Digital signs in restaurants have emerged as a necessity for any restaurant to provide the best services to its customers as well as to ensure efficiency. From advertising the meals that they offer to offering special offers and discounts, digital signage software is useful in increasing the interaction between the restaurants and the customers. However, one of the most important questions restaurant owners have to answer is: what size of the screen is the best for digital signage?

The answer depends on several factors, including your restaurant’s layout, viewing distance, and the type of content you want to display. Let’s break it down to help you make the right choice.

1. Consider the Purpose of Your Digital Signage

The size of your restaurant’s digital signage should correspond to the function it is to perform. Below are some of the uses that are associated with the various screens and the recommended sizes:

•       Digital Menu Boards (40” – 55”)

 If you are using digital signage to display the menu, then 40 to 55 inch is preferred size. These sizes are suitable for the fast-casual and quick-service restaurant because customers look at the menu from a close distance.

•       Promotional Displays (32” – 50”)

 For promotions such as special offers, membership card or special products, a 32” to 50” screen placed at the entrance or at the cash desk will be effective, yet not invasive.

•       Waiting Area Screens (50” – 65”)

 Here, to entertain the customers while they wait, it is recommended to have large screens of sizes ranging from 50 inches to 65 inches. These can include such items as the latest social media updates, events and even interesting videos.

•       Outdoor Digital Signage (55” – 75” and up)

 For menus placed at drive-thru or for exterior advertising, you will need a larger and bright screen (55 inch to 75 inch or more) to accommodate sufficient brightness to overcome the sunlight.

2. Understand Viewing Distance

If the customers are located farther from the screen, the size of the screen has to be even greater. Here’s a general guideline:

•       2-4 feet away → 32”- 43” screen
•       5-7 feet away → 43”- 55” screen
•       8-10 feet away → 55”- 65” screen
•       10+ feet away → 65”+ screen

For quick-service restaurants where customers are in close proximity to the menu boards a 43” to 50” screen is suitable. If the signage is installed in casual dining restaurants and is highly visible across the restaurant, then a slightly larger screen of 55”+ may be required.

3. Consider Multi-Screen Setups

In case you have many types of meals or much promotional information, it is better to divide the menu into several sections on the screen. For example, a line of three 50” screens can be used to present a menu divided into sections to make it easier to choose from.

4. Choosing the Right Digital Signage Software

This is one of the factors that make up the screen size. You also require dependable digital signage software to run your content as intended. In your search for a suitable platform, you should consider one that:

•       Easy cloud-based updates
•       Customizable templates
•       Scheduling features for promotions
•       High-resolution support for clear displays

Final Thoughts

There are a few factors that should be taken into consideration when deciding on the size of the screen for the restaurant digital signage: space and distance that the screen will be placed at, and the type of content that will be shown on the screen. The size of the screen depends on the location whether it is a café or a drive through; nevertheless, when choosing the size it is coupled with the right digital signage software.

You want to implement the best information display system? Ensure that you acquire screens that are ideal for your restaurant and software that can easily run the contents.