When you decide to purchase a new sign, whether it is an LED-Digital Readerboard Sign, Channel Letter Sign, Lightbox/Pan Face Sign or a myriad of other styles of signs, your audience is a factor that cannot be ignored. After all, the purpose of your sign is to address potential customers and bring them in because they can find your location. If a customer is unable to view a sign's message, then the expense that has been paid will have been for nothing. It is vital to consider viewing distance as an important factor in the selection and placement of any new sign.

Tall Monument Sign with Large Logo

Focusing on viewing distance, most signage can benefit from this simple rule of thumb. The greater the distance between the audience and sign, the larger the font needs to be to maintain optimal effectiveness. And the faster the customer is moving, the larger the sign needs to be. Intricate designs may be nice, close up, but from a distance of a few hundred feet or more, they become virtually impossible to see.

Short Monument Sign with Viewable Logo

As far as text height is concerned, when it comes to viewing distance, 1 inch for every 20-30 feet of separation is a commonly accepted ratio. Always remember, the further an audience is from a sign, the larger a message will need to be.

Large Channel Letter Signs - 2 Sides of Building Large Channel Letters

Letter Visibility Chart

Viewing Distance in Feet	Minimum Required Letter Height in Inches
100 ft	4"
250 ft	10"
360 ft (city block)	16"
500 ft	22"
750 ft	33"
1000 ft	43"
1320 ft (1/4 mile)	57"
Calculations based on externally (or naturally) lit sign with all upper case Helvetica letters utilizing optimal negative space. Factors that may affect required letter size are: color scheme, font selection, traffic and weather conditions, or sign standoff. *This letter visibility chart has been made based upon information provided by Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Penn State University and the United States Sign Council (USSC). c1998.

Large Bright Light Box Sign with Pan Face for Easy Night Viewing Large Light Box Sign

Signs & More will take a look at viewing distances and advise our clients on size and style of fonts. We make sure your sign is noticed!

When deciding upon which sign, and what size is right for your business, call Signs & More first! We can work with you on the best option for your sign, for your location, and for your company. Call for your Free Quote TODAY at 770-383-8808 and Signs & More will get you started!