Road Sign Size Calculator

Find the sign size the MUTCD requires for your installation. Pick a sign, pick the road type, and get the standard size with a direct link to the right product. Based on the national MUTCD, 11th Edition (December 2023).

Step 1 - Find your sign
Step 2 - Where will it be installed?
Loading signs...

How road sign sizes work

The MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) sets sign sizes by road type, not by preference. The faster and wider the road, the bigger the sign: a Stop sign is 30 x 30 inches on a two-lane street, 36 x 36 on a multi-lane road, and 48 x 48 where drivers need more reaction distance.

A 6 ft person next to 30 x 30, 36 x 36, and 48 x 48 inch stop signs shown at scale, mounted at 7 ft
Common sign sizes at scale, mounted at 7 ft as required where pedestrians are present. Larger sizes may always be used when greater visibility is needed.

Minimum sizes are permitted only on low-speed, low-volume roads such as private drives and parking facilities. Oversized versions are recommended wherever speeds, traffic volumes, or sight distances call for extra emphasis. When in doubt, go one size up - the MUTCD always allows a larger sign.

Work zone versions of a sign use their own size table and an orange background. If you are signing a construction or maintenance area, switch the calculator to Work zone to get the right size.

Size is only half the installation: the MUTCD also sets mounting height. The bottom of the sign must sit at least 5 feet above the road on rural roads, and at least 7 feet where parking or pedestrians are present (Section 2A.11). Our sign posts and hardware are sized to match every sign above.

Common sign sizes at a glance

Standard MUTCD 11th Edition sizes in inches, width x height. Select any sign in the calculator above for minimums, oversized options, and work zone versions.

Sign Two-lane road Multi-lane road Expressway Freeway
Stop sign R1-1StopR1-1 30 x 30 36 x 36 36 x 36 n/a
Yield sign R1-2YieldR1-2 36 x 36 48 x 48 48 x 48 60 x 60
Speed Limit sign R2-1Speed LimitR2-1 24 x 30 30 x 36 36 x 48 48 x 60
Do Not Enter sign R5-1Do Not EnterR5-1 30 x 30 36 x 36 36 x 36 48 x 48
One Way sign R6-1One WayR6-1 36 x 12 48 x 18 48 x 18 48 x 18
School Crossing sign S1-1School CrossingS1-1 36 x 36 36 x 36 48 x 48* n/a
Pedestrian Crossing sign W11-2Pedestrian CrossingW11-2 30 x 30 36 x 36 36 x 36 n/a
Road Work Ahead sign W20-1Road Work AheadW20-1 36 x 36 36 x 36 48 x 48 48 x 48

* School signs use the oversized size on expressways and on roads with 4 or more lanes posted 40 mph or higher (Section 7B.01). n/a: the MUTCD lists no standard size because the sign is not typically installed on that road type.

Can I install a larger sign than the table shows?

Yes. Every size in the MUTCD is a minimum for that road type, and Section 2A.12 explicitly allows larger signs whenever more visibility is helpful. Going one size up is the standard move for high-speed approaches, wide roads, and anywhere signs compete with visual clutter.

Are the minimum sizes legal on public roads?

Only in limited cases. The Minimum column applies to low-speed, low-volume situations such as private drives and parking facilities. On public roads, the agency having jurisdiction decides, so confirm before ordering below the standard size.

Do state MUTCDs change these sizes?

Some states publish supplements that keep the national sizes; a few adopt their own tables. The sizes on this page follow the national MUTCD 11th Edition. For public road projects, verify against your state supplement or ask the agency having jurisdiction.

Sign posts and hardwareU-channel and square posts, brackets, and anchors matched to every sign size above.Shop postsWork zone signsOrange construction signage in the MUTCD work zone sizes from Table 6H-1.Shop work zoneRoad sign sizes guideThe full article on MUTCD sign sizes by sign type, with reference tables.Read the guideBulk orders and quotesQuantity breaks apply automatically at 2, 5, 10, and 25 units. For 50 or more, request a quote.Request a quote
Reference tool based on the national MUTCD 11th Edition sign size tables (2B-1, 2C-1, 6G-1, 6H-1, 6I-1, 7B-1, 8B-1). Larger sizes may always be used when appropriate. State MUTCD supplements can modify these sizes - verify with the agency having jurisdiction before ordering for public roads.