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Formatting and presenting assessments

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Formatting and presenting your assessments correctly is important because many include marks for presentation.

This may include marks for things such as:

  • formatting and layout
  • APA referencing
  • writing style
  • grammar and spelling.

Before you start on your assessment:

  • check your assessment question, emails from your course leader, and learning materials for how it should be presented
  • read the instructions carefully. Make sure you understand them and follow them exactly
  • if you're not sure about what’s required contact your course leader.

General guidelines for electronic submissions

  • Most assessments should be produced using Microsoft Word.
  • You can also submit assessments using: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx or .rtf.
  • if you don’t have Microsoft Word go to My Open Polytechnic to download and access your free version
  • if you're not sure about the file type required, contact your course leader.
  • Use a clear, readable font, such as Verdana, Calibri, Tahoma or Arial and use the same font throughout.
  • Use black text on a white background.
  • Avoid coloured backgrounds or text in a colour other than black, unless you have special permission to use them.
  • Use 11 or 12 point font for the body of your assessment.
  • Use 1.5 spacing and 2.53 cm (1”) wide margins.
  • Leave a blank line between paragraphs.
  • If the questions are short, leave a blank line between each question. If they are long, start each question on a new page.
  • Left-justify your work (also known as left-aligned).
  • Use bold for headings.
  • Essays don’t usually need subheadings; reports usually do.

Most assessments need a title page, which should include:

  • the title and number of the assessment
  • the course number and name
  • the due date
  • your full name and student number.

Centre this information on the page, starting approximately one-third of the way down the page.

  • Number and clearly label figures and tables.
  • Add numbers as follows: Figure 1, Figure 2, Table 1, Table 2, and so on.
  • Put table and figure captions above the table.
  • Don't number the items in a reference list.

For more help with figures and tables, check:

Get more help with tables  and figures – APA  Style website

Headers and footers

Insert a header or footer on each page (except the title page). It should contain:

  • your name (last name, first name/s)
  • your student number
  • the course code
  • the assessment number
  • page numbers.

Reference list

The reference list comes at the end of the assessment and should start on a new page labelled 'References'.

Need more help with reference lists? Check out the guides below:

Quick referencing APA guidelines  (PDF 47 KB; opens in a new window)

Guide to APA referencing  (PDF 395.11 KB; opens in a new window)

Appendices are used for information that:

  • is too long to include in the body of your assessment
  • supplements or complements the information you are providing.

Start each appendix (if applicable) on a new page. If there's just one appendix label it ‘Appendix’ without a number. If there is more than one, label them Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on.

In the main text of your assessment, refer to the Appendix by the label – for example, Appendix A.

Tops and bottoms of pages

Check the top and bottom of your pages to ensure they avoid:

  • widows – single lines of text at the top of a page
  • orphans – first lines of paragraphs at the bottom of a page
  • tombstones – headings or subheadings alone at the bottom of a page
  • split lists – lists that are divided between two pages (if possible).

General guidelines for hard copies

Most of the guidelines above also apply to hard copies (printed or handwritten documents).

If your course requires or allows handwritten assessments, be sure to follow the course instructions on presenting handwritten assessments.

Word limits and word count guidelines 

Word limits support the development of concise writing skills. Word count guidelines help you to understand the expectation of workload for an assessment.

 For more detailed information about these go to:

Word limits and word count guidelines  

Got a question?

If you want to talk with someone about formatting and presenting your assessments, contact The Library and Learning Centre | Te Whare Pukapuka Wāhanga Whakapakari Ako. 

Contact the Library and Learning Centre

Aihber Khan

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June 5, 2023

The Ultimate College Assignment Formatting Guide

In this blog post, we’re going to dive headfirst into everything that has to do with college assignment formatting and talk about its significance. We’ll explore the impact of formatting on our academic journey and why paying attention to this often underestimated detail can make a world of difference in our grades and overall success.

college assignment format

Let’s face it: formatting assignments can be a daunting task. What font do you use? How do you structure your paragraphs? How can you create a bibliography? Fear not! By the end of this blog post you will have the answer to all your questions.

This post will cover everything from the essential elements of a properly formatted college assignment to refining your formatting skills.

This post is all about college assignment formatting.

Header & Footer

Margins & spacing, introduction, in-text citations, bibliography, fine-tuning your assignment format, font & typography, headings & subheadings, figures, tables, and appendices, proofreading and editing, formatting checklist, this post was all about college assignment formatting., other posts you may like:, understanding the basics of college assignment formatting.

The title page is the gateway to your assignment, providing essential information about the work you’ve produced. When it comes to formatting the title page, there are a few key elements to include. First, make sure your title accurately describes the content of your assignment. It should be concise, captivating, and informative, while setting the tone for the rest of the assignment.

Furthermore, your title page should also include your full name as the author of the assignment, followed by the course and professor for which you are submitting the assignment. This is important to ensure proper identification of the assignment.

Next, be sure to include the submission date. This helps establish a timeline and ensures that your assignment is submitted on time.

