How to Choose the Right Yard Sign Size

Written by Janis Mae Narvas ● Published on February 28, 2025

How big should your yard sign be? Whether it's for a real estate listing, political campaign, business promotion, or event announcement, choosing the right size ensures visibility without overwhelming (or underwhelming) the viewer.

A well-designed yard sign grabs attention faster than a squirrel spotting a snack. But how do you determine the best size? This guide will help you pick the ideal yard sign dimensions, so your message doesn’t whisper but proudly shouts (without actually yelling, of course).

What Are Yard Signs?

Yard signs are outdoor signs made from corrugated plastic with vertical fluting—hollow grooves running through the sign’s interior. This lightweight yet durable material is perfect for short-term outdoor use. You can print your design on one or both sides.

Typically displayed with wire frames called H-stakes for easy ground placement, the yard sign is the Swiss Army knife of signage. It can work for advertising, directional guidance, community messages, and even personal celebrations like graduations. Plus, yard signs are affordable and effective.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Yard Sign Size

Yard signs come in various sizes, and selecting the right one depends on several key factors:

1. Location and Viewing Distance

Where will you place your sign? Consider:

How far away your audience will be.
Whether the area is high-traffic or more low-key.
If the sign will compete with other eye-catching distractions (like a dog wearing sunglasses).

For high-traffic intersections, large signs (e.g., 36” x 24”) ensure better visibility, while smaller signs (e.g., 12” x 18”) work well in quieter areas or for pedestrian traffic.

2. Material Considerations

Most yard signs, including those from 48HourPrint, are made from corrugated plastic. While durable, larger signs may require stronger stakes or frames to avoid any dramatic tumbles in windy conditions. Adding H-stakes or grommets helps keep your sign standing tall and proud.

3. Design Simplicity

Keep your design clean and easy to read. For maximum impact:

Use bold fonts and high-contrast colors (because no one wants to squint).
Avoid cluttered graphics—your sign isn’t a scrapbook!
Make sure essential information (like your contact details) stands out.

For example, an 18” x 24” sign works well for political campaigns, while a 12” x 24” sign is ideal for real estate listings.

4. Message Readability

Your sign needs to communicate its message quickly—think of it as a billboard’s fun-sized cousin. As a rule of thumb:

Text that is 1” high can be read from 10 feet away.
A standard 18” x 24” sign with 5” text can be read from up to 50 feet away.

If people are speeding by, make your message snappy—like a well-timed joke.

Standard Yard Sign Sizes and Uses

Most printers offer standard yard sign sizes. At 48HourPrint, we provide five common options:

Size	Best For
12” × 18”	Ideal for short text, logos, and pedestrian signage. Viewable from 50 feet.
12” × 24”	Good for brief messages with contact information and a call to action.
18” × 24”	The most popular size for real estate, promotions, and political campaigns. Viewable from 70 feet
36” × 24”	A larger option for maximum visibility. Viewable from 100 feet.
6” × 24"	Best for supplementary signs, such as real estate property updates or branding add-ons.

Order Custom Yard Signs with 48HourPrint.com

Need custom yard signs? At 48HourPrint, we offer high-quality outdoor signs with a two-business-day turnaround—guaranteed! Our durable corrugated plastic signs can weather the elements like a pro (though, maybe not a hurricane—let’s be reasonable).

How to Create Your Custom Yard Sign

1. Choose Your Specifications – Use our order calculator to select your preferred size, material, and quantity. Add H-stakes or grommets if needed.