Cost Estimate for Large Channel Letter Signs in India
(Charged Per Square Inch Industry Standard Guide)
In the Indian signage industry, Channel letters are almost
always calculated per square inch,
rather than per running foot, per letter or by guesswork.
If you
are planning a large façade sign for a showroom, mall, hospital,
factory or highway
restaurant, understanding per square inch costing
will help you negotiate properly and
avoid confusion.
Let’s break it clearly in the Indian context.
What Are Large Channel Letter Signs?
Large channel letters are 3D fabricated illuminated letters made using:
- Aluminum side returns (body frame)
- Acrylic front (brand color face)
- Internal LED modules
- Back panel (ACP / aluminum sheet)
- Power supply & wiring
For large sized letters (2 ft, 3 ft, 4 ft and above), structure strength and LED layout become very important.
How Channel Letters Are Calculated (Per Square Inch Method)
In signage fabrication total cost is calculated as:
Letter Height × Letter Width = Total Square Inches
Total Square
Inches × Rate per Square Inch = Fabrication Cost
Example:
If one letter size is
- Height: 36 inches
- Width: 28 inches
Then:
36 × 28 = 1008 square inches
If the rate is ₹35 per sq. inch →
1008 × 35 = ₹35,280 for that letter.
This technique is the correct and professional calculation method used in India.
Current Price Per Square Inch in India (2026)
Front Lit Channel Letters
₹ 28–₹ 45 per square inch
Backlit (Halo Lit)
₹ 40–₹ 65 per square inch
Combination Lit (Front + Back)
₹ 55 – ₹ 85 per square inch.
Trimless / Premium Finish
₹ 70 – ₹ 110 per square inch.
Rates vary depending on city (Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore and Tier 2 cities) material thickness and LED brand
What Determines the Per Square Inch Rate?
1. Aluminum Thickness
- 0.6mm (economy)
- 0.8mm (standard)
- 1mm+ (heavy duty for large letters)
2. Acrylic Brand
Imported cast acrylic costs more than local sheets.
3. LED Module Quality
Local LED = cheaper
Branded modules (better lumen & life) = higher
rate
4. Letter Depth
A 3 inch depth vs. a 5 inch depth makes a difference in aluminum usage.
5. Finishing Quality
Powder coating, PU paint and CNC precision finishing affect the rate.
Installation Cost (Separate From Fabrication)
Many clients think per square inch includes installation. It usually does not.
Installation charges depend on the following:
- Mounting height
- Need of boom lift
- Structural support frame
- Electrical connection distance
- Site condition
Typical installation cost range:
₹ 10,000 – ₹ 75,000, depending on
project size.
Practical Example (Indian Market Case Study)
Let’s say:
Brand Name: 8 Letters
Each letter approx size: 30" height × 24" width
Area per letter:
30 × 24 = 720 sq. inch
For 8 letters:
720 × 8 = 5760 sq. inch
If the rate is ₹38 per sq. inch (front lit standard quality):
5760 × 38 = ₹218,880 fabrication cost
Installation is extra.
This is how professional signage vendors calculate pricing.
Why Large Letters Cost More Per Inch Sometimes?
For very large letters (above 3 ft in height):
- Reinforcement frame required
- Double LED layer sometimes used
- Heat ventilation needed
- More structural support
Hence, the rate per square inch may increase slightly.
Types of Large Channel Letter Styles
- Front Lit Bright & economical
- Halo Lit Premium glow effect
- Combination Lit High end branding
- Rooftop Letters Heavy structural design
Common Mistakes While Comparing Rates
- Comparing a ₹25 per inch vendor with a ₹40 per inch vendor without checking aluminum thickness
- Not asking for the LED brand
- Ignoring installation height cost
- Not checking waterproof sealing
A lower rate today can mean repair expenses tomorrow.
Final Advice Before Finalizing Vendor
Always ask:
- Aluminum thickness?
- Acrylic brand?
- LED specification?
- Depth of letter?
- Installation included or separate?
- Warranty in writing?
Clear specification means clear costing.
