Text Width
Example - 1" x 3" - 1/2" text
Our spec requires FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL to be 1/2" tall. First, we will try a 1" x 3" with 1/2" text:
The text looks a bit compressed, affecting the readability. The easiest fix is to try a wider plate, like in the next Example.
Example - 1" x 6" - 1/2" text
Here is a 1" x 6" with the same text and text size. Looks much better, and is easier to read:

Example - 1" x 3" - 1/4" text
If we want to keep the 1" x 3" size, we can reduce the size of the text to 1/4". Then we will have room for 3 lines of text:

Example - 2" x 6" - 1/2" text
If we need to keep the 1/2" text, then we could use a 2" tall plate. That will allow 1, 2 or 3 lines of 1/2" text:

Text Height
For Nameplates only, text height, or point size is generally offered at 50%, 25% or 12.5% of the height of the nameplate. This allows the proper amount of margin for easy readability. See the chart below.
| Nameplate Height |
Standard Text Sizes |
|---|---|
| 1/4" | 1/8", 1/16" |
| 1/2" | 1/4", 1/8" |
| 3/4" | 3/8", 3/16" |
| 1" | 1/2", 1/4", 1/8" |
| 1 1/2" | 3/4", 3/8", 3/16" |
| 2" | 1", 1/2", 1/4" |
| 3" | 1 1/2", 3/4", 3/8" |
| 4" | 2", 1", 1/2" |
| Text Size, % of Plate Height |
Number of Lines of Text |
|---|---|
| 50% | 1 line |
| 25% | 1 to 3 lines |
| 12.5% | 1 to 6 lines |