the space available for your display.

Standard Australian exhibition stand sizes

Usable area versus quoted floor space

The quoted stand size is the floor footprint you've booked, not the space available for display and activity. A shell-scheme wall, corner posts, fascia signage and any shared structure all reduce the practical area inside. Open sides also change how the space is used, since an open side typically can't carry back-of-stand storage or tall structure without organiser approval.

Reading your floor plan

Your exhibition floor plan will show the stand number, the quoted dimensions, which sides are open (usually marked with a different line style or shading), nearby pillars or fixed structure, and the location of power and other services. Confirm all of this against the organiser's own documentation rather than assuming a standard layout, since venues and event organisers vary.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Briefing artwork in metres and having it produced at the wrong scale
• Assuming the full quoted floor space is available for display and storage
• Missing an open side and planning a layout that blocks it
• Not checking for pillars or fixed structure shown on the floor plan

A simple planning process

1. Confirm your exact stand size and open sides from the organiser's floor plan.
2. Convert to millimetres for any artwork or structure briefs.
3. Deduct shell-scheme structure and fascia to find your usable area.
4. Plan furniture, displays and storage within that usable area.
5. Confirm power and service locations before finalising your layout.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 3x3m exhibition stand the same as 9 square metres?

Yes, 3 metres by 3 metres equals 9 square metres of floor space, though usable area will be smaller once shell-scheme structure is accounted for.

Can I fit a counter, screen and product display in a 3x3m stand?

Often yes, with careful layout, though it depends on the size of each item and how much open circulation space you want to keep for visitors.

Why do organisers list stand sizes in metres but ask for artwork in millimetres?

Metres are convenient for floor plans and booking, while millimetres give the precision needed for accurate artwork and structure production.

Talk to Displays 2 Go

Displays 2 Go can help you plan furniture, displays and graphics to fit your confirmed exhibition stand size. Bring your floor plan and open-side details, and we'll help make the most of your usable area.