Typography and Readability Standards

1. Font Size and Zoom Support

WCAG Requirement	Level	Specification	Implementation
Resize Text (1.4.4)	AA	Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality	Use relative units (rem, em, %)
Reflow (1.4.10)	AA	Content reflows at 320px width without horizontal scrolling	Responsive design with media queries
Text Spacing (1.4.12)	AA	No loss of content when spacing is adjusted	Avoid fixed heights, use min-height
Minimum Base Size	Best practice	16px minimum for body text	`font-size: 16px` or `1rem`
Zoom Support	AA	Support browser zoom up to 200%	Don't disable user scaling

Example: Zoom and resize support

<!-- Proper meta viewport (allows user zoom) -->
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">

<!-- NEVER disable zoom (accessibility violation) -->
<!-- BAD: -->
<meta name="viewport" content="user-scalable=no, maximum-scale=1.0">

<!-- Use relative units for font sizes -->
<style>
/* Base font size on html element */
html {
  font-size: 16px; /* Base size for rem calculations */
}

/* Use rem for most text (scales with user preferences) */
body {
  font-size: 1rem; /* 16px by default */
  line-height: 1.5;
}

h1 {
  font-size: 2.5rem; /* 40px at default */
}

h2 {
  font-size: 2rem; /* 32px at default */
}

h3 {
  font-size: 1.5rem; /* 24px at default */
}

p {
  font-size: 1rem; /* 16px at default */
}

small {
  font-size: 0.875rem; /* 14px at default */
}

/* Use em for component-relative sizing */
.button {
  font-size: 1rem;
  padding: 0.5em 1em; /* Scales with button font size */
}

.button--large {
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  padding: 0.5em 1em; /* Proportionally larger */
}

/* Responsive font sizing */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  html {
    font-size: 14px; /* Smaller base on mobile */
  }
}

@media (min-width: 1200px) {
  html {
    font-size: 18px; /* Larger base on large screens */
  }
}

/* Fluid typography (clamps between min and max) */
h1 {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 3rem);
}

/* Support text spacing adjustments (WCAG 1.4.12) */
* {
  /* Don't set fixed heights that break with spacing changes */
  /* Use min-height instead of height when possible */
}

.card {
  min-height: 200px; /* Not height: 200px */
  padding: 1rem;
}

/* Text should reflow without horizontal scroll at 320px */
.content {
  max-width: 100%;
  overflow-wrap: break-word;
  word-wrap: break-word;
}
</style>

Unit Type	Description	Use Case	Accessibility
rem	Relative to root font-size	Most text, spacing, layout	✓ Respects user preferences
em	Relative to parent font-size	Component-scoped sizing, padding	✓ Respects user preferences
% (percentage)	Relative to parent	Widths, responsive layouts	✓ Flexible
px (pixels)	Absolute unit	Borders, shadows, small details	⚠ Doesn't scale with zoom
vw/vh	Viewport percentage	Full-screen sections, fluid type	⚠ Can cause reflow issues
clamp()	Min, preferred, max	Fluid typography with bounds	✓ Responsive + bounded

Warning: Never use maximum-scale=1.0 or user-scalable=no in viewport meta tag. This prevents users from zooming and fails WCAG 1.4.4.

2. Line Height and Spacing Guidelines

Spacing Property	WCAG 1.4.12 Minimum	Recommended	CSS Property
Line Height	1.5× font size (paragraphs)	1.5-1.8	`line-height: 1.5`
Paragraph Spacing	2× font size	1.5-2rem	`margin-bottom: 1.5rem`
Letter Spacing	0.12× font size	normal to 0.05em	`letter-spacing: 0.02em`
Word Spacing	0.16× font size	normal to 0.1em	`word-spacing: 0.05em`

Example: Accessible spacing implementation

<style>
/* Base typography with accessible spacing */
body {
  font-size: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.6; /* Exceeds 1.5 minimum */
  letter-spacing: 0.01em;
}

/* Paragraph spacing */
p {
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem; /* 2× font size minimum */
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* Heading spacing */
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {
  line-height: 1.3; /* Tighter for headings OK */
  margin-top: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}