Finally, use a clean and legible font style, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and use a font size of 12 points. Align your text in the center of the page to create a balanced look.

Headers and footers play an important role in assignment formatting by providing essential information continuously throughout your document. Headers are located at the top of each page, while footers are placed at the bottom.

In the header, include your last name and the page number. This helps keep track of all the pages and identify them as yours. The page numbers should be positioned flush right, aligning with the right margin of your document.

For an extra layer of identification, you can also include your student identification number in the header.

Footers can be utilized to display other relevant information, such as the course name or the title of your assignment. However, the footer section is not typically used for substantial content.

Margins and spacing are important elements of college assignment format, as they effect readability and organization. The recommended margin size for most assignments is 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides of the page allow for sufficient white space and provides room for professors to add comments if need be.

Spacing is equally important when it comes to formatting your assignment and double-spacing is the standard practice. Make sure your entire document, including the main body, quotations, and references, follows the double-spacing convention.

Note that there may be times where specific formatting requirements differ. For example, some professors may request single-spacing or different margin sizes so it is important that you review your professor’s own assignment guidelines and follow those instructions!

Structuring Your Assignments

The introduction is a crucial part of your assignment, capturing the reader’s attention and guiding them through your work. Provide background information and state your thesis clearly. Outline the main points you’ll cover in the body paragraphs to give the reader an overview of the assignment’s structure. Keep it concise and about one to three paragraphs long. A well-crafted introduction sets the stage for a compelling assignment.

In the main body of your assignment, present your arguments, evidence, and analysis in a structured manner. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point. Provide supporting evidence and examples to strengthen your arguments. Use transitional words to connect your ideas smoothly. Maintain a balanced structure by giving appropriate attention to each point. You can also use subheadings for further organization if necessary.

For your assignment to be completed and to have an impact, a powerful conclusion is necessary. Without presenting additional material, summarize your essential ideas. Restate your thesis and consider the importance of your findings. Finally, give the reader a compelling final thought that motivates additional thought.

References & Citations

When writing academic assignments, you need to acknowledge the sources you have used to support your arguments and ideas. In-text citations serve as brief references within the body of your assignment, indicating where specific information or ideas originated.

Different citation styles, such as APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), or Chicago, have specific guidelines for in-text citations. Familiarize yourself with the citation style recommended by your professor and follow it consistently throughout your assignment.

In-text citations usually include the author’s last name and the year of publication. For direct quotations, it is important to include the page number as well. Place the in-text citation immediately after the information you have derived from the source, making sure that the citation is placed within parentheses or as a part of the sentence.

A reference list or bibliography is crucial for your assignment as it lists all the sources you cited during your research. It helps readers locate and verify your sources’ credibility. Follow the specific formatting guidelines of your chosen citation style. Alphabetize the entries by the author’s last name or the title of the work. Be sure to double-check the accuracy of each entry, including capitalization, punctuation, and formatting. Proper referencing strengthens your arguments and demonstrates academic integrity which is incredibly important especially in academic writing. Familiarize yourself with citation style guidelines and apply them diligently to avoid plagiarism accusations and penalties.

Like we briefly covered before, the choice of font and typography can significantly impact the readability and visual appeal of your assignment. Select a legible and professional font style, such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and maintain consistency throughout your assignment.

Furthermore, a font size of 12 points is recommended for the main body of your assignment, however, consult your assignment guidelines to confirm the font size requirements. Avoid using excessively large or small font sizes, as they can make your work difficult to read and look unprofessional.

Additionally, use double-spacing or whatever your professor instructs and ensure that your paragraphs are indented consistently, usually by half an inch, to signify new paragraphs and aid in visual organization.

Headings and subheadings are helpful guiding the reader through its structure. They make it easier for the reader to navigate and comprehend your work.

Use descriptive headings that accurately reflect the content of each section. Depending on the length and complexity of your assignment, you may have multiple levels of headings, such as main headings (Level 1), subheadings (Level 2), and further subheadings as needed.

Figures, tables, and appendices enhance your assignment by providing supplementary information, data, or visual representations. Follow formatting guidelines to maintain consistency and professionalism.

Number figures sequentially and add descriptive captions. Place figures near relevant text and refer to them within your assignment.

Similarly, number and title tables clearly. Format tables consistently with proper headers and labels. Explain their relevance and findings in your assignment.

Lastly, you can use appendices for additional materials that support your main arguments. Label them with letters or numbers and provide clear titles.

Polishing Your Assignment

Editing and proofreading your assignment is essential for improving its quality before submission. Here are some practical strategies to catch errors:

  • Take a break: Step away from your assignment after the initial draft. Returning with fresh eyes helps you spot mistakes and areas for improvement.
  • Read aloud: Reading your assignment aloud helps identify awkward phrasing and grammar errors. Pay attention to sentence structure, punctuation, and flow.
  • Use grammar and spelling tools: Word processing software often includes checking tools. While not perfect, they can catch basic errors. However, use them as a complement to proofreading.
  • Seek feedback: Ask a friend, classmate, or professor to review your assignment. They may spot errors and offer suggestions for improvement.
  • Check formatting: Follow the formatting requirements provided by your instructor. Ensure consistency in font, spacing, indentation, margins, in-text citations, reference list, and figures/tables.

