Lettering Size | Roadway Facing Signage | Calculating Board Feet
What size should my exterior signage lettering be?
Letter Height | Readable Distance for Maximum Impact | Maximum Readable Distance |
---|---|---|
3″ | 30′ | 100′ |
4″ | 40′ | 150′ |
6″ | 60′ | 200′ |
8″ | 80′ | 350′ |
9″ | 90′ | 350′ |
10″ | 100′ | 450′ |
12″ | 120′ | 525′ |
18″ | 180′ | 750′ |
24″ | 240′ | 1000′ |
30″ | 300′ | 1250′ |
36″ | 360′ | 1500′ |
42″ | 420′ | 1750′ |
48″ | 480′ | 2000′ |
54″ | 540′ | 2250′ |
60″ | 600′ | 2500′ |
Note: The distance will vary approximately 10% with various colour combinations. Maximum distance is in colour RED or BLACK on a WHITE background. 5,280 feet equals one mile.
What if my store faces a roadway?
(Length of time letters are readable when moving)
Letter Height | 30 MPH | 40 MPH | 60 MPH | 80 MPH |
---|---|---|---|---|
6″ letters | 1.4 seconds | 1 second | 0.7 seconds | 0.5 seconds |
8″ letters | 1.8 seconds | 1.4 seconds | 0.9 seconds | 0.7 seconds |
12″ letters | 3 seconds | 2 seconds | 1.5 seconds | 1 seconds |
18″ letters | 4 seconds | 3 seconds | 2 seconds | 1.5 seconds |
24″ letters | 5.5 seconds | 4 seconds | 2.75 seconds | 2 seconds |
36″ letters | 8 seconds | 6 seconds | 4 seconds | 3 seconds |
Colour selection can dramatically increase readability, especially when at a distance.
How do I calculate board feet?
“Board Feet” Is a measurement of lumber volume. A board foot is equal to 144 cubic inches of wood. You can calculate the board footage using this formula.
(Thickness × Width × Length) / 144 = Board Feet
Note: Lumber is specified by its rough size. This is why a 1” × 4” board is actually 3⁄4” thick and a 2” × 4” board is actually 1 1⁄2” thick.
When you are figuring out board feet, keep in mind a waste factor. If you purchase good clear material add about 15% for waste. If you elect to use lower grade material you will have to allow for defects and more wasted material. Add about 30%.