/* Lists with adequate spacing */
ul, ol {
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

li {
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* Dense text (tables, code) can be tighter */
table {
  line-height: 1.4; /* Still readable */
}

code, pre {
  line-height: 1.5;
  letter-spacing: 0;
}

/* Support user text spacing overrides (WCAG 1.4.12) */
/* Users may apply: */
* {
  /* line-height: 1.5 */
  /* letter-spacing: 0.12em */
  /* word-spacing: 0.16em */
  /* paragraph spacing: 2em */
}

/* Ensure content doesn't break when spacing is increased */
.card {
  min-height: fit-content; /* Not fixed height */
  padding: 1rem;
}

.button {
  padding: 0.75em 1.5em;
  min-height: 2.5em; /* Not height: 40px */
}

/* Long-form content optimized for readability */
article p {
  max-width: 65ch; /* 65-75 characters per line */
  line-height: 1.7;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

/* Tight spacing exceptions (sparingly) */
.compact-list {
  line-height: 1.4;
}

.compact-list li {
  margin-bottom: 0.25rem;
}
</style>

<!-- Text spacing adjustment test -->
<style>
/* Apply maximum WCAG 1.4.12 spacing to test */
.wcag-spacing-test * {
  line-height: 1.5 !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em !important;
  word-spacing: 0.16em !important;
}

.wcag-spacing-test p {
  margin-bottom: 2em !important;
}

/* Content should remain readable and not clip */
</style>

Content Type	Line Height	Max Line Length	Rationale
Body Text	1.5-1.8	65-75 characters	Optimal reading comfort
Headings	1.2-1.4	40-50 characters	Tighter for visual hierarchy
Captions	1.4-1.6	55-65 characters	Small text needs more spacing
Code Blocks	1.5-1.6	80-120 characters	Monospace allows longer lines
Tables	1.4-1.5	Varies by column	Denser spacing acceptable
UI Labels	1.3-1.5	N/A	Compact for interface elements

Note: The 65-75 character line length guideline is based on readability research. Use max-width: 65ch to implement this in CSS (1ch = width of the "0" character in the current font).

3. Text Scaling and Responsive Typography

Technique	Method	Benefits	Considerations
Fluid Typography	`clamp(min, preferred, max)`	Smooth scaling between breakpoints	Ensure minimum meets WCAG
Viewport-Based	`font-size: calc(1rem + 1vw)`	Scales with viewport	Can be too small/large at extremes
Media Query Steps	Different sizes per breakpoint	Precise control at each size	Sudden jumps between breakpoints
Container Queries	Size based on container width	Component-level responsiveness	Newer browser support
User Preference	Respect browser font-size setting	User control, accessibility	Must use relative units

Example: Responsive typography strategies

<style>
/* Strategy 1: Fluid typography with clamp() */
h1 {
  font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 4vw + 1rem, 3.5rem);
  /* Min: 28px, Scales with viewport, Max: 56px */
}

h2 {
  font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 3vw + 0.5rem, 2.5rem);
}

p {
  font-size: clamp(1rem, 0.5vw + 0.875rem, 1.125rem);
}

/* Strategy 2: Media query steps */
body {
  font-size: 16px;
}

@media (max-width: 480px) {
  body { font-size: 14px; }
  h1 { font-size: 1.75rem; }
}

@media (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 768px) {
  body { font-size: 15px; }
  h1 { font-size: 2rem; }
}

@media (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 1024px) {
  body { font-size: 16px; }
  h1 { font-size: 2.5rem; }
}

@media (min-width: 1025px) {
  body { font-size: 18px; }
  h1 { font-size: 3rem; }
}

/* Strategy 3: Viewport-based with bounds */
h1 {
  font-size: calc(1.5rem + 2vw);
  max-font-size: 4rem;
  min-font-size: 2rem; /* Note: not a real property, use clamp */
}

/* Better: using clamp for the same effect */
h1 {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 1.5rem + 2vw, 4rem);
}

