How to Choose Large Print Books for Seniors
“Large print” can mean very different things from one book to another. For ordinary books it usually means around 16–18 pt, but puzzle books can use much larger type. The simplest way to choose is to compare the print with something the reader already uses comfortably.
Start with something they already read
A book, newspaper or puzzle book they already use is the best reference.
Look at the size of the print rather than relying on the words “large print” on the cover. If you are buying a puzzle book, compare the letters in the puzzle grid itself, not just the instructions or body text.
If possible, choose a size that is at least as large as something they already find comfortable to read.
What does large print mean?
Regular book text is commonly around 10–12 pt. Large print is generally around 16–18 pt, although there is no single size used by every publisher. The published guidance is collected here.
Puzzle books vary much more. The words “large print” might describe relatively modest type in one book and very large letters in another.
That is why every Clarence Edgehill word search book states the actual point size on the cover.
Choosing between our sizes
Our word search books range from 30 pt to 100 pt:
30 pt and 40 pt – Big and Bigger. Nearly twice and two and a half times the size of the 16–18 pt type commonly used in large-print books. Both sizes also come as crosswords: 30 pt and 40 pt.
50 pt and 60 pt – Extra Large and Super Large. Much larger again than the 16–18 pt type commonly used in large-print books. The 50 pt size also comes as a crossword.
70 pt and 80 pt – Super XL and Huge. Larger puzzle letters with fewer words on each page.
90 pt and 100 pt – Enormous and Super Jumbo. The largest sizes we publish, with letters approaching an inch in height.
For exact measurements in millimeters and inches, see How Big Is Large Print, Really?
You can also download our free size guide and print every size at home. Choose “Actual size” in your printer settings so the examples are reproduced correctly.
Other things to look for
Print size is important, but it is not the only thing that affects how easy a puzzle is to use.
Contrast. Look for clear, dark lettering against a high-contrast background.
A simple grid. Large letters can still be difficult to scan if too much is packed onto the page. Fewer words and a less crowded grid can make a significant difference.
Space around the letters. For word searches, there should be enough room to circle or mark a word without covering neighboring letters.
Clear letterforms. Letters should be easy to distinguish from one another, particularly when scanning a puzzle in different directions.
There is more on contrast, paper and glare in Low Vision: What to Consider.
What about novels and other books?
For novels, biographies and other continuous text, large-print editions are commonly around 16–18 pt.
The same basic approach applies: rather than choosing from the label alone, compare the print with a book the reader already finds comfortable.
The easiest way to check
If you are unsure which Clarence Edgehill size to choose, use our free printable size guide.
It shows the actual printed size of our word search and crossword formats from 30 pt to 100 pt, so you can compare them directly with a book, newspaper or puzzle the reader already uses.
Common questions
What size is considered large print?
Large print in ordinary books is generally around 16–18 pt, although definitions vary. Puzzle books may use much larger type, so it is worth checking the actual point size rather than relying on the words “large print”.
Is bigger always better?
Not necessarily. Larger letters are easier for some readers to see, but they also mean fewer letters and words can fit on each page. The best size is one the individual reader finds comfortable.
Does larger print mean fewer puzzles or words?
Usually. As the letters become larger, fewer words can fit comfortably into each puzzle.
Where can I see the sizes before buying?
Use our free printable size guide to see our 30–100 pt word search and crossword sizes at their actual printed dimensions. You can also compare the sizes using the size comparison tool on our homepage.