Readability: Right Size of Text on a Signage

Maybe you heard that the size of the words or texts in your marketing material, whether it’s a signage outside your store or a shelf-talker inside you, should be big enough for the consumers to read even from a distant point. But, how big is that big enough?

Generally, the rule is to proportionally increase the size of the text with one-fourth (¼) inch high in every eight (8) feet target distance of your material from the reader. Meaning, if you are planning to put your poster above a gondola that will be visible from 16 feet away, the smallest text should be at least ½ inch high. Did you get it?

It’s ¼ in. is to 8 ft. ( ¼ ” : 8’) or on inch with every 32 feet. Take note that it is the minimum.

Supposed a new customer is looking for your store and he or she is driving at the speed of 40 mph, he or she must see and read the signage outside your store at least 164 feet away in able for the car to stop at the nearest point in your area because base on the Vehicle Stopping Distance Calculator, the total stopping distance of a vehicle that is moving 40 mph (miles per hour) is 164 feet.

The minimum height of a text, using Times New Roman or Arial font styles, from that distance should be five (5) inches, but the bigger, the better. The best example of readable text those used as traffic signs, simple and legible. Example of readable and legible text.

In addition, avoid using cursive and other fancy font styles for long sentences and smaller text sizes because these cases lessen the readability of your materials.

You can use them to add beauty to your design but make sure that they will not defeat the purpose of your material – to give the consumers the important information and direction about your product and your business.

Don’t forget, minimum of ¼ ” high with every 8’ away, but the bigger, the better.