Letter height and viewing distance

[jonkovach]

I didn't know where to stick this post, so I just stuck it here...

Does anyone have any rule of thumbs on letter height and viewing distance? Not for people driving by, or anything like that... but just for someone standing there.

I usually use 1" for capital letters, for every 10 feet. i.e.... at 50 feet viewing distance, you want your capital letters to be 5" high.

Can anyone validate me on this one?

Jon

 

[DavidMa]

found this:

Electromark T&D Catalogs Describe Pole Markers, Transformer Labels, Keep Out Signs, Substation Signs, Meter Labels, Do Not Dig Signs, Tower Signs, Tower Numbers, Lock-Out Tags, PCB Labels, KVA Marking and Phase Markers

 

[jonkovach]

Yeah, I've referenced that in the past... just wondered if there was anybody out there that ran into these types of questions...

 

[LoneStar]

As my mentor BK (very old school) used to say; "Looks good passing by on a trotting horse", in other words it is a personal preference and depending on a lot of factors such as font type it can differ drastically. No set rules only good judgement.

 

[vikram]

We produce outdoor projects - here it is..Letter to Distance Ratio

We produce outdoor projects - here it is..Letter to Distance Ratio

Letter Height To Distance Rations
The readability of each typeface at any given distance will differ to some degree because of the individual characteristics of each typeface.
The chart below will give you an idea of the size range you should consider for your project, but each typeface should be judged individually based on environmental and design concerns.
Distance Ratio Chart
# Letter Height Readable Distance

1 1 Inch 1-50 Feet
2 2.5 Inches 50-100 Feet
3 3.5 Inches 100-150 Feet
4 5 Inches 150-200 Feet
5 6 Inches 200-250 Feet
6 7 Inches 250-300 Feet
7 8.5 Inches 300-350 Feet
8 9.5 Inches 350-400 Feet
9 12 Inches (Minimum for 14X48) 400-500 Feet
10 14.5 Inches 500-600 Feet
11 17 Inches 600-700 Feet
12 19 Inches 700-800 Feet
13 22 Inches 800-900 Feet
14 24 Inches 900-1000 Feet

Note: Also depands on Typeface.
If typeface is Helwetica Bold then its OK as above. But if their are Serief and it's Light, then go for Larger. If Knockout Type then try to go for 15% to 20% Larger than listed above.

 

[jonkovach]

That is perfect - thank you.