Banner Font Size - What Font Size Should I Use for My Banner?
The font size for your banner should be chosen based on the banner's size, its placement, and the average distance of the viewers. Use our Banner Font Size Tool above to help you calculate the size of your fonts when designing your custom banners.
For example, if you’re designing a 6' x 3' banner to be hung in front of your store, a good starting point is to use a font size of 384pt for the main headline and 192pt. for the paragraph text based on the recommended best viewing distance of 30 feet.
Below are the Top 15 Most Popular Banner Sizes, the recommended font sizes (heading and paragraph), and the best viewing distance for each.
| Popular Sizes | Recommended Heading Font Size | Recommended Paragraph Font Size | Max Viewing Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 x 3 feet (72 x 36 inches) | 192 pt. | 96 pt. | 15' |
| 5 x 3 feet (60 x 36 inches) | 192 pt. | 96 pt. | 15' |
| 2 x 3 feet (24 x 36 inches) | 96 pt. | 60 pt. | 8' |
| 4 x 2 feet (48 x 24 inches) | 96 pt. | 60 pt. | 8' |
| 7 x 3 feet (84 x 36 inches) | 192 pt. | 96 pt. | 15' |
| 8 x 8 feet (96 x 96 inches) | 384 pt. | 192 pt. | 30' |
| 10 x 8 feet (120 x 96 inches) | 384 pt. | 192 pt. | 30' |
How do you calculate letter height formula manually?
The letter height formula is based on the visibility needs from a specific distance. A general rule is that for every 1 inch of letter height, the text is legible up to 40 feet away. To manually calculate, determine the distance from which you want your text to be readable and divide by 40. This gives you the letter height in inches required for visibility from that distance. For precise applications, refer to the detailed chart below:
| Letter Height in Inches | Font Size Equivalent | Best Legibility | Maximum Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3” | 216 pt. | 30’ | 100’ |
| 4” | 288 pt. | 40’ | 150’ |
| 5” | 360 pt. | 50’ | 175’ |
| 6” | 432 pt. | 60’ | 200’ |
| 8” | 576 pt | 80’ | 350’ |
| 9” | 648 pt. | 90’ | 400’ |
| 10” | 720 pt. | 100’ | 450’ |
| 12” | 864 pt. | 120’ | 525’ |
| 15” | 1,080 pt. | 150’ | 630’ |
| 18” | 1,296 pt. | 180’ | 750’ |
| 24” | 1,728 pt. | 240’ | 1,000’ |
| 30” | 2,160 pt. | 300’ | 1,250’ |
| 36” | 2,592 pt. | 360’ | 1,500’ |
| 48” | 3,456 pt. | 480’ | 2,000’ |
| 60” | 4,320 pt. | 600’ | 2,500’ |
What is the standard font for banners?
There isn't a "one-size-fits-all" standard font for banners, as the choice depends on the banner's context and message. However, widely used fonts include Helvetica, Arial, and Gotham due to their legibility and versatility. These fonts are popular for both digital print media and large format prints like banners.
Below are fonts that have been the favorites among designers for decades.
| Font Name | Typeface | Font Style | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helvetica | Sans-serif | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog | corporate branding, signage, and general advertising |
| Arial | Sans-serif | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog | digital and print media |
| Times New Roman | Serif | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog | newspapers, books, and academic publications |
| Garamond | Serif | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog | publishing and print materials |
| Impact | Sans-serif | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog | headlines and banners |
| Verdana | Sans-serif | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog | web content, digital displays, and user interfaces |
| Georgia | Serif | The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog | digital screens and print |
Should I use a larger font size for headlines compared to body text in banners?
Yes, headlines should always be significantly larger than body text on banners to catch the viewer's attention and convey the main message quickly.
Are there any accessibility guidelines I should follow for banner font sizes?
Accessibility guidelines suggest using large, legible font sizes and high-contrast color schemes to ensure that your banners are easily readable by people with visual impairments. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) provides general guidelines for signage that can be applied to banners, recommending clear font styles and adequate letter heights based on the viewing distance. Ensuring good legibility and visibility for all viewers is key.
How can I strike a balance between an attention-grabbing font size and maintaining a clean and professional look for my banners?
To strike a balance, prioritize clarity and simplicity in your design. Choose a bold, readable font for your headline with a size that stands out, but keep the amount of text to a minimum to avoid clutter. For body text, ensure it's large enough to be readable from the intended viewing distance but doesn’t compete with the headline.
The key to effective communication through banners lies in its readability. Ensure that your message is not only seen but also understood and engaging to your audience. We hope our banner font size calculator tool helped explain and guide you in choosing the right font sizes to use when designing your banners.
