You’ve got a great deal to promote and a big front window to put it in. Now comes the question every shop owner asks: how big should the poster be? Too small and people walk right past it. Too big and you block your window and your view of the street. Here’s a simple way to get it right.
Start With How Far Away People Are
The right size depends on where people will be standing when they read it.
- Walking right past your window on a narrow sidewalk: about 5 to 10 feet away.
- Across a wide sidewalk or waiting at the corner: about 15 to 25 feet away.
- Across the street or driving by: 40 feet and more.
In Manhattan and much of Brooklyn and Queens, most of your readers are on foot and close to the glass. In New Jersey strip malls and on wider avenues, more people see your window from a car or the parking lot, so you’ll want to go bigger.
The Letter-Height Rule
A simple rule sign makers use: about 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of viewing distance. That’s the smallest size that’s comfortable to read. Going bigger makes it easier, especially for quick glances.
| Reader Is About… | Smallest Letters | Better |
|---|---|---|
| 10 ft away | 1″ | 2″ |
| 20 ft away | 2″ | 3 to 4″ |
| 40 ft away | 4″ | 6″ |
| 60 ft away | 6″ | 8″ or more |
Your headline—the price or the deal—needs to hit these sizes. Smaller details like dates or fine print can be smaller, since only people who stop will read them.
Common Poster Sizes and Where They Fit
| Size | Works Best For | Reads From About |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5×11 | Door notices, hours, and small counter signs | 5 to 8 ft |
| 11×17 | Deli specials, register signs, and small windows | 8 to 12 ft |
| 18×24 | Most store windows and aisle signs | 15 to 20 ft |
| 24×36 | Main window posters, real estate listings, and events | 25 to 30 ft |
| 36×48 | Large windows, lobbies, and mall storefronts | 35 to 40 ft |
| Custom (up to 60″ wide) | Full-window graphics and construction cover-ups | Depends on size |
24×36 is a popular pick for the main window poster. It’s big enough to read from the curb, small enough to leave room for a second poster or a clear view inside, and it fits standard snap frames.
Don’t Cover the Whole Window (Usually)
It’s tempting to fill every inch of glass with deals. But a window packed with posters reads as clutter, and people can’t see inside. Shoppers like to see the store before they walk in.
A good rule of thumb:
- One main poster at eye level with your biggest deal.
- One or two smaller signs for secondary offers or hours.
- Some open glass so people can see in.
The exception is a storefront under construction or a store that’s “coming soon.” Then full-window paper or a printed cover-up is exactly what you want.
Placement Tips That Make a Big Difference
- Eye level for walkers. Center the main poster around 4.5 to 5.5 feet off the sidewalk.
- Higher for drivers. If most traffic is cars, place it higher so parked cars don’t block it.
- Watch the glare. Sunny windows reflect. Satin or matte paper cuts glare compared with gloss.
- Face it outward. Use double-sided clear tape on the inside of the glass, with the printed side facing the street.
- Keep the contrast high. Dark text on a bright background—black on neon yellow is a classic—reads fastest.
Paper or Something Longer-Lasting?
If your promotion changes every week or two, paper is the way to go. It’s affordable, fast, and easy to swap. For a message that stays up for months, like your hours, logo, or permanent offers, window decals last much longer and can hold up better in the sun.
Ready to Print?
Pick your size and see prices on our paper signs page.
We print up to 60″ wide on satin, tear-proof, textured, kraft, and neon paper. Ask about same-day or 24-hour turnaround and minimum order requirements. Pick up in Brooklyn or Linden, or ask about delivery across NYC and New Jersey.
Not sure which size fits your window? Send us a photo and we’ll help you pick. Call 718-453-8300.
