How to design a custom prize wheel, step by step

A promotional prize wheel is seen from afar but played up close. The design has to work at both distances: from the aisle, bright colours and a recognisable logo; from two metres, segments that can be read at a glance, even while the wheel is spinning. Many designs fail for the same reasons: too many segments, small lettering and similar colours. In this guide we explain how to design a custom prize wheel step by step, how many segments fit on each diameter, what letter size to use and how to prepare the file for printing.

Step 1: decide on the number of segments

On our wheels the number of segments is up to you (8, 10, 12, 14, 20…) and it does not change the price. But just because you can does not mean you should: every extra segment makes each one narrower. As a guide, depending on the size of the graphic:

• Tabletop wheels of around 38-45 cm: 6 to 10 segments.
• Wheels of around 60 cm (tabletop or small floor-standing): 8 to 14.
• 120 cm floor-standing wheel, with a graphic of around 110 cm: 8 to 16 comfortably; up to 20 if each segment has one or two words.
• 180 cm giant wheel: 12 to 24.

An even number lets you alternate two colours without two matching segments touching. With an odd number, one pair of neighbouring segments ends up the same colour.

Step 2: work out the width of each segment

To find out how much text fits, measure the segment's width halfway along the radius, which is where the text usually goes. The sum is: 2 × π × mid radius ÷ number of segments. Two examples:

• On a graphic of around 110 cm, the mid radius is about 30 cm from the centre. With 12 segments, each is about 16 cm wide at that point; with 20, about 9 cm.
• On a 45 cm tabletop wheel, the mid radius is about 13 cm. With 8 segments, each is about 10 cm wide; with 12, under 7 cm.

The text has to fit within that width with some margin either side. If it does not fit, remove segments or remove words.

Step 3: choose the letter size

Sign makers use a rule of thumb: for comfortable reading, about 2.5 cm of letter height for every 3 metres of distance. With a prize wheel, the player stands one or two metres away and onlookers three or four. So:

• On a floor-standing wheel, segment words should be at least 3 or 4 cm tall in capitals.
• On a tabletop wheel, at least 1.5 or 2 cm.
• The logo in the centre and the name of the top prize should be bigger than everything else.

Use simple, bold typefaces, with no thin strokes or decorative lettering that gets lost as the wheel spins. And avoid long sentences: one or two words per segment, ideally with an icon.

Step 4: get the contrast right

• Light text on a dark background, or the other way round. White on navy, black on yellow. Avoid yellow on white, red on orange or grey on grey.
• Clearly different colours for neighbouring segments, so you can see where each one ends even when the wheel is spinning fast.
• Few colours: two or three from your brand, plus one special colour reserved for the top prize segment, such as gold.
• No background photos behind the segment text. If you want an image, make it a clean icon.

A simple trick: print the design on an A4 sheet, put it two metres away and look at it through half-closed eyes. If the segments blur together, you need more contrast.

Step 5: the centre and the rim

• The centre is the natural place for the logo. On the 120 cm wheel you need to leave a central circle of around 10 to 15 cm; the template marks the size and the exact centre.
• The outer rim is where the pegs that make the click and the flapper that slows the wheel are found. Leave a margin free of important text near the rim, so nothing gets covered.
• Text direction: the most legible options are writing from the centre outwards, along the radius, or horizontally inside each segment if the word is short. Pick one and use it throughout.

Step 6: prepare the file

The branding is a rigid PVC graphic printed in full colour and fitted onto the wheel. For a perfect result:

• Ask us for the template for your wheel: it shows the size and the centre.
• Supply the design as a full-size PDF, at a scale of 1:1.
• Vector is best: logos and text in vector, with fonts converted to outlines or embedded.
• If there are photos or images, make sure they have good resolution at the final size, so they do not look pixelated on a wheel more than a metre across.
• Check the spelling segment by segment. A typo on a giant wheel can be seen from across the hall.

We need the design at least two weeks before the event. If you do not have a design or a designer, no problem: our team will create one from your logo and your list of prizes.

Checklist before you send it

1. The right number of segments for the diameter.
2. One or two words per segment, in large, bold lettering.
3. Strong contrast between text and background, and between neighbouring segments.
4. Logo in the centre, within the size shown on the template.
5. A clear margin around the outer rim.
6. A special segment for the top prize, if there is one.
7. Full-size PDF, with text in vector or fonts embedded.
8. Spelling checked by two people.
9. Sent at least two weeks before the event.

If you are short of segment ideas, there are 40 in our article on prize wheel ideas. The whole branding process, with examples, is on custom prize wheel. For the size of each model, see the 120 cm floor-standing wheel.

Frequently asked questions

What format should I send the design in?

As a full-size PDF, using the template we give you with the size and the centre marked.

Can you do the design for us?

Yes. Send us your logo and your prizes and our team will prepare the design for you to review.

How far in advance should I send it?

At least two weeks before the event. If yours is ready, request a quote here.