By dedicating time to editing and proofreading, you can enhance your assignment’s clarity, conciseness, and accuracy.

To help you ensure that your assignment meets all the necessary formatting requirements, here is a handy checklist:

  • Title Page: Verify that your title page includes the required elements such as the title of the assignment, your name, the course name, the instructor’s name, and the submission date.
  • Header and Footer: Confirm that your headers and footers contain the necessary information, such as page numbers and your name.
  • Margins and Spacing: Check that your assignment adheres to the recommended margin sizes and spacing guidelines. Ensure that your paragraphs are properly indented, and your text is double-spaced unless instructed otherwise.
  • Font and Typography: Ensure consistency in font style and size throughout your assignment.
  • Headings and Subheadings: Ensure consistent formatting.
  • In-text Citations: Verify that your in-text citations follow the designated citation style. Check that you have included all necessary information, such as the author’s name and publication year, and that they are properly formatted within parentheses or as part of the sentence structure.
  • Bibliography: Ensure that your reference list or bibliography follows the formatting guidelines of the citation style you are using. Double-check the accuracy of each entry, including the correct formatting of authors’ names and publication information
  • Figures and Tables: Review the formatting of any figures or tables in your assignment. Ensure that they are appropriately labeled, numbered, and referenced within the text.
  • Appendices: If you have included any appendices in your assignment, ensure that they are properly labeled and organized.
  • Proofreading: Lastly, thoroughly proofread your assignment for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Check for consistency in tense, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.

Remember, formatting is not just a mundane task; it is an essential part of your journey as a student. Embrace it as an opportunity to refine your writing skills, enhance your academic work, and pave the way for success in your studies.

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Formatting your assignments

Illustrated step-by-step guides to help you understand the formatting and presentation expectations of university assignments.

A student working on a laptop

Introduction 

Although formatting your essay, report or dissertation can feel like a lesser priority than the process of research and writing itself, it is an important way to ensure your ideas are given the spotlight through visually accessible, professional presentation. Formatting can be a minefield, especially when you’re formatting at the last minute; it’s important to leave a few days at the end of your essay writing process for working on your formatting, and to spend some time familiarising yourself with the different aspects of formatting.

301 Recommends:

Our Essay Structure and Planning workshop will outline how to analyse your essay question, discuss approaches logically structure all your ideas, help you make your introductions and conclusions more effective, and teach how to link your ideas and ensure all essay content flows logically from the introduction.

Below, you will find some general introductions to the key areas. 

Action: know the rules 

Because formatting rules can vary greatly depending on your department or assignment, it’s crucial to check the formatting specifications in your assignment description/rubric, and any general departmental presentation standards, as a first port of call. Many referencing systems also have specific rules about how to format your work, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the university library’s referencing guides . Many referencing systems also have more detailed style guides available via their websites.

Formatting key information  

Assignment cover sheets .

In some departments, you may be expected to include a cover sheet on the front page of your assignment. This is a page including key information about your assignment, such as your module number, student registration number, essay title, and submission date.

You may be asked to submit a plagiarism declaration and to make your markers aware of any disabilities through the yellow sticker system . If you are asked to include a cover sheet in your assignment, your department should make you aware of where you can access this.

Assignment titles

Place your assignment title at the top of your first page, either centre or left aligned, in bold font. At university, you may be assigned a pre-designed essay title/question, or asked to select from several possible titles. You may also be asked to design your own essay title. Here are some top tips on designing your own title:

  • To bring focus to your essay, draft a working title at the essay planning stage. You can come back and review this title in light of your finished essay draft.
  • Make sure to use action words in your essay title that reflect the skills your assessors are looking for, both in the assignment description and the marking criteria you have been given. For example, if heavy emphasis is placed on critical analysis, you could use a title like ‘Analyse the effect of…’ See this glossary of essay terms , containing examples that you can use in your own titles. 
  • The action words you choose can also help you to reflect the structure of the essay in your question. For example, an essay using the action word ‘Discuss’ might use a for/against/conclusion or advantages/disadvantages/conclusion structure, or an essay using the term ‘Analyse’ might break an issue down into parts, e.g. into key themes, to understand its meaning as a whole. Think about the type of essay you want to write: do you want it to be comparative, look at several topics equally, or do you have a clear argument that you want to put forward? You can then create a question that gives you the opportunity to approach the topic from your own perspective.
  • Make sure to include the main terminology you are working with in your assignment title.
  • Make sure your question has a realistic scope, without being so broad that you cannot answer it within the limitations of your essay. To limit your question, you could include any limiting factors you are working with, such as specific time periods, geographical regions or sub-themes within the overall topic area. For example, in the title ‘Evaluate the proposition that a global monoculture will destroy diversity and difference’, the broad topic of global monoculture is limited down through a specific sub-focus on diversity and difference.

