ADA tactile-character size, style and spacing.
Raised text is a manufactured tactile system. Depth, case, type style, proportions, height, stroke and spacing work together.
Core federal tactile-character dimensions
| Feature | Section 703.2 baseline |
|---|---|
| Raised depth | 1/32 inch minimum above the background |
| Case | Uppercase |
| Style | Sans serif; not italic, oblique, script, highly decorative or unusual |
| Character height | 5/8 inch minimum to 2 inches maximum, measured using uppercase “I” |
| Stroke thickness | Uppercase “I” stroke is 15% maximum of character height |
| Line spacing | 135% minimum to 170% maximum of character height, baseline to baseline |
Character proportion and spacing matter
The standard controls the relationship between the width of uppercase “O” and the height of uppercase “I.” It also measures character spacing at the closest points of adjacent raised characters, not by ordinary desktop-publishing tracking values.
For rectangular cross-section characters, adjacent raised characters require at least 1/8 inch separation and no more than four times the raised-character stroke width. Raised borders and decorative elements require at least 3/8 inch separation from characters.
Raised text and visual text may be separated
Section 703.1 permits required visual and tactile information to be provided together or on separate signs. When separate raised and visual characters carry the same information, the raised characters may use the specific 1/2-inch minimum-height exception. The complete design still must satisfy every applicable provision.
Primary reference: 2010 ADA Standards, Section 703.2. Project-specific acceptance remains with the applicable code authority and contract documents.