What Actually Qualifies as Large Print?
Large print is generally understood as print larger than standard book text, often starting around 16 pt. Many standard paperbacks are around 10–12 pt, while some mass-market books, newspapers and magazines use smaller type still. This guide explains what those numbers mean, how large-print guidance is usually interpreted, and how Clarence Edgehill uses defined type sizes across its large-print books.
There’s no single universal definition of “large print”
Large print is not one fixed size used by every publisher, library or accessibility organisation. Guidance varies, but it usually sits in the same broad range.
RNIB describes regular print as usually around 10–12 pt, large print as generally 16–18 pt, and giant print as anything larger than that.
In the US, the Library of Congress National Library Service says large-print materials are most commonly available in 16–18 pt type. It also notes that the US Postal Service Free Matter for the Blind mailing standard defines the minimum size as 14 pt.
Wikipedia’s overview gives a similar broad picture, describing large print as typically at least 18 pt, while also noting that some standards have used lower minimums.
What large print usually means in practice
Most large-print guidance points to type somewhere around 16–18 pt. That is noticeably bigger than standard paperback text, but it is still much smaller than the oversized type used in our large-print puzzle books.
This is why point size is useful. It makes the difference visible and measurable, rather than relying only on a label such as “large print”.
How Clarence Edgehill uses large print
Clarence Edgehill uses large print in two main ways.
Our large-print word search books use very large puzzle type, with clearly marked sizes from 50 pt to 100 pt, depending on the title.
Our large-print log books and notebooks use 18 pt text, which sits at the upper end of common large-print guidance and is larger than many 16 pt large-print formats.
Our mini books are different. Unless otherwise stated, they are standard-print, compact 4×6-inch books designed for portability and everyday use, not low-vision reading.
Why our puzzle books use fixed steps
Our large-print word search books run from 50 pt up to 100 pt, in fixed steps.
That means every size is a known, comparable quantity. 50 pt is always 50 pt. 80 pt is always 80 pt. You do not have to guess what “large print” means from one title to the next.
Fixed steps also make it easier to move up or down the range. If one size feels too small, the next size up is clearly marked. If a larger size feels too big, you can step back down with confidence.
Why point size is only part of the story
Point size matters, but it is not the only thing that affects readability. Typeface choice, letter spacing, word spacing, line spacing, contrast and page layout all play a part.
For our puzzle books, we use a typeface with clearly distinct characters. For example, the uppercase I is visibly different from the lowercase l. This matters in word searches, where readers need to scan individual letters quickly and avoid confusing similar shapes.
The American Council of the Blind’s large print guidelines recommend Arial 18 pt as a base font, with larger sizes for headings.
The American Printing House for the Blind also publishes large print guidance covering font face, size, colour, spacing and formatting.
For Clarence Edgehill books, the point size gives readers a clearer way to understand what they are buying. The large-print puzzle books use oversized puzzle type, distinct letterforms and simple layouts. The large-print notebooks and log books use 18 pt text. The mini books are standard print.
Common questions
Is there an official definition of large print?
There is no single universal point size used everywhere.
As a general guide, RNIB describes large print as 16–18 pt, while the Library of Congress says large-print materials in the US are most commonly available in 16–18 pt type.
What point size is considered large print?
Large print is generally around 16–18 pt, though guidance varies. Some organisations use 18 pt as a key reference point, while others recognise lower minimums in specific contexts.
Standard print is usually much smaller, often around 10–12 pt, with some mass-market books, newspapers and magazines smaller still.
What sizes does Clarence Edgehill use?
Our large-print word search books use 50 pt to 100 pt puzzle type, depending on the title.
Our large-print log books and notebooks use 18 pt text.
Are all Clarence Edgehill books large print?
No. Our large-print puzzle books, log books and notebooks are designed around larger type.
Unless otherwise stated, our mini books are standard-print, compact 4×6-inch books. They are made for portability and everyday use, not low-vision reading.
Why do the puzzle books go much larger than 18 pt?
Because word search puzzles are read differently from ordinary prose. Readers need to scan grids, compare letters and move between the puzzle and the word list. Much larger type can make that process easier for readers who find standard puzzle books too small.
Why does the typeface matter?
In word searches, readers are not just reading words from left to right. They are scanning individual letters across rows, columns and diagonals.
That is why we use a typeface with distinct letterforms. Similar-looking characters, such as uppercase I and lowercase l, are easier to tell apart.
Is bigger always better?
Not always. Very large type can be easier to see, but it also means fewer words or letters fit on a page. For some readers, that is helpful. For others, it can make navigation slower.
That’s why Clarence Edgehill offers different large-print sizes rather than a single “one size fits all” option.