Stating word counts 

Depending on the instructions you have been given, you may be asked to state your word count, either on your cover sheet or at the beginning of your essay. If you are asked to include this information, make sure your word count accurately reflects the assessment guidance: for example, are references included in your word count?

Visual clarity  

Line spacing .

Most assignment descriptions specify that you should increase the space between each line on the page, from the standard 1.0 spacing to either 1.5 or 2.0 spacing. You are asked to do this to make the essay more visually accessible and easier to read, by breaking up the number of lines on each page. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to line spacing in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Fonts 

All non-examination based assignments should be word processed rather than handwritten. Most assignment descriptions will specify that for visual clarity, and to ensure a professional appearance, you should use a plain, sans-serif font such as Arial. For readability, this should be in 11 or 12 point size. Check your departmental or assignment guidance for any specific rules about font choices. 

Page numbering, headers and footers  

Including page numbers in your assignments makes them more accessible. Depending on the departmental guidance you have been given, you may be asked to include these in either the header or the footer of your essay (the blank space above and below where the text would go on a normal page in a word processor). It may also be helpful to include your registration number and the module code of the essay in the same header or footers that specify the page number. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adding page numbers and using headers and footers in Microsoft Word and Google Docs. 

Page layout   

Margins .

A margin is the amount of blank space on either side of a paragraph in a normal word processor. Traditionally, assignment descriptions specified that the margins should be made wider at the binding edge (the left hand side) of the page, to allow for easier reading of printed essays. However, with the shift to online essays, you might not be asked to do this any more and the default settings on your word processor are likely to be sufficiently wide.

For printed dissertations and theses, you may receive specific guidance about the suitable layout of margins, as these are more likely to be printed: see this university guide on formatting PhD theses . 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adjusting margins in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Paragraph alignment 

Most formatting instructions specify that paragraphs should be lined up in a straight line (aligned) on the left hand edge, but left jagged on the right hand edge (like this page). This is called left alignment, or flush-left style, and should be the default alignment setting for your word processor. This style can be helpful for visual accessibility, but check any specific instructions you have been given by your department to see which style of alignment you have been asked to use. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adjusting paragraph alignment in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.  

Paragraph indentation

You may be asked to add indents to your paragraphs: an indent is an additional small gap between the margin and the beginning of a paragraph (it makes a ‘dent’ in the first line of your paragraph). Indents are used to provide extra clarification that the reader is starting a new paragraph after finishing the last one: therefore, they should not be used in the first paragraph of your essay. Indents are not always required, and whether you are expected to use them may depend on your referencing style , and any formatting instructions you have been given by your department.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to indenting paragraphs in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Formatting referenced material 

Footnotes and endnotes .

Some referencing systems require you to use footnotes or endnotes to format your references (make sure to check the library’s referencing guide to familiarise yourself with the expected format of your referencing style). Inserting a footnote into your word document when you have cited from a source adds a superscript number (a number formatted in a smaller font) to the sentence. It creates a note with a matching number at the bottom of the page you are working on (in the footer), which you can add the reference information to.

Endnotes work in the same way, but instead of appearing at the bottom of the page, the reference list appears at the end of the document.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to manually inserting footnotes and endnotes in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.  

References and bibliographies  

Instead of, or alongside footnotes/endnotes, some referencing systems ask you to include a bibliography and/or a reference list at the end of the essay (make sure to check the library’s referencing guide to familiarise yourself with the expected format of your referencing style). A reference list is a list of all the sources you have directly referred to in the essay, which could be ordered numerically or alphabetically, depending on your referencing style.

A bibliography could be used alongside, or instead of, a reference list, depending on your referencing style; here, you list all the sources you have consulted that have influenced your ideas, whether they are included in the essay or not. The way this is ordered also depends on your referencing style. 

If you auto-generate your citations in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can auto-generate your bibliography instead of creating it manually: instructions for doing so are in the resource below. If you use a different reference manager, such as Mendeley, Zotero, or Endnote, these have their own specific instructions for auto-generating bibliographies. See the reference management resources offered by the university. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to manually or automatically formatting a bibliography or reference list in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Block quotations  

When you need to include a quotation in your essay that is three or more lines long, you can add this as a block quotation. A block quotation appears on a separate line to the other parts of the paragraph, and is indented (i.e. there is a wider gap between a block quotation and the left-hand margin than there is between the rest of the paragraph and the left-hand margin). Block quotations aren’t placed in quotation marks, so the indentation is used to indicate that you are using a quotation.

Check your referencing guide and any departmental guidance to learn more about the specific rules on formatting block quotations in your department. Because they take up large chunks of your word count, and break up the flow of your texts, make sure to use block quotations sparingly: they are especially helpful when you are going to perform close analysis of a large section of text. For more information on different types of quotation and how to use them, see our workshop on paraphrasing and using academic sources.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to formatting block quotations in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Advanced formatting 

Headings and contents tables .