/* Strategy 4: Container queries (modern browsers) */
@container (min-width: 400px) {
  .card h2 {
    font-size: 1.5rem;
  }
}

@container (min-width: 600px) {
  .card h2 {
    font-size: 2rem;
  }
}

/* Strategy 5: Modular scale */
:root {
  --ratio: 1.25; /* Major third */
  --base-size: 1rem;
  
  --text-xs: calc(var(--base-size) / var(--ratio) / var(--ratio));
  --text-sm: calc(var(--base-size) / var(--ratio));
  --text-base: var(--base-size);
  --text-lg: calc(var(--base-size) * var(--ratio));
  --text-xl: calc(var(--base-size) * var(--ratio) * var(--ratio));
  --text-2xl: calc(var(--base-size) * var(--ratio) * var(--ratio) * var(--ratio));
}

small { font-size: var(--text-sm); }
body { font-size: var(--text-base); }
h3 { font-size: var(--text-lg); }
h2 { font-size: var(--text-xl); }
h1 { font-size: var(--text-2xl); }

/* Responsive adjustments to base size */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  :root {
    --base-size: 0.875rem; /* 14px */
  }
}

@media (min-width: 1200px) {
  :root {
    --base-size: 1.125rem; /* 18px */
  }
}

/* Ensure minimum sizes at all breakpoints */
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  body {
    font-size: max(16px, 1rem); /* Never below 16px */
  }
}
</style>

Example: Accessible responsive typography system

<style>
/* Complete responsive type system */
:root {
  /* Base sizes */
  --font-size-min: 0.875rem; /* 14px */
  --font-size-base: 1rem;    /* 16px */
  --font-size-max: 1.125rem; /* 18px */
  
  /* Fluid size between 320px and 1200px viewport */
  --fluid-min-width: 320;
  --fluid-max-width: 1200;
  
  /* Calculate fluid type */
  --fluid-bp: calc(
    (100vw - var(--fluid-min-width) * 1px) / 
    (var(--fluid-max-width) - var(--fluid-min-width))
  );
}

/* Fluid body text */
body {
  font-size: calc(
    var(--font-size-min) + 
    (var(--font-size-max) - var(--font-size-min)) * var(--fluid-bp)
  );
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* Simplified with clamp() */
body {
  font-size: clamp(
    var(--font-size-min),
    0.875rem + 0.25vw,
    var(--font-size-max)
  );
}

/* Heading scale */
h1 { font-size: clamp(2rem, 1.5rem + 2vw, 3.5rem); }
h2 { font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 1.25rem + 1.5vw, 2.75rem); }
h3 { font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 1rem + 1vw, 2rem); }
h4 { font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 0.875rem + 0.75vw, 1.5rem); }
h5 { font-size: clamp(1.125rem, 0.875rem + 0.5vw, 1.25rem); }
h6 { font-size: clamp(1rem, 0.875rem + 0.25vw, 1.125rem); }

/* Ensure accessibility: never go below minimums */
@supports not (font-size: clamp(1rem, 1vw, 2rem)) {
  /* Fallback for older browsers */
  body { font-size: 16px; }
  h1 { font-size: 2.5rem; }
  h2 { font-size: 2rem; }
  /* etc... */
}
</style>

Warning: When using viewport units (vw, vh), always use clamp() or max() to ensure text doesn't become too small on narrow viewports, which would fail WCAG 1.4.4.

4. Reading Flow and Text Layout

Layout Principle	Specification	Benefits	Implementation
Line Length	50-75 characters optimal	Reduces eye fatigue, improves comprehension	`max-width: 65ch`
Text Alignment	Left-aligned for LTR languages	Consistent left edge aids tracking	`text-align: left`
Justified Text	Avoid or use with hyphenation	Prevents uneven spacing	`hyphens: auto` if justified
Column Width	Single column on mobile, multi on desktop	Appropriate line length at all sizes	`columns` or grid layout
Orphans/Widows	Prevent single lines at breaks	Visual continuity	`orphans: 2; widows: 2`
Vertical Rhythm	Consistent spacing between elements	Visual harmony, scanability	Baseline grid or spacing scale

