Number plate sizes in the UK
Plate size decides how much room you have for characters, and it is the first thing to settle before you start laying out a registration. This guide covers the sizes in general use and the practical spacing consequences of each.
The standard oblong plate
The familiar front and rear oblong is the default for most cars and light commercials. It gives enough width for a full registration at standard character spacing without crowding either end.
If a registration contains wide characters such as M or W, dry-lay it on the blank before committing any adhesive.
Short and square plates
Shorter plates and square or near-square plates are used where the mounting area is limited — some imports, 4x4 rear doors, motorcycles and trailers.
A square plate usually splits the registration across two rows. Work out the split before ordering so you know how many of each character you need.
Checking before you order
Measure the mounting area rather than the old plate; plates are often fitted oversize.
Our blanks are listed with their size on every line, so you can see exactly what arrives.
Count characters per plate, not per registration. A repeated letter needs a separate character each time it appears.