What Size Should My House Number Sign Be?

Use this table to select the right letter height based on how far away your sign will be read. These figures assume good lighting and reasonable contrast against the background.

Letterbox numbers are viewed from just 1–3 metres away, so they can be the smallest on your property. Numbers 50–80 mm tall work perfectly for most letterboxes.

• Standard brick letterbox — 50–60 mm numbers
• Freestanding pillar letterbox — 60–80 mm numbers
• Rural property letterbox — 80–100 mm numbers for visibility from a vehicle

Aluminium is the best material for letterbox numbers due to its light weight and corrosion resistance. It is easy to affix with adhesive or small screws without risking damage to the letterbox structure.

Fence and gate signs are typically viewed from 5–15 metres — the distance from the road to your property boundary. They need to be large enough for drivers to read without slowing dramatically.

For suburban blocks with a 5–8 metre setback, a 600 × 200 mm sign with 120–150 mm tall numbers is ideal. For rural properties with a 15+ metre setback, consider an 800 × 300 mm or 1000 × 400 mm sign.

Mounting height also matters. Signs should be positioned 1.2–1.5 metres above ground level for optimal visibility from a seated driving position. Avoid mounting too high or too low, as both reduce readability.

See our mounting guide for detailed installation instructions on fences and gates.

Wall-mounted house number signs are usually positioned beside the front door or on a feature wall near the entrance. Viewing distances range from 2–8 metres depending on your garden layout.

A 600 × 200 mm sign is the most popular choice for wall mounting. It provides enough space for the street number and street name, or the number plus a small graphic element. For narrow walls or columns, a 400 × 150 mm vertical format works well.

Consider stand-off mounts for wall-mounted signs. These create a subtle shadow gap that makes the sign pop visually and improves readability in varying light conditions.

The font you choose has a significant impact on how large your numbers need to be. Some fonts are inherently more legible at small sizes, while others need extra height to maintain clarity.

Our online designer shows a live preview of your text at the selected size, so you can judge legibility before ordering.

Visibility changes dramatically between daylight, dusk, and night. Here is how to ensure your house numbers are readable in all conditions.

• Daylight: High contrast is the key factor. Dark metal on light backgrounds, or brushed metal on dark walls, provides excellent daytime visibility.
• Dusk: Metallic surfaces catch ambient light better than painted surfaces. Stainless steel and aluminium reflect street lighting and car headlights, maintaining visibility as light fades.
• Night: Install a small solar spotlight or LED fixture above or below the sign. Even a modest 2-watt LED dramatically improves night readability. Solar options require no wiring and cost under $30.