SIGNAGE & DISPLAY REFERENCE

Viewing Distance & Font Size Calculator

Estimate the minimum text size for signs, posters, displays and other printed graphics based on how far away they will be viewed.

Recommended minimum 25 pt ≈ 0.35 in letter height*
Viewing distance 3 m ≈ 9.8 ft
0.6 m60 m

VISUAL GUIDE

How minimum text size grows with distance

REFERENCE TABLE

Common viewing distances

Distance Approx. feet Minimum text size

Practical readability notes

Contrast matters

Dark text on a light background, or the reverse, is easier to read at distance than low-contrast combinations.

Typeface matters

Simple, open letterforms generally remain legible farther away than thin, condensed or decorative typefaces.

Environment matters

Glare, movement, poor lighting, weather and short viewing time may require substantially larger text.

Use a safety margin

For signs that must be read quickly or reliably, select a larger readability margin instead of designing to the minimum.

*Point size is a type-setting measurement, not exact capital-letter height. Actual visible letter height varies by font. This calculator is a design aid, not a code-compliance tool.