How many letters can a reader recognise at once?

Factors that limit the maximum size of a word segment

The maximum size of a word segment is approx. 6-7 letters. The following factors limit this ability.

Our eye

Our eyes can only recognise letters sharply enough in the area of sharpest vision. This range is sufficient for 6 to 7 letters (in a normal font size).

This ability cannot be trained.

The field of attention

We consciously perceive something in this area of our field of vision. The size and shape are constantly changing and ensure, among other things, that unimportant things are hidden in the field of vision. If we try very hard to read, the field of attention shrinks and only a few letters fit into it.

This ability can be trained.

Detect symbols

Our brain can only recognise a limited number of symbols at the same time. This value also depends on age.

This ability can be trained.