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ABA Accessibility Standard for GSA Facilities Pocket Guide

703.3 Braille.

Braille shall be contracted (Grade 2) and shall comply with 703.3 and 703.4.

703.3.1 Dimensions and Capitalization.

Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.3.1. The indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the first word of sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials, and acronyms.

Table 703.3.1 Braille Dimensions
Measurement Range

Minimum in Inches

Maximum in Inches

Dot base diameter 0.059 (1.5 mm) to 0.063 (1.6 mm)
Distance between two dots in the same cell 1 0.090 (2.3 mm) to 0.100 (2.5 mm)
Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells 1 0.241 (6.1 mm) to 0.300 (7.6 mm)
Dot height 0.025 (0.6 mm) to 0.037 (0.9 mm)
Distance between corresponding dots from one cell directly below 1 0.395 (10 mm) to 0.400 (10.2 mm)

1Measured center to center.

Six Braille cells are shown indicating what is meant by “dot diameter,” “distance between dots in the same cell,” “distance between dots in adjacent cells,” “distance between corresponding dots from one cell directly below” in Table 703.3.1.

Figure 703.3.1 Braille Measurement

703.3.2 Position.

Braille shall be positioned below the corresponding text. If text is multi-lined, braille shall be placed below the entire text. Braille shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from any other tactile characters and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from raised borders and decorative elements.  

EXCEPTION: Braille provided on elevator car controls shall be separated 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) minimum and shall be located either directly below or adjacent to the corresponding raised characters or symbols.

An enlarged detail shows Braille dots positioned 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum below tactile letters and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum separation from the sign border.

Figure 703.3.2 Position of Braille

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