Sign Characteristics

ADA sign characteristics are applicable to specific sign types, including permanent room signs, directional signs, overhead signs, and projecting signs. Temporary signs and directories do not require ADA characteristics.

Finish
Characters and background are to be non-glare (permanent room, directional, overhead, projecting).

Contrast
Characters and background need to contrast (permanent room, directional, overhead, projecting).

Tactile Characters
Raised characters are to be raised a minimum of 1/32” (permanent room).

Braille
Corresponding Grade 2 Braille needs to accompany all tactile text (permanent room).

Case
Upper case (permanent room); upper case and/or lower case (directional); upper case and lower case (overhead, projecting).

Character Height
Visibility and sign use determines copy height requirements ranging from 5/8” minimum to 3” maximum (permanent room, directional, overhead, projecting).

Character Width
Using an uppercase “O,” character width needs to be between 55% and 110% of the height of an uppercase “I” (permanent room, directional, overhead, projecting).

Line Spacing
Measured from baseline to baseline of two separate lines of copy, line spacing (leading) should equal 135%-170% of an uppercase “I” (permanent room, directional).

Character Spacing
Character spacing (kerning) should be between 1/16” and 3/8” depending on character type (permanent room, directional).

Stroke Thickness
Stroke thickness should be between 10% and 30% of the height of an uppercase “I” depending on character type (permanent room, directional).

Mounting Height
48”-60” from copy baseline to floor (permanent room); 40” minimum from copy baseline to floor (directional); minimum 80” clearance (overhead, projecting). For more details on ADA mounting, click here.

For more information on ADA signage, e-mail us today or call 800-331-1891.