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How to Set a Custom Slide Size in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is not limited to the standard 4:3 or 16:9 slide ratios β€” the Slide Size option under the Design tab accepts any custom width and height needed.

  1. Open the Design tab

    Go to the Design tab in the ribbon.

  2. Click Slide Size

    Click the Slide Size icon at the right end of the Design tab.

  3. Choose Custom Slide Size

    Instead of Standard (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9), select Custom Slide Size.

  4. Enter the exact width and height

    Type the exact dimensions in centimeters or inches, then click OK.

Why change slide size instead of just resizing objects

Setting the actual slide dimensions, rather than resizing individual shapes and images to approximate a target size, keeps the coordinate system, alignment guides, and export resolution all consistent with the real output size β€” a poster exported at the wrong slide size will print or scale incorrectly no matter how objects were arranged inside it.

A common workaround for design work

Because PowerPoint offers straightforward drawing, alignment, and export tools, many people use a custom slide size to design posters, banners, or social media card-news layouts instead of opening a dedicated graphic design program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my existing content get distorted when I change the slide size?

PowerPoint asks whether to "Maximize" or "Ensure Fit" existing content when the ratio changes. Maximize scales content up but may run it off the new slide edges, while Ensure Fit scales it down to stay within bounds, so pick based on which risk matters more for that specific slide.

What is the maximum custom slide size PowerPoint allows?

PowerPoint accepts a custom width and height up to 56 inches, about 142 cm, on each side as of recent versions, which comfortably covers most poster and banner printing needs.