Short answer: measure the width of the glass you want to use, subtract about 6 inches, and pick the longest sign that still fits in what is left. For most single doors that is the 35-inch sign, for a standard shop window the 52-inch, and for wide frontages the 70-inch.
That 6-inch rule is the same one the window-width tool on our home page uses. It leaves a few inches of glass on each side so the sign does not touch the frame and the cable has room to run down to an outlet. Below is how to measure, what each size fits, and a few situations where the rule needs a little thought.
Step 1: Measure the glass, not the frame
Grab a tape measure and measure the visible glass from one edge of the frame to the other. Measure the inside of the window, since that is where the sign goes. A few tips:
- Measure each pane separately. If a window is split by a metal bar or a wooden divider, the usable width is one pane, not the whole opening.
- Check the height too. Every PIXELLAB Soft LED sign is 7.56 inches tall, so you need a clear strip at least that tall where nothing blocks it, like door handles, push bars or existing decals.
- Note where the outlet is. The sign runs on 5 V USB power. Plan a short, tidy path from the sign to a wall outlet, a USB port or a power bank.
Step 2: Compare your width to the three sizes
All three signs share the same height and the same 16 rows of LEDs. Only the length changes, which means longer signs show more of a scrolling message at once.
| Sign | Actual length | LEDs (rows x columns) | Glass width needed (about) | Typical spot | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35-inch | 35.35 in | 1,536 (16 x 96) | 41.4 in or wider | A single door, behind the register, a car rear window | $89 |
| 52-inch | 52.36 in | 2,304 (16 x 144) | 58.4 in or wider | The standard shop window | $129 |
| 70-inch | 69.37 in | 3,072 (16 x 192) | 75.4 in or wider | Wide frontages, above a bar or counter | $169 |
The "glass width needed" column is simply the sign length plus 6 inches. If your glass falls between two rows, go with the smaller sign. A sign squeezed edge to edge looks cramped and leaves no room for the cable.
Step 3: Apply the fit rule
Examples
- Glass is 48 inches wide. 48 minus 6 is 42. Only the 35-inch sign fits, with room to spare.
- Glass is 64 inches wide. 64 minus 6 is 58. The 52-inch sign fits. The 70-inch does not.
- Glass is 90 inches wide. 90 minus 6 is 84. The 70-inch sign fits.
When two signs make more sense
On very wide glass you can run two signs side by side and control both from the same app. Allow about 4 inches between the signs on top of the 6-inch margin. By that math, two 52-inch signs need roughly 115 inches of glass, and two 70-inch signs need roughly 149 inches.
When the glass is too narrow
If you have less than about 41 inches of glass, even the 35-inch sign will be tight. In that case, hang the sign inside above the counter or on a wall instead of the window.
Other things that affect the choice
How far away people read it
Because every size uses the same 16-row height, letters are the same size on all three. A longer sign does not make text bigger. It shows more characters at once, so people catch a longer message in one glance.
Curved or angled glass
The sign is a flexible circuit board, not a rigid box, so it can bend to follow curved glass. Measure along the curve if your window is rounded.
Doors that open and close a lot
For a busy door, the 35-inch sign usually fits best. It mounts with the included double-sided tape and weighs little, and you can switch it off with the remote or the inline switch on the cable.
Quick recommendation by business
- Coffee shop or bakery with one front window: 52-inch for the window, 35-inch behind the register.
- Smoke shop, vape shop or liquor store: 52-inch is the common window choice. Several signs can wrap a counter.
- Barber or salon with a glass door: 35-inch on the door, 52-inch if you also have a display window.
- Restaurant or bar with a wide frontage: 70-inch, or two signs running from one app.
Still not sure? Send us your glass measurements through our contact page and the Vertex team in Elmhurst, Illinois will suggest a size.
FAQ
How much space should I leave around the sign?
Leave about 6 inches of total glass width beyond the sign's length, roughly 3 inches on each side. That keeps the sign off the frame and gives the cable a clean path.
Are all three sizes the same height?
Yes. Every PIXELLAB Soft LED sign is 7.56 inches tall with 16 rows of LEDs. Only the length changes.
Can I return a sign if I picked the wrong size?
Yes, within 30 days. Change-of-mind returns must be unused, and you pay return shipping. Damaged, defective or wrong items are covered by us.
Does a bigger sign make the letters bigger?
No. Letter height is the same on every size. A longer sign shows more of your message at once.