Free tool · actual editor math
Can someone read the screen from where they stand?
Check cap height against viewing distance and foreground/background contrast against WCAG thresholds—the same rules Canvas Relay applies while you design.
DINNER SPECIAL1-inch cap height
10 FT20 FT
Size scales with distanceContrast measured behind text
READABILITY ANALYSISSize + contrast
Minimum text size at 10 ft: 5.3% of screen height
Too small — needs ≥ 5.3%Contrast 17.40:1 AAAWeight OKItem names $12.50
Too small — needs ≥ 5.3%Contrast 10.43:1 AAAWeight OKPrices $12.50
Too small — needs ≥ 5.3%Contrast 6.90:1 AAWeight under 500 — thin at distanceDescriptions $12.50
The link encodes your whole setup — send it to whoever owns the menu board.
Checking 3 lines. CanvasRelay's editor runs these same checks live on your real board, plus a pre-publish report. Try the editor →
The rules of thumb
- Size: 1 inch of letter (cap) height per 10 feet of viewing distance — 10 ft away needs ≥1" tall letters, 20 ft needs ≥2".
- Contrast: WCAG AA wants a 4.5:1 ratio between text and what's behind it; 7:1 (AAA) is what to aim for on a TV across a bright room.
- Weight: at distance, go 500+ font weight — thin type disappears.
- Families: two typefaces maximum on one screen.