Determining the size of any sign begins with selection of a font and determining the size of copy needed.
The chart below will give you a good idea of the minimum copy size for signs.
| Letter Height | Legible Viewing Distance |
|---|---|
| 5/16″ | 7′ |
| 1/2″ | 12′ |
| 3/4″ | 18′ |
| 1″ | 25′ |
| 1-1/2″ | 36′ |
| 2″ | 49′ |
| 3″ | 74′ |
| 4″ | 113′ |
| 6″ | 150′ |
| Letter Height | Legible Viewing Distance |
|---|---|
| 9″ | 300′ (Football field length) |
| 12″ | 395′ |
| 14″ | 440′ |
| 18″ | 560′ |
| 24″ | 750′ |
| 36″ | 1130′ (1/5 of a mile) |
| 48″ | 1500′ |
| 72″ | 2230′ |
| 96″ | 3000′ (3/5 of a mile) |
Source: Wayfinding, People, Signs & Architecture, Paul Arthur, 1992