Most standard short essays do not include headings, other than the essay title and reference list and/or bibliography. Section headings may be required for some longer or more structured types of academic writing, such as reports; reports often follow a very closely prescribed structure, so it is essential to pay very careful attention to the specific guidelines issued with your brief. Make sure that any system you use for numbering your headings and subheadings is consistently applied throughout the document.

Depending on the advice you have been given, and the length and complexity of a lab report, you may also be required to include a table of contents to help the reader navigate between headings. Contents tables are generally standard practice in longer assignments such as dissertations and theses. Make sure to check any departmental guidance you have been given about formatting reports.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to formatting headings and contents tables in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

301 Recommends: Scientific Writing and Lab Reports Workshop

This workshop  will help you to familiarise yourself with some of the specific expectations associated with this assignment format.

Figures and tables 

Some kinds of essays, dissertations and reports will require you to make use of figures (pictures, diagrams, and graphs) and tables (any data in a table format). Figures and tables are normally numbered in sequence, e.g. ‘Table 1’, ‘Figure 4’, and are directly referred to in the text according to their number, rather than according to their location on the page (e.g. ‘as shown in Table 2’ rather than ‘as shown below’). 

If your text is of dissertation or thesis length, or if your text has several figures, it may also be helpful to include a list of figures immediately after the table of contents. Some referencing guides have specific rules about presenting and referencing tables and figures, so make sure to familiarise yourself with these and carefully read any specific instructions about figures and tables in your assignment brief. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to inserting figures and tables and creating lists of figures/tables in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Top tips for formatting tables and figures:

  • Make sure that any tables or figures you use are placed below the paragraph where you refer to them, and that you have directly referred to all figures and tables in the text of the essay.
  • The caption for a table usually acts as its title, so this is placed above the table in the document. The caption for a figure is usually placed underneath the figure. Do not include unnecessary additional titles in the graph image itself, if the title is already included in your image caption. 
  • Make sure to label your captions consistently, choosing between ‘Fig.’ or ‘Figure’ and consistently using either a full stop or a colon after the label (i.e. ‘Figure 1:’ or ‘Fig. 1.’) 
  • Your caption should clearly and succinctly explain what the figure or table is. If the figure is taken from an external source, you must provide a reference that accurately reflects its copyright status (see these university library guides to inserting and attributing images and figures in university work). 
  • Make sure to include legends in any charts you use (a key that helps to explain the data in the chart). Any data series you use should be clearly distinguishable from each other (e.g. avoid printing a report with coloured graphs in black and white!) If you are only using one series of data, a legend is not always necessary. 
  • Make sure tables are clear and easy to read, using sans serif fonts, a readable font size, and avoiding unnecessary use of colour. 
  • Make sure graphs are clear and easy to read, with clearly and appropriately labelled axes. Be wary of 3D effects that may obscure the clarity of a graph.
  • Make sure to avoid presenting the same information in a graph and a table.
  • Images and figures in printed essays, such as dissertations and theses, should be large enough for the text and numbers to be legible on the printed copy. Make sure they do not extend beyond the print margins of the document. 

301 Recommends: Displaying Data in Graphs and Tables Workshop

This workshop will provide more technical advice on using graphs and tables in your work. See also this Engineering department guidance on formatting graphs and tables in Engineering lab reports.

Appendices 

Appendices commonly appear in dissertations, theses, and lab reports. An appendix provides supporting information that gives the reader a better understanding of the essay, but that might be too long, detailed or awkward to insert into the main body of the essay without breaking up its flow. Interview questions or transcripts, sample questionnaires, raw data, figures, photographs, large/complex datasets, and diagrams are all examples of information that could be included in an appendix, if it is relevant to do so.

The reader should be able to understand the essay without reference to this supporting information, as all the most important and relevant information needed to answer the question should be included in the body (i.e., the appendix should not be used to make room for content that doesn’t fit within your word count). Your appendices must be clearly signposted and explained in the body of your report, highlighting any information that is essential for your reader to understand. Do not include any appendices that are not referenced in the text itself.

The appendices should be placed in numerical or alphabetical order, and signposted according to this specific system (e.g. ‘Appendix B indicates that…’) They should be clearly labelled, using headings that match up to the in-text reference. Appendices usually appear at the very end of the assignment, after your references/bibliography. Make sure to list any appendices used in your table of contents; if you have been instructed to do so by your department or within your referencing system, you could include a list of appendices separate to your contents list. 

The specific format of the appendix heading, and the reference made to the appendix in the text, depends on your referencing style , so make sure to carefully review this information before you design your appendices.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to inserting appendices and creating lists of appendices in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Tips and resources

  • Use this 301 proofreading checklist to check over your work when you are finished.
  • Use the University Library referencing guide for advice about referencing and formatting that is specific to your referencing style. If you need extra clarification about formatting rules, it is often possible to download an extended style guide from the official website for a specific referencing system. 
  • For further training on referencing, using reference generators, and using images in your work, see the University Library workshop programme .

