ADA Sign Design Standard Guidance Ch. 703.5 Character Height & Viewing Distance
Visual characters shall comply with 703.5 (Check Site for Updates Here)
The following is an excerpt….Check above Link for full Chapter
EXCEPTION: Where visual characters comply with 703.2 and are accompanied by braille complying with 703.3, they shall not be required to comply with 703.5.2 through 703.5.9.
703.5.5 Character Height. Minimum character height shall comply with Table 703.5.5. Viewing distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance between the character and an obstruction preventing further approach toward the sign. Character height shall be based on the uppercase letter “I”.
Table 703.5.5 Visual Character Height to Finish Floor or Ground :
from Baseline of Character
40 inches (1015 mm) to less than or equal to 70 inches (1780 mm)
Greater than 70 inches (1780 mm) to less than or equal to 120 inches (3050 mm)
Greater than 120 inches (3050 mm)
Horizontal Viewing Distance Minimum Character Height
Less than 72 inches (1830 mm)
72 inches (1830 mm) and greater
Less than 180 inches (4570 mm)
180 inches (4570 mm) and greater
Less than 21 feet (6400 mm)
21 feet (6400 mm) and greater
5/8 inch (16 mm)
5/8 inch (16 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 72 inches (1830 mm)
2 inches (51 mm)
2 inches (51 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 180 inches (4570 mm)
3 inches (75 mm)
3 inches (75 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 21 feet (6400 mm)