Line Height Settings for Better Web Readability
TL;DR:
- Set line height between 1.4 and 1.6 times your font size for body text
- Tight line spacing hurts readability while loose spacing looks unprofessional
- Proper line height improves content flow and reduces eye strain
- Most website builders let you adjust this easily in typography settings
Line height controls the vertical space between lines of text. Getting it right makes your content easier to read and gives your site a more polished look.
Why Line Height Matters
When lines of text are too close together, readers struggle to follow from one line to the next. Their eyes get tired faster and they're more likely to lose their place. Space the lines too far apart and your content looks disjointed and amateurish.
The sweet spot sits between 1.4 and 1.6 times your font size. So if you're using 16px text, your line height should be somewhere between 22px and 26px.
How to Spot Good Line Height
You'll know you've got it right when:
- Readers can easily jump from the end of one line to the start of the next
- There's enough white space to prevent eye strain
- The text doesn't look cramped or scattered
- Your paragraphs feel cohesive
Test your line height on different devices. What looks good on desktop might feel cramped on mobile.
Setting Line Height in Website Builders
Most platforms make this adjustment straightforward:
Squarespace 7.1: Go to Design > Site Styles > Fonts. Click on your text style and adjust the line height slider.
WordPress: In the block editor, select your text and look for typography options in the sidebar. Custom themes often have these settings in the customizer.
Wix: Select your text element and use the text formatting panel to adjust line spacing.
Webflow: You'll find line height controls in the typography section of the style panel.
Common Line Height Mistakes
Setting line height too low is the most frequent error. Text that's cramped together looks unprofessional and drives readers away. On the flip side, excessive line height makes your content look like it's falling apart.
Another mistake is using the same line height for all text types. Headlines often work better with tighter spacing (around 1.1 to 1.3) while body text needs more breathing room.
FAQs
What's the best line height for body text?
Between 1.4 and 1.6 times your font size works for most situations. Start with 1.5 and adjust from there.
Should I use different line heights for different text types?
Yes. Headlines can use tighter spacing (1.1-1.3) while body text needs more space (1.4-1.6). Large blocks of text often benefit from slightly looser spacing.
How do I know if my line height is wrong?
If people complain about hard-to-read text, if your content looks cramped or scattered, or if the text doesn't flow well, your line height probably needs adjusting.
Does line height affect SEO?
Not directly, but it affects user experience. Poor readability can increase bounce rates and reduce time on page, which search engines notice.
Jargon Buster
Line Height: The vertical distance between lines of text, usually expressed as a multiplier of font size
Typography: The arrangement and appearance of text on a page
Font Size: The height of text characters, measured in pixels or points
Readability: How easily text can be read and understood
Leading: Traditional typography term for line spacing, still used in some design tools
Wrap-up
Line height is one of those small details that makes a big difference. Set it between 1.4 and 1.6 times your font size for body text, and your content will be easier to read and more professional-looking. Don't forget to test on different devices and adjust based on your specific font and design.
Most website builders make this adjustment simple, so there's no excuse for cramped, hard-to-read text. A few minutes spent tweaking line height can transform how your content looks and feels.
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