Should I order an 18x24, 20x30, or 24x36 yard sign for roadside advertising?

Choosing the right size for your roadside yard sign is one of the most important decisions you will make if you want your message to get noticed. The size affects how easy it is for drivers and passersby to see, read, and react to your sign. When comparing 18x24, 20x30, and 24x36 yard signs for roadside advertising, most businesses and organizations find that 24x36 offers the strongest visibility on fast or busy roads, while 18x24 remains the affordable standard for lower-traffic or close-up placements. The 20x30 size can work if you want something between the two, but it's not as widely used or available in stock options.

At Legit Fast Printing, we specialize in custom yard signs for all purposes, so we know how to help you make a decision that suits your location and your message. With our experience serving small businesses, schools, non-profits, campaigns, and homeowners, we recommend focusing first on where your sign will be placed and how quickly you need your message to be seen. The right yard sign size makes a big difference in real-world results.

Yard Sign Size: Quick Comparison Table

Size (inches)	Best Use	Strength	Common Limitations
18x24	Standard yard signs, slow roads, basic promotions	Affordable, versatile, easy to handle	Can be hard to read from a distance or on fast roads
20x30	Custom designs needing extra text or logo space	More space for complex messages	Less common, may cost more or require custom order
24x36	Roadside advertising, main roads, larger lots	Highest visibility, best for moving traffic	Higher cost, needs more space to display

Why Sign Size Matters for Roadside Visibility

Roadside yards signs must be large, bold, and simple because drivers only have a few seconds to notice and understand your message. The 18x24 size is the most common for standard yard signs and works well in neighborhoods, front yards, and low-speed areas. For main roads or higher speed zones, a 24x36 sign stands out much more and is better for attracting people who are driving by quickly.

If you choose an 18x24 sign for a busy road, your message may be missed. If you pick a 24x36 sign for a residential street, the sign will be very visible, but you may be paying for more space than needed. The 20x30 size is for special cases, like when you have a lot of information but not enough room for a 24x36. Most roadside advertising works best with a 24x36 yard sign.

Corrugated Plastic: The Best Material for Roadside Yard Signs

Corrugated plastic, also called coroplast, is the gold standard for outdoor yard signs. It's weather-resistant, lightweight, and low-cost, making it perfect for both short-term events and repeat use. Legit Fast Printing uses high-quality 4mm rigid coroplast for every custom yard sign. This material stands up to sunlight, rain, and wind, so your message will last. We print signs using UV-resistant, waterproof inks, which makes your sign look great in any weather.

When to Choose Each Size

18x24: The Trusted Standard

• Good for front yards, neighborhoods, school events, church promotions, real estate listings
• Best when people can walk up or drive slowly (under 25 mph) near the sign
• Use for open houses, polling locations, and local business advertising
• Ideal if you want a simple, affordable option with wide stock availability

Example: A neighborhood garage sale or a school car pickup sign works great at this size.

20x30: The Custom Option for More Complex Messages

• Useful for brands, organizations, or events that need more room for extra text, such as schedules or directions
• Ideal if your message is too tight on 18x24, but 24x36 feels unnecessary
• Keep in mind: 20x30 is less common, so you may have to custom order or allow extra production time

Example: A sign explaining several parking areas at a festival or including both a logo and contact details.

24x36: Roadside Impact

• Best for main street promotions, event entrances, busy intersections, and any place drivers need to notice your sign quickly
• Gives you space for large text, arrows, and strong calls to action
• Great for fundraisers, contractors, business sales, and high-traffic political campaigns
• Easy to see from farther away or across larger properties

Example: A business running a limited-time roadside sale or a campaign targeting voters from passing cars.

Roadside Yard Sign Placement: Tips for Maximum Visibility

• Install signs parallel to the road, facing oncoming traffic directly
• Choose flat, clear ground and avoid tall grass or tree branches
• Place signs before decision points (such as before an intersection or driveway), not after
• If you have two-way traffic, consider double-sided printing so both directions can see your sign
• Use an H-stake for fast and secure installation – included with all our standard yard signs

For more advice, see our guide on how to install yard signs so they stay put.

How Many Yard Signs Should You Order?

• 1 sign may be enough for a single driveway or booth entrance
• 3-6 signs work well for corners, turns, or marking multiple entrances
• 12 or more are recommended for campaigns, wayfinding, large property lines, or event parking

At Legit Fast Printing, we offer multipacks for common sizes. This helps you cover every angle and create a full sign route.

What to Put on a Roadside Yard Sign

Roadside yard signs must deliver the main message quickly. Stick to these rules:

• Keep it to one main idea (for example, "SALE TODAY" or "TURN HERE")
• Limit text to 3-6 words
• Use large, bold fonts that contrast with the background
• Add an arrow or clear symbol if you’re directing traffic
• Include one clearly displayed contact method if needed

For more design strategies, check our resource on how to design a custom yard sign.

Actionable Steps: How to Order the Right Yard Sign Size

1. Decide where your sign will be placed and who needs to see it (drivers, walkers, or both).
2. Measure the viewing distance from the road to the sign location.
3. Pick your size using the guidelines above – choose 24x36 for fast, busy roads, 18x24 for slow, close-up, or budget-friendly use, and 20x30 only for custom design needs.
4. Design your artwork with bold, simple text and high contrast (ask us for free design help if you need it).
5. Order your signs with the quantity you need, using multipacks if you want full coverage.

If you're not sure what size works best, ask for design help from our team. We’re happy to review your sign plans and recommend a size that will stand out.

Recommended Legit Fast Printing Sign Products

• Custom 24x36 Yard Sign – Horizontal (top choice for roadside)
• Custom 18x24 Yard Sign – Horizontal (best for standard use)
• Custom Portrait Style Signs (Includes 18x24 and 24x36 options)

Before You Order: Best Practices

• Use clear, high-resolution artwork for best print results
• Double-check spelling, especially phone numbers and URLs
• Keep your design uncluttered for maximum readability
• Choose double-sided printing for drive-by or two-way traffic locations
• Order the largest size your message and budget allow for roadside use
• Confirm that your order includes stakes for fast installation

Frequently Asked Questions: Yard Sign Sizes for Roadside Use

Helpful Resources and Further Reading

• Directional Signs for Outdoor Events: Sizes, Wording, and Placement Tips
• Yard Sign Font Size Guide: What Actually Stays Legible From the Road
• 24x36 Yard Signs: When Bigger Signs Are Worth the Upgrade
• How to Design a Yard Sign People Can Read at 25 Miles Per Hour

Conclusion

For roadside advertising, the size of your yard sign directly impacts how well your message is seen and acted on. Choose 24x36 for the best visibility on busy streets, use 18x24 for standard needs or slower roads, and consider 20x30 only if you want a custom mid-size option. Always go for weather-resistant coroplast, keep your design bold and simple, and plan your sign placement carefully.

Ready to order custom yard signs built for real-world roadside results? Explore our full range at Legit Fast Printing and get expert advice every step of the way.