A Simple Guide to Display Ad Sizes: Understanding Google Ads Display Sizes

Jan 31, 2025

If you’ve ever browsed the internet, you’ve probably seen display ads pop up on different websites. These ads are everywhere—on your favorite blogs, social media, and even in apps. They’re a big part of digital marketing, and choosing the right display ad size is very important to make sure your ad is noticed by the right people. In this simple guide, we’ll explain what display ad sizes are, the different types of ad sizes in Google Ads, and how they can help you run better ads.


What Are Display Ads?

Display ads are visual ads that show up on websites, apps, and sometimes videos. Unlike search ads that show up when you search for something on Google, display ads appear on websites you visit. These ads can be images, banners, or even videos.

Now, choosing the right display ad size is very important. If your ad is too small, people might not notice it. If it’s too big, it could be annoying. So, finding the right size can make your ad more effective.


The Most Common Google Ads Display Sizes

Google Ads has a wide variety of display ad sizes you can choose from. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Leaderboard (728 x 90 px)

  • Where to use it: This ad is wide and usually appears at the top of websites.

  • Why it works: It’s easy to spot because it stretches across the top of the page. It’s perfect for catching people’s attention when they first land on a website.

2. Medium Rectangle (300 x 250 px)

  • Where to use it: This is one of the most common ad sizes. You can find it in sidebars, in the middle of articles, or even at the bottom of some websites.

  • Why it works: It’s small enough to fit in a variety of places, but still big enough to be noticed.

3. Wide Skyscraper (160 x 600 px)

  • Where to use it: This ad is tall and narrow, usually found on the side of the page.

  • Why it works: It’s a great way to get people’s attention as they scroll down a website.

4. Large Rectangle (336 x 280 px)

  • Where to use it: This is a bigger version of the medium rectangle. You can find it in places where you want the ad to stand out more.

  • Why it works: It’s perfect for grabbing attention without being too big or overwhelming.

5. Square (250 x 250 px)

  • Where to use it: This is a small ad that fits into tight spaces on websites.

  • Why it works: Because it’s compact, it can fit anywhere without looking out of place.

6. Mobile Leaderboard (320 x 50 px)

  • Where to use it: This size is designed for mobile phones.

  • Why it works: It’s easy to see and not too big on smaller screens, making it perfect for users browsing on smartphones.

7. Billboard (970 x 250 px)

  • Where to use it: This is a large ad that usually goes at the top of a webpage.

  • Why it works: Its size makes it hard to miss, so it’s great for campaigns where you want to make a strong impression.

8. Half Page (300 x 600 px)

  • Where to use it: This is a large vertical ad often placed on the side of the page.

  • Why it works: It takes up a lot of space and stands out, so it can grab the attention of visitors as they browse.

9. Large Mobile Banner (320 x 100 px)

  • Where to use it: This is another mobile ad size, but it’s a bit bigger than the mobile leaderboard.

  • Why it works: It’s a good choice for grabbing attention on mobile without taking over the whole screen.


Why Display Ad Size Matters in Google Ads

Picking the right display ad size in Google Ads is more important than you might think. Here’s why:

  1. Better Placement: Some ad sizes fit better in certain spots on a webpage. For example, the leaderboard is great for the top of a page, while the medium rectangle is better for the sidebar. The right size ensures your ad is seen in the best spot.


  2. Mobile-Friendly: More and more people are browsing the web on their phones. That’s why it’s important to choose ad sizes like the mobile leaderboard (320 x 50 px) or large mobile banner (320 x 100 px). These sizes look great on mobile screens and won’t annoy users.


  3. Higher Engagement: The right size ad can also help you get more clicks. A larger, clearer ad can stand out more and make users more likely to click on it.


Best Practices for Display Ads in Google Ads

Now that you know the different Google Ads display sizes, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your ads:

  1. Use Responsive Ads: Responsive ads are a great option because they automatically adjust to fit different screen sizes and placements. This makes sure your ad always looks good, no matter where it shows up.


  2. Create Eye-Catching Designs: No matter what size ad you choose, make sure it’s visually appealing. Use high-quality images, bright colors, and clear text. And don’t forget a strong call-to-action (CTA) like "Buy Now" or "Learn More" to encourage clicks.


  3. Test Different Sizes: It’s always a good idea to try different ad sizes and designs. This is called A/B testing, and it helps you figure out which ad works best for your audience. Don’t be afraid to experiment!


  4. Target Your Audience: Think about where your target audience spends their time. Are they browsing on mobile devices? Do they visit certain types of websites? Choose the right ad sizes for those places to increase your chances of success.


Conclusion

Choosing the right display ad size in Google Ads is crucial for running effective ad campaigns. Different sizes work better in different situations, so it’s important to pick the right one for your needs. By following the best practices and experimenting with different ad sizes, you can make sure your ads stand out, get noticed, and help you reach your marketing goals.

Have you used Google Ads for display campaigns? Which ad sizes have worked best for you? Let us know in the comments!


FAQs

Q: What is the most common display ad size for Google Ads?

A: The medium rectangle (300 x 250 px) is one of the most commonly used ad sizes. It works well on most websites and is flexible enough for various placements.


Q: Should I use large ads or small ads?

A: It depends on the placement. Larger ads like the billboard (970 x 250 px) grab more attention but might not fit in every space. Smaller ads like the square (250 x 250 px) are easier to place in tight spots. The key is to balance visibility and fit.


Q: How do I make my ads stand out?

A: Use bright colors, bold text, and high-quality images. Keep your message short and include a clear call-to-action (CTA) like "Shop Now" or "Learn More." This will help catch people's attention and get them to click.


Q: How can I make sure my ads look good on mobile devices?

A: Use mobile-friendly ad sizes like the mobile leaderboard (320 x 50 px) or large mobile banner (320 x 100 px). These sizes are specifically designed to look good on small screens, ensuring a better user experience.

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