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How to Choose the Perfect Plaque Size

November 18, 2024 Plaques Resources

Choosing the perfect size for your plaque is never easy. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the ideal plaque size, including the key factors that influence size selection, such as purpose, viewing angle and distance, and the main one – text length. 

It’s often the case that plaques either need to be bigger than initially anticipated or the text needs to be shortened in order to fit. Did you know that cast plaques and etched plaques have minimum text sizes? We’ll guide you through finding the perfect size based on all of this.

It’s worth noting that plaques are not generally designed to be read from far away – perhaps the heading or person’s name will be legible but the rest of the text will be small and will require the reader to be close-up.

We’ll also explore how different materials can affect your size choice and discuss when to go for custom options when standard sizes don’t quite fit.

An essential guide to standard plaque sizes

Choosing the perfect plaque size balances aesthetics, readability, material considerations, and practical usage. Let’s discuss some of the most common dimensions and what they’re best suited for.

Industry-specific standards

Different industries and applications have common size preferences, whether you’re looking for a corporate award, a memorial plaque, or signage for architectural projects. Here’s a quick overview of industry-specific standards:

  • Award plaques: Common sizes for awards and recognitions range from 5″x7″ to 12″x18″. These smaller sizes are perfect to display on desks or walls, where space is often limited.
Corporate award plaque

Corporate award plaque

  • Identification plaques: Such as welcome signs for businesses are designed to be displayed in lobbies are much larger and tend to range from 18”x24” to 24”x36”.
Corporate identity plaque

Corporate identity plaque

  • Memorial plaques: For memorials, larger plaques such as 18″x24″ or 24″x36″ are often preferred, especially for outdoor settings where visibility is key.
Memorial plaque honoring a retired Brigadier General

Memorial plaque honoring a retired Brigadier General

  • Architectural plaques: In architectural settings, plaque sizes depend on the location and purpose, with sizes ranging from 8″x10″ to as large as 24″x36″. This ensures they are visible and make a statement in high-traffic areas.
Architectural plaques for a new park with an innovative design

Architectural plaques for a new park with an innovative design

At Impact Signs, we provide a broad range of plaque sizes to meet your needs. Here are some of our most popular standard options:

  • Small sizes: 5″x7″, 6″x8″, 8″x10″. Ideal for recognition plaques, small office signs, or personal dedications.
  • Medium sizes: 12″x18″, 16″x20″, 18”x24”. A good option for memorials, larger awards, or plaques with additional text or imagery.
  • Large sizes: 18″x24″, 24″x36″. Commonly used for building dedications, historical markers, or any outdoor plaque that needs to be seen from a distance.

Text capacity guide

Getting text to fit is often the biggest challenge when it comes to plaque design. Below we give you a rough guide of the number of characters that fit on different size plaques. However, it’s important to note that cast and etched plaques have minimum font size requirements. In fact, this minimum size, coupled with the amount of copy required is often the driving force behind deciding on the size of the plaque needed. 

Here’s a rough guide to help you estimate text capacity:

  • 5″x7″: 25-40 characters
  • 8″x10″: 50-80 characters
  • 12″x15″: 100-150 characters
  • 18″x24″: 200-300 characters

Having said that, font size and style will affect these estimates. If standard sizes don’t fit your needs, you can ask for the plaque to be made in custom dimensions. 

If you’re unsure about the best size for your plaque, consider consulting with a sizing expert at Impact Signs. They can help you balance your content needs with aesthetic considerations and installation requirements.

Material-specific size considerations

The material you choose for your plaque can significantly impact size limitations and overall aesthetics. Bronze plaques, known for their durability and classic look, are often available in larger sizes, up to 48″x96″ or more, making them ideal for grand memorials or building dedications.

Bronze plaque mounted on a black metal post

Bronze plaque mounted on a black metal post

Aluminum plaques are versatile and lightweight, allowing for a wide range of sizes, from small desk plaques to large outdoor signs. Stainless steel plaques, prized for their modern appearance, typically come in sizes up to 24″x36″, balancing sleekness with visibility.

Cast aluminum city council plaque with four etched seals inset into the face

Cast aluminum city council plaque with four etched seals inset into the face

Brass plaques, with their warm golden hue, are often used for smaller, more intimate plaques, usually not exceeding 18″x24″ due to weight considerations.

Bear in mind that larger sizes in heavier materials like bronze or brass may require special mounting considerations, while lightweight materials like aluminum offer more flexibility in size and installation options.

Choosing the right plaque size: Text, design, and purpose considerations

Before you land on the plaque size, here are some things you need to take into consideration:

  • Viewing distance: For every 10 feet of viewing distance, letters should be at least 1 inch tall. This ensures your plaque remains readable from afar.
  • Installation area: Wall space, surrounding decor, and architectural features can limit your size options. Always measure your installation area before deciding on a plaque size.
  • Design: Balance is crucial. Your text should be large enough to read easily but not so large that it overwhelms the plaque. Aim for a 40-60% text-to-background ratio for optimal visual impact. If you’re including logos or images, factor in extra space. These elements often need to be larger than the text to be clearly visible.
  • Purpose: The purpose of your plaque significantly influences its ideal size, as we touched on at the start of the article.
  • Orientation: Choose between horizontal and vertical orientations based on your content and location. Horizontal plaques work well for longer text or wider spaces, while vertical plaques fit nicely in narrow areas or alongside doorways.

What material can a plaque be made from?

Cast bronze is a popular choice for outdoor memorials and corporate signage due to its superior durability and weather resistance. It develops a rich patina over time, adding to its timeless aesthetic. Bronze plaques can last for decades, even in harsh outdoor conditions. However, they can be heavier and more expensive than other options.

Aluminum is a versatile material for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and offers a modern appearance. Aluminum plaques are easy to install and maintain, making them popular for various applications. While not as long-lasting as bronze, aluminum is more affordable and still provides good durability.

Fabricated stainless steel provides a sleek, contemporary look and excellent longevity. It’s particularly suitable for dimensional lettering and architectural signs. Unlike bronze, stainless steel maintains its consistent appearance over time without developing a patina. It’s resistant to corrosion but can be more expensive than aluminum.

Halftone image on a stainless steel plaque

Halftone image on a stainless steel plaque

Other materials like brass and zinc are sometimes used for specific high-end or detailed applications. Brass offers a warm, golden hue but may require more maintenance to prevent tarnishing. Zinc plaques can provide intricate details at a lower cost than bronze but aren’t as durable for outdoor use.

Zinc plaque displaying fire evacuation plan for a hotel

Zinc plaque displaying fire evacuation plan for a hotel

When choosing a material, consider factors like the plaque’s location (indoor or outdoor), desired longevity, maintenance requirements, and budget. Each material offers a balance of aesthetics, durability, and cost, allowing you to select the best option for your specific needs.

Impact Signs’ custom plaque options

With over 30 years of experience, Impact Signs offers a wide range of custom plaque options to suit any need. Our expertise ensures high-quality, durable plaques for both indoor and outdoor use.

Our precision engraving techniques allow for crisp, clear text and intricate designs. You can choose from various background colors and options for text and design elements to create a unique look.

Want to include your company logo, a custom design, or even a photograph? We can incorporate these elements elegantly into your plaque. We offer a variety of font styles, from classic to modern, to match your aesthetic preferences.

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