Canada · CFIA
Net quantity height calculator
On a Canadian consumer food package, net quantity numerals must be bold, with a minimum height set by the area of the package's principal display surface (PDS). Measure the package, not the sticker.
Minimum numeral height
3.2 mm (1/8 in)
- Principal display surface
- 65.3 cm² · 10.1 sq in
- Band
- More than 32, up to 258 cm²
- Units (g, mL, kg, L)
- At least 1.6 mm, measured on a lowercase "o"
- Rough point size to try
- about 12 to 14 pt, then measure a printout
CFIA's minimum height table
From CFIA's net quantity page (modified February 13, 2026; checked October 23, 2026). The calculator uses the cm² column.
| Principal display surface | (sq in) | Minimum numeral height | (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 cm² or less | 5 or less | 1.6 mm | 1/16 |
| More than 32, up to 258 cm² | More than 5, up to 40 | 3.2 mm | 1/8 |
| More than 258, up to 645 cm² | More than 40, up to 100 | 6.4 mm | 1/4 |
| More than 645, up to 2,580 cm² | More than 100, up to 400 | 9.5 mm | 3/8 |
| More than 2,580 cm² | More than 400 | 12.7 mm | 1/2 |
How CFIA measures the principal display surface
| Package | PDS per CFIA | Calculator mode |
|---|---|---|
| Has a flat or obvious display face | Total area of that face, excluding the top | Flat face |
| Displayed by its lid | Total area of the top surface of the lid | Round lid (or "I know the area" for other shapes) |
| Bag with equal faces | Area of one face | Flat face |
| Bag with unequal faces | Area of one of the largest faces | Flat face |
| No distinct display surface (round jar, bottle) | 40% of the total surface area excluding top and bottom, if that 40% can be displayed | Round jar: 40% × π × diameter × side height |
| No surface suitable for a label | Area of one side of an attached tag | I know the area |
Other rules on the same page: numerals must be bold; all net quantity information must be at least 1.6 mm high (measured on a lowercase "o"); the declaration goes on the principal display panel; one space between number and unit ("250 mL", not "250mL").
The point sizes shown are a rough starting point from our net quantity guide, not a CFIA figure. Digits in most fonts are shorter than the point size. Print a proof at 100% and measure a digit with a millimeter ruler.
General information, not legal advice. Exemptions and special cases (fresh produce, foods packed from bulk at retail, unusual shapes) are on CFIA's page; confirm your product with CFIA's Industry Labelling Tool.