Related information

Academic Writing

Proofreading

Essay structure and planning

Scientific writing and lab reports

Creating accessible Word documents

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The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides explicit, specific recommendations for the margins and spacing of academic papers. (See: Document Format .) But their advice on font selection is less precise: “Always choose an easily readable typeface (e.g. Times New Roman) in which the regular style contrasts clearly with the italic, and set it to a standard size (e.g. 12 point)” ( MLA Handbook , 7th ed., §4.2).

So which fonts are “easily readable” and have “clearly” contrasting italics? And what exactly is a “standard” size?

For academic papers, an “easily readable typeface” means a serif font, and a “standard” type size is between 10 and 12 point.

Use A Serif Font

Serifs are the tiny strokes at the end of a letter’s main strokes. Serif fonts have these extra strokes; sans serif fonts do not. ( Sans is French for “without.”) Serif fonts also vary the thickness of the letter strokes more than sans serifs, which have more uniform lines.

perfect font size for assignment

Books, newspapers, and magazines typically set their main text in a serif font because they make paragraphs and long stretches of text easier to read. Sans serifs (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Gill Sans, Verdana, and so on) work well for single lines of text, like headings or titles, but they rarely make a good choice for body text.

Moreover, most sans serifs don’t have a true italic style. Their “italics” are really just “obliques,” where the letters slant slightly to the right but keep the same shape and spacing. Most serifs, on the other hand, do have a true italic style, with distinctive letter forms and more compact spacing.

perfect font size for assignment

Since they’re more readable for long passages and have sharper contrast in their italics, you should always use a serif font for the text of an academic paper.

Use A Readable Type Size

The standard unit for measuring type size is the point . A point is 1 / 72 of an inch, roughly one pixel on a computer screen. The point size of a font tells you the size of the “em square” in which your computer displays each letter of the typeface. How tall or wide any given letter is depends on how the type designer drew it within the em square, thus a font’s height and width can vary greatly depending on the design of the typeface. That’s why if you set two fonts at the same point size, one usually looks bigger than the other.

Compare the following paragraphs, both set at 12 point but in different fonts:

perfect font size for assignment

For body text in academic papers, type sizes below 10 point are usually too small to read easily, while type sizes above 12 point tend to look oversized and bulky. So keep the text of your paper between 10 and 12 point .

Some teachers may require you to set your whole text at 12 point. Yet virtually every book, magazine, or newspaper ever printed for visually unimpaired grown-ups sets its body type smaller than 12 point. Newspapers use even smaller type sizes. The New York Times , for example, sets its body text in a perfectly legible 8.7 point font. So with proper spacing and margins, type sizes of 11 or 10 point can be quite comfortable to read.

Font Recommendations

I usually ask my students to use Century Schoolbook or Palatino for their papers. If your teacher requires you to submit your papers in a particular font, do so. (Unless they require you to use Arial , in which case drop the class.)

One thing to consider when choosing a font is how you submit your essay. When you submit a hard copy or a PDF, your reader will see the text in whatever typeface you use. Most electronic submission formats, on the other hand, can only use the fonts available on the reader’s computer. So if you submit the paper electronically, be sure to use a font your instructor has.

What follows is a list of some widely available, highly legible serif fonts well-suited for academic papers. I’ve divided them into four categories: Microsoft Word Fonts, Mac OS Fonts, Google Fonts, and Universal Fonts.

Microsoft Word Fonts

Microsoft Word comes with lots of fonts of varying quality. If your teacher asks you to submit your paper in Word format, you can safely assume they have Word and all the fonts that go with it.

perfect font size for assignment

Morris Fuller Benton designed Century Schoolbook in 1923 for elementary-school textbooks, so it’s a highly readable font. It’s one of the best fonts available with Microsoft Word. Because it’s so legible, U. S. Supreme Court Rule 33.1.b madates that all legal documents submitted to the Court be set in Century Schoolbook or a similar Century-style font.

perfect font size for assignment

Hermann Zapf designed Palatino in 1948 for titles and headings, but its elegant proportions make it a good font for body text. Named for Renaissance calligrapher Giambattista Palatino, this font has the beauty, harmony, and grace of fine handwriting. Palatino Linotype is the name of the font included with Microsoft Word; Mac OS includes a version of the same typeface called simply Palatino.

Microsoft Word includes several other fonts that can work well for academic essays: Bell MT , Californian FB , Calisto MT , Cambria , Garamond , and Goudy Old Style .

