-
Dimensions – different definitions apparently
Hi all.
I know this might sound a little basic, but I’m having issues quoting dimensions ordering from different people and was wondering how everyone else defines their dimensions.
As a general rule I look at things the following way;
2D = Height x Width
3D = Height x Width x DepthNow, I may be getting this all wrong, but my first assumption is that when I spread my arms out to either side, that is width. When I measure from toes to head, that is height and front to back is depth.
So, the way I see it, a 4m x 2m banner is 4m wide by 2m high.
A 4m x 2m x 7cm tray is 4m wide x 2m high x 7cm deepBut when I look to order from some sites, they quote (2D) Width x Length or (3D) Width x Length x Depth – e.g. the same banner is now 4m long by 2m wide and the tray is now 4m long x 2m wide x 7cm deep.
Is there some secret unwritten rule I’ve missed?
-
4 Replies
-
I think I understand your problem.
Generally speaking, when people describe a sign they specify the width first then the height.
But when it comes to banners these are measured in width x length since they’re generally printed.So a banner measuring 3M wide a 4M long would be printed on a 3M wide printer
If it was a sign it would be described as 4M wide x 3m high (assuming it was landscape)I always check when people are specifying sizes as to whether the sign is to be portrait or landscape.
But I suspect your "issue" is in describing a banners length as a width when in fact you mean it’s length. And it’s height as it’s width (assuming the banner is to be hung landscape)
I hope that makes sense cos you’ve got me confused now :awkward:
-
That actually does make sense now that you’ve pointed out the difference between the ‘physical’ sign making vs the banner ‘printing’ process.
Amazing how a quick comment from someone else can instantly clarify something I ‘thought’ was a bit illogical.
Thanks Phil.
-
I agree with Phill.
I go by the way Adobe Illustrator describes it – when you create a rectangle it will ask you for width first, height second.
I think that is pretty well the industry standard.
Customers usually don’t know this.
They will often ask you for a banner 5 meters LONG by one meter WIDE.
It makes sense to them, so you have to be really careful. -
Cartesian coordinates – x, y, z.
x = across (width)
y = height
z = depthI’ve always understood that x is expressed first, followed by y and finally z (if 3D). So if the height/width words were left out, that’s how I would interpret it. But when producing spec for clients I always use ‘width/height’ e.g. 500mm wide x 300mm high so there is no misunderstanding.
I can understand Phill’s explanation, as it comes off the printer, but that too could be confusing – I’d go with specifying the dimensions as they will be when the sign/banner is installed.
Log in to reply.