Example: Optimal reading flow layout

<style>
/* Article layout optimized for readability */
article {
  max-width: 65ch; /* 50-75 character line length */
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 2rem 1rem;
}

/* Long-form text styling */
article p {
  text-align: left; /* Never center long text */
  line-height: 1.7;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  
  /* Prevent orphans and widows */
  orphans: 2;
  widows: 2;
  
  /* Better word breaking */
  overflow-wrap: break-word;
  word-wrap: break-word;
  hyphens: auto; /* Enable hyphenation */
}

/* Avoid justified text or improve it */
.justified {
  text-align: justify;
  hyphens: auto; /* Required for even spacing */
  text-justify: inter-word; /* Better spacing algorithm */
}

/* Multi-column layout (use carefully) */
@media (min-width: 900px) {
  .multi-column {
    column-count: 2;
    column-gap: 3rem;
    column-rule: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
  }
  
  /* Prevent headings from breaking across columns */
  .multi-column h2,
  .multi-column h3 {
    break-after: avoid;
    column-span: all; /* Heading spans all columns */
  }
  
  /* Prevent images from breaking */
  .multi-column img {
    break-inside: avoid;
  }
}

/* Responsive line length */
.content {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 65ch;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .content {
    max-width: 100%; /* Full width on mobile */
    padding: 0 1rem;
  }
}

/* Vertical rhythm system */
:root {
  --line-height: 1.6;
  --rhythm: calc(1rem * var(--line-height));
}

h1, h2, h3, p, ul, ol {
  margin-bottom: var(--rhythm);
}

/* Lists with proper spacing */
ul, ol {
  padding-left: 1.5rem;
}

li {
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* Pull quotes or callouts */
.callout {
  max-width: 45ch; /* Shorter for emphasis */
  margin: 2rem auto;
  padding: 1.5rem;
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  border-left: 4px solid #0066cc;
}

/* Code blocks with scrolling instead of wrapping */
pre {
  max-width: 100%;
  overflow-x: auto;
  padding: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
}

/* Prevent very long words from breaking layout */
.user-content {
  overflow-wrap: break-word;
  word-wrap: break-word;
  word-break: break-word; /* Breaks long words */
}

/* Direction support for RTL languages */
[dir="rtl"] {
  text-align: right;
}

[dir="rtl"] ul,
[dir="rtl"] ol {
  padding-left: 0;
  padding-right: 1.5rem;
}
</style>

<article lang="en">
  <h1>Article Title</h1>
  <p>
    This paragraph has an optimal line length of around 65 characters,
    which research shows provides the best reading experience. The text
    is left-aligned with adequate line height for easy tracking.
  </p>
  <p>
    Long form content should never be centered or right-aligned as this
    makes it difficult for readers to find the start of each new line.
  </p>
</article>

Note: Centered or right-aligned text is acceptable for short content like headings, captions, or UI elements, but long-form body text should always be left-aligned (or right-aligned for RTL languages).

5. Font Selection for Accessibility

Font Characteristic	Accessible Choice	Avoid	Why
Letter Differentiation	Clear distinction between I, l, 1, O, 0	Fonts where letters look identical	Reduces confusion for dyslexic users
X-Height	Larger x-height (relative to cap height)	Very small x-height	Improves readability at small sizes
Weight Variation	Multiple weights available	Single weight only	Needed for hierarchy and emphasis
Character Spacing	Slightly open spacing	Very tight or condensed	Easier to distinguish letters
Decorative Features	Minimal for body text	Excessive serifs, swashes, ornaments	Can distract or confuse readers
Font Style	Sans-serif for UI, serif OK for long text	Script, handwriting, novelty fonts	Novelty fonts harder to read

Example: Accessible font selection

<style>
/* Accessible font stacks */

/* System font stack (no web fonts needed, fast) */
body {
  font-family: 
    system-ui,
    -apple-system,
    BlinkMacSystemFont,
    "Segoe UI",
    Roboto,
    "Helvetica Neue",
    Arial,
    sans-serif;
}