Mac OS Fonts

Apple has a well-deserved reputation for design excellence which extends to its font library. But you can’t count on any of these Mac OS fonts being on a computer that runs Windows.

perfect font size for assignment

Finding his inspiration in the typography of Pierre Simon Fournier, Matthew Carter designed Charter in 1987 to look good even on crappy mid-80s fax machines and printers. Its ability to hold up even in low resolution makes Charter work superbly well on screen. Bitstream released Charter under an open license, so you can add it to your font arsenal for free. You can download Charter here .

perfect font size for assignment

In 1991 Apple commissioned Jonathan Hoefler to design a font that could show off the Mac’s ability to handle complex typography. The result was Hoefler Text , included with every Mac since then. The bold weight of Hoefler Text on the Mac is excessively heavy, but otherwise it’s a remarkable font: compact without being cramped, formal without being stuffy, and distinctive without being obtrusive. If you have a Mac, start using it.

Other Mac OS fonts you might consider are Baskerville and Palatino .

Google Fonts

When you submit a paper using Google Docs, you can access Google’s vast library of free fonts knowing that anyone who opens it in Google Docs will have those same fonts. Unfortunately, most of those free fonts are worth exactly what you paid for them, so choose wisely.

perfect font size for assignment

IBM Plex is a super-family of typefaces designed by Mike Abbink and the Bold Monday type foundry for — you guessed it — IBM. Plex serif is a solid, legible font that borrows features from Janson and Bodoni in its design. Plex is, not surprisingly, a thoroughly corporate font that aims for and achieves a bland neutrality suitable for most research papers.

perfect font size for assignment

John Baskerville originally designed this typeface in the 1850s, employing new techniques to make sharper contrasts between thin and thick strokes in the letter forms. The crisp, elegant design has inspired dozens of subsequent versions. Libre Baskerville is based on the American Type Founder’s 1941 version, modified to make it better for on-screen reading.

Unfortunately. Google Fonts has few really good serif fonts. Some others you might consider are Crimson Pro and Spectral .

Universal Fonts

Anyone you send your document to will have these fonts because they’re built in to both Windows and Mac OS.

perfect font size for assignment

Matthew Carter designed Georgia in 1993 for maximum legibility on computer screens. Georgia looks very nice on web sites, but in print it can look a bit clunky, especially when set at 12 point. Like Times New Roman, it’s on every computer and is quite easy to read. The name “Georgia” comes from a tabloid headline: “Alien Heads Found in Georgia.”

perfect font size for assignment

Times New Roman is, for better or worse, the standard font for academic manuscripts. Many teachers require it because it’s a solid, legible, and universally available font. Stanley Morison designed it in 1931 for The Times newspaper of London, so it’s a very efficient font and legible even at very small sizes. Times New Roman is always a safe choice. But unless your instructor requires it, you should probably use something a bit less overworked.

Page Last Updated: 11 May 2021

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What is the best font size for assignment in MS Word?

Asked by Dhanya 27/11/2023 Last Modified   07/12/2023

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Pooja R. Jain

As a seasoned tutor registered on UrbanPro.com, I understand the importance of not only excelling in academic assignments but also mastering the tools that facilitate the process. Microsoft Word is a fundamental tool for creating assignments, and the right training can significantly enhance your proficiency.

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Addressing the Assignment Font Size Dilemma

When it comes to the best font size for assignments in MS Word, it's essential to strike a balance between readability and professionalism. UrbanPro's MS Word training covers these nuances to ensure your documents meet academic standards.

Guidelines for Choosing Font Size:

Standard Fonts: Stick to standard fonts such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial for a professional look.

Font Size: The recommended font size for assignments is typically 12 points. However, it's crucial to check the specific guidelines provided by your institution or instructor.

Readability: Ensure that your chosen font size maintains readability. Avoid going below 10 points, as smaller fonts may strain the reader's eyes.

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Mastering MS Word is not just about assignments; it's about acquiring a valuable skill for academic and professional success. UrbanPro.com stands as a reliable platform, connecting students with top-notch tutors and coaching institutes for MS Word training. Whether you need assistance with assignments or want to enhance your overall proficiency, UrbanPro is your gateway to excellence in MS Word.

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Are You Falling for Font Falsehoods? What Matters for Picking the Best Font Size

Pamela wilson.

Are You Falling for Font Falsehoods_ What Matters for Picking the Best Font Size

There’s a lot of talk on the web lately about the best font size to use online.

Sometimes fonts size information is backed up by studies , and sometimes the writer makes recommendations about the best font size based on personal experience — or simple opinion.

I’m thrilled that we can talk about fonts and the web in the same breath — the early internet days with limited font availability are still fresh in my mind!

While you’re sorting through the font information floating around out there, I’d like to help steer you clear of some pervasive lies.

Font users beware!

Newfound freedom to pick the best fonts size

It wasn’t long ago that we had a minuscule list of unremarkable fonts to choose from. Now, the typographic doors have bust wide open.

Google Fonts are available for free, and Adobe — long a powerhouse font resource on designer’s desktops — acquired Typekit, a leading web font provider and began offering their collection as Adobe Fonts.

This means good times can be had by all: you are free to move about in font land.

But beware …

Watch for typography danger signs

It can be dangerous out there.

First of all, using too many fonts on a page can make for a messy, scattered-looking site.

I recommend that you start by pinpointing your brand personality with my free quiz.

