970×90 Large Leaderboard AdSense Ad Size: Where and When to Use It
The 970×90 large leaderboard is the widest standard banner AdSense offers. Google added it in April 2013, when we tested it here and found it too wide for most blog layouts of the time. In 2026 it is still a supported size, so here is what it is, where it works, how it compares with other AdSense sizes, and whether you should use it or let responsive ads choose for you.
Quick answer: The 970×90 large leaderboard is a 970 pixel wide by 90 pixel tall desktop banner, usually placed at the top of a page above the content. It only fits layouts at least 970px wide and never shows on phones. For most sites a responsive display ad is better, because it can show a 970×90, 728×90 or mobile size depending on the screen.
Table of Contents
What is the 970×90 large leaderboard?
It is an IAB standard ad size, sometimes called the super leaderboard or pushdown banner. It is wider than the classic 728×90 leaderboard, so it fills the full width of modern desktop layouts instead of leaving gaps on both sides. Brand advertisers like it because a wide banner at the top of a page gets seen by nearly every visitor.
970×90 vs other popular AdSense sizes
| Size | Name | Best place | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 970×90 | Large leaderboard | Top of page, full width | Desktop |
| 728×90 | Leaderboard | Header or above content | Desktop, tablet |
| 300×250 | Medium rectangle | In content, sidebar | All |
| 336×280 | Large rectangle | In content | Desktop, tablet |
| 300×600 | Half page | Sidebar | Desktop |
| 320×100 | Large mobile banner | Top or in content | Mobile |
See our older notes on the 300×600 large skyscraper and the 320×100 large mobile banner.
Should you use a fixed 970×90 ad unit?
Usually not on its own. A fixed 970×90 unit has three problems:
- No mobile impressions. Most traffic is mobile, and a 970px ad simply cannot display on a phone.
- Layout limits. Your content area or header must be at least 970px wide, which many blog themes are not.
- Less competition. A single fixed size draws fewer advertisers than a responsive slot that accepts many sizes.
A responsive AdSense ad unit placed in a full-width header area will show a 970×90 or 970×250 to wide desktop screens and a smaller banner everywhere else. You can also let AdSense Auto ads choose placements automatically.
How to create a 970×90 ad in AdSense
- Sign in to Google AdSense and go to Ads, then By ad unit.
- Choose Display ads.
- Change the ad size from Responsive to Fixed and enter 970 width and 90 height.
- Save, copy the code and place it in a full-width area such as below your site header.
Our guide on how to create AdSense ads of any size shows the same steps for custom sizes.
What we saw in 2013
When the format launched, image inventory was thin, so the slot mostly showed a single text ad or filled with a 728×90 image banner. These were our test screenshots:
Text ads have since mostly disappeared, and today the size shows mainly display and video creatives from brand advertisers.
Tips for top-of-page banners
Keep the banner below your logo and menu rather than above them, so readers still see your brand first. Leave some space between the ad and your first heading, and check that the page title is still visible without scrolling on a laptop screen. If the leaderboard pushes your article too far down, a smaller unit or an in-content ad will earn more in the long run.
FAQ
Is 970×90 a good AdSense size?
It works well at the top of wide desktop pages, but a responsive unit in the same spot usually earns more because it can serve mobile visitors too.
What is the difference between 970×90 and 970×250?
The 970×250 billboard is much taller and more prominent. Use it only if it does not push your content too far down the page.
Does 970×90 show on mobile?
No. Phones are narrower than 970 pixels, so mobile visitors need a 320×100 or responsive ad instead.
i don’t think so it will be an ideal ad size for website or may be it will but google still recommends other ad format then the new once’s. What do you think do i need to change the ads because currently my revenue is decreasing day by day and i really don’t know why.
O thanks for sharing this tips i was looking to experiment with my adsence now.I hope your tips will help me me out.
awesome i think we have seen such ad units in youtube if i am not wrong and now it is available to all going to try these hope i get good cpc for this.
Hello P.Chandra, I have been using AdSense but really not aware of this ad size. Knowing about this ad size for the first time. Thanks for the information.
Try and share your experiences.
Yaa , i have tested it on one of my site and increased ctr thrice but did not perform on other :)
Isnt that size a little too big? Did you see any change in the CTR?
That is the whole purpose here – make it big and visible.
Till now I have not used this 970X90 super large Leaderboard but definetly one is going to get more number of clicks as compared to other ad format.
Its all about more visibility and above the fold placement.
This size will not be of help to all the websites – depends on your site’s design,but definitely availability of this size will increase the options for adsense users….
Nice thought but shall we need to keep the 960px as standard for all websites. Will it help to each businesses.
Not a good choice for all websites. So google needs to think again on this.
Yeah, I am using 970 x 90 Super Large Leaderboard on my Site
Though it is having high CTR but still, It is having low CPC. I have just inserted this ad as an experiment to my site. Let’s see what will be its performance
Does not google knows that the standart width of many websites is 960px ? Why do not they make it 960×90 but make it 970×90 ? Is not this a stupid choice?
Yeah it seems like a good adsense unit and fits perfectly in my site :)
For most wide designs, its an excellent sized unit.