/* Readable serif stack for long-form content */
article {
  font-family:
    "Iowan Old Style",
    "Palatino Linotype",
    "URW Palladio L",
    Georgia,
    serif;
}

/* Monospace stack for code */
code, pre {
  font-family:
    "SF Mono",
    Monaco,
    "Cascadia Code",
    "Roboto Mono",
    Consolas,
    "Courier New",
    monospace;
}

/* Web fonts with careful selection */
@font-face {
  font-family: 'CustomFont';
  src: url('font.woff2') format('woff2');
  font-display: swap; /* Show fallback during load */
  font-weight: 400;
  font-style: normal;
}

/* Use variable fonts for performance */
@font-face {
  font-family: 'InterVariable';
  src: url('inter-variable.woff2') format('woff2');
  font-weight: 100 900; /* Supports all weights */
  font-display: swap;
}

/* Accessible fonts recommended: */
/* - Inter (excellent readability) */
/* - Atkinson Hyperlegible (designed for low vision) */
/* - Open Sans, Roboto (good alternatives) */
/* - Lexend (dyslexia-friendly) */

/* Font adjustments for accessibility */
body {
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  -moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
  text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;
}

/* Never use ultra-thin weights for body text */
.thin-text {
  font-weight: 100; /* BAD for accessibility */
}

.readable-text {
  font-weight: 400; /* GOOD: normal weight */
}

/* Italic text - use sparingly */
em, i {
  font-style: italic;
  /* Some fonts have poor italics - consider checking */
}

/* All caps - harder to read, use sparingly */
.uppercase {
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em; /* Increase spacing */
  font-size: 0.875em; /* Slightly smaller often better */
}

/* Font size adjustments */
small {
  font-size: 0.875rem; /* Don't go below 14px equivalent */
}

/* Ensure minimum legible sizes */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  small {
    font-size: max(0.875rem, 14px);
  }
}
</style>

<!-- Example: Dyslexia-friendly font -->
<link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Lexend:wght@400;600&display=swap" rel="stylesheet">

<style>
.dyslexia-friendly {
  font-family: 'Lexend', sans-serif;
  font-size: 1.125rem; /* Slightly larger */
  line-height: 1.8; /* More spacing */
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  word-spacing: 0.1em;
}
</style>

Font Family	Type	Accessibility Features	Best Use
Atkinson Hyperlegible	Sans-serif	Designed for low vision, high differentiation	UI, body text, low vision users
Inter	Sans-serif	Tall x-height, open apertures	UI, screens, body text
Lexend	Sans-serif	Designed for dyslexia	Body text, educational content
Open Dyslexic	Sans-serif	Weighted bottoms, unique shapes	Dyslexic users (optional)
Verdana	Sans-serif	Large x-height, wide spacing	Small sizes, screens
Georgia	Serif	Large characters, screen-optimized	Long-form reading
Comic Sans	Sans-serif	Letter differentiation (controversial)	Dyslexic users (user preference)

Warning: Avoid using font weights below 400 for body text, and never use decorative or script fonts for important content. They can be difficult or impossible for some users to read.

Note: Consider providing a font switcher for users with dyslexia or low vision. Allow users to choose between standard fonts and specialized alternatives like Lexend or OpenDyslexic.

Typography and Readability Quick Reference

Use relative units (rem, em) for all font sizes - never disable zoom with viewport meta
Minimum 16px base font size; text must be resizable to 200% without loss of content
Line height minimum 1.5 for body text; paragraph spacing minimum 2× font size (WCAG 1.4.12)
Optimal line length: 50-75 characters (use max-width: 65ch)
Left-align body text (right-align for RTL); avoid justified text unless using hyphenation
Use clamp() for fluid typography with minimum/maximum bounds
Choose fonts with clear letter differentiation (I/l/1, O/0) and adequate x-height
Provide font weight variation (400 minimum for body text; avoid ultra-thin weights)
Test spacing with WCAG 1.4.12 adjustments: content must not clip or overlap
Consider specialized fonts (Atkinson Hyperlegible, Lexend) for improved accessibility

Related Cheatsheets

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