Yard sign size: standard yard sign dimensions and stakes

The standard yard sign size is 18 x 24 inches. It is large enough to read from a passing car, small enough to carry and store, and it fits the common wire stakes sold for lawn signs. Businesses use yard signs for open houses, grand openings, job sites, school events, graduations and seasonal promotions.

Standard yard sign sizes

• 18 x 24 in: the most common size, used horizontally or vertically.
• 12 x 18 in: a smaller sign for directional arrows, parking and short messages read up close.
• 24 x 36 in: a larger sign for busy roads, wide lawns and signs read from farther away.
• Custom sizes and shapes: signs can be cut to fit a frame or a specific spot.

Reading distance and letter size

A common rule of thumb is about 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of reading distance. On an 18 x 24 in sign, the main line of text is often 3 to 4 inches tall, which can be read from about 30 to 40 feet away. Drivers have only a few seconds to read a sign, so fewer words means larger letters. Our banner size guide covers reading distance for larger signs.

Stakes and mounting

Most yard signs are mounted on wire H-stakes. The two top legs slide into the sign and the bottom legs push into the ground. H-stakes are usually about 10 x 30 in, which leaves the sign at a readable height. Stakes can be pulled out and used again for the next sign. Larger signs may need a heavier frame or two stakes to stay straight in the wind.

Designing a yard sign

• Keep the message to a few words, such as a name, a short message and a phone number or website.
• Use large, bold type and high contrast, such as dark text on a light background.
• Avoid thin fonts, script fonts and small text.
• Print both sides if the sign will be seen from two directions.
• Leave a margin of at least an inch around the edges.

Plastic and paper-based yard signs

Most yard signs are printed on corrugated plastic. It is durable outdoors, but it is hard to recycle, and many signs end up in landfill after a few weeks of use. For short events, a sign printed on recycled corrugated or honeycomb board does the same job and can go in paper recycling afterward. Paper-based signs are made for short-term use and light weather. For a sign that has to stay outside for weeks, ask about a more weather-resistant material. See our custom yard signs for the materials we offer.

Check local rules

Many towns and homeowner associations limit where signs can go, how large they can be and how long they can stay up. Signs are usually not allowed on utility poles or in the public right of way near the road. Check local rules before you place signs, and collect them when the event is over.

Common questions

What is the standard yard sign size?

18 x 24 inches is the standard yard sign size. 12 x 18 inches and 24 x 36 inches are also common.

How big should the text be on a yard sign?

Allow about 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of reading distance. The main text on an 18 x 24 inch sign is often 3 to 4 inches tall.

What size stake fits a yard sign?

Wire H-stakes about 10 x 30 inches are the most common stakes for 18 x 24 inch signs.

Are cardboard yard signs waterproof?

No. Paper-based signs handle light weather for short events. For signs that stay outside through rain, ask about a weather-resistant material.