Calculator · Emergency lighting · BS EN 1838
Exit sign viewing distance calculator
Enter the height of the pictogram on the sign and say whether the sign is lit from inside or from outside. You get the furthest distance it can be read from.
Result
Enter the pictogram height to see the result.
Working
distance = pictogram height × 200 (internally lit) or × 100 (externally lit)
- An internally lit sign can be read from 200 times the height of its pictogram.
- An externally lit sign can be read from 100 times the height.
- Measure the running man symbol, not the whole sign panel.
Source: BS EN 1838 (2024 edition), as shown in industry guides and a seminar on the 2024 revision. No clause number was found. Check the standard for the factors.
Every exit sign should be visible from wherever someone needs to see it. Check that nothing blocks the view along the route.
For guidance only. Always check against the current edition of the standard and the manufacturer's data.
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