Then, choose two main brand fonts: one for your headlines, and one for your text.

When you pick out your fonts, remember what your mamma taught you about picking out your school clothes: don’t combine stripes and patterns. Look for pieces that blend well.

Look for font shapes that blend well, too. To do this, you need to look carefully at the letter forms.

Best font size for the web

Look at lower case letters with distinct forms, like a, g and e. Find fonts that use similar shapes and try those in combination.

But what about the your fonts size?

Well, my friend, here’s a designer’s secret.

What’s the best font size? Mind the “x factor”

Here’s one font characteristic you may have never heard of. If you can train your eyes to see this, you’ll be head and shoulders above the average font user when deciding the best font size to use for your website.

It’s x height.

X height refers to the space between the baseline that letter sit on, and the top of the lower case x and mid-section of lower case letters. Here, I’ll show you:

Best font size for the web

When you’re looking for your two fonts, try to find a pair that approach x height similarly.

In general, the larger the x height, the easier a font is to read. The lower case letters of fonts with smaller x height sometimes “fill in” visually at smaller sizes.

The annihilation of the “best font size” argument

I have a confession to make.

While many people write about fonts size questions with great passion, we — the graphic designers of the world — are quietly smirking. That’s because we know something you don’t — something the passionate font size proponents never talk about.

I’m going to share this secret so you can be in on the “best font size” joke.

You know that x height factor I explained above?

X-height is what really makes a difference to readability, not font size.

Here, I’ll show you.

Here are two different fonts. Both of these examples are 14 pt.

3 14pt

The font on the left has a small x height.

And the font on the right has a large x height.

See how different they look?

Anyone who tells you “use 16 point fonts” or “14 is the new 12” isn’t taking x height into account. And without x height, you’re only telling half the story.

In the end, guess who has the ultimate say about fonts size questions?

When considering a font, set a full paragraph in the font — and at the size — you’d like to use. Then set the same paragraph at a point size less, and a point size more.

Then look carefully. Which is easiest to read?

If you’re not happy with any of them, go back to the beginning and start over with another font.

Size doesn’t matter much, but (line) length does

While we’re on the font topic, let’s dispel one more falsehood. There is no perfect column width, either.

The truth is a bit more complex than what’s generally shared.

When you’re figuring out your ideal column width, it’s more important to think about your reader than it is to measure pixels. You don’t want to tire them out: you want their reading experience to be effortless.

Here’s what I mean:

When lines of text have too many characters, your reader’s eyes have to take a long journey from the beginning to the end of a line, and then find their way back to the beginning of the next line. This can be tiring if you have a lot of text.

If lines are too short, your reader has to keep hopping from the end of the line back to the beginning of the next, sometimes three or four times just to read one sentence. This is tiring, too!

Designers use this rule of thumb:

The ideal line length is between 50-75 characters. Aim for two to three alphabets worth of text.

What does this mean for you? It all goes back to your font choice. Pick a font, find the size that works best, and set it up in paragraph form. Then count.

If your lines are hitting somewhere between 50-75 characters total, you’re in good shape.

If they’re running short or long, consider either adjusting your column width or your font size.

So there you have it.

Use these insider font tips to go beyond the simplistic fonts size information you come across. Your web pages will be beautiful and effortless to read. And that’s the whole point, right?

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19 thoughts on “are you falling for font falsehoods what matters for picking the best font size”.

This is a wonderful article with lots of practical and easily applicable advice. I teach workshops on websites and will be adding this information to my presentations. Thank you

I’m glad you enjoyed it, Nancy. I have wanted to spell out this information for a long time … it feels good to get it out into the world! 🙂

Pamela –

Thank you for explaining “x height”. I wondered what that was.

Quick Q – Regarding the number of characters in a line, if you have a landing page (I’m working with the Agency Theme from StudioPress) and the “Full Width” layout allows for a lot of text across (here’s exactly what I mean https://demo.studiopress.com/agency/layouts/fwc ) would you increase the text font size a point or two (which would increase the text size on post too) or would you insert images to brake up the “font density”?

Thank you again – Theresa 🙂

Hi Theresa,

There are a couple of things you can do. If the theme allows you to increase padding, that would be ideal: it would add some nice white space between your text and the edge of your content area, and would shorten your line length.

Using a larger font size would also mean less characters per line.

And inserting images would help, too … but you probably can’t insert images all down the page, so that may not be practical.

Thank you for your reply Pamela. Karyn (the comment below) brings up a great point. Depending on your market, it might be a great idea to increase the font size and make it easier to read your content.

Thank you both – Theresa 🙂

Excellent article, Pamela. The x-height information is a great reminder! We’ll be redesigning all three of our blogs this year and fonts/readability will be a huge factor. You’re example of “both 14 pts” makes it so clear to see the difference.

As someone who regularly has her browser window “zoomed” to 125%, I know how hard it is to read some people’s websites and blogs. The font and line-length info is exactly what I needed to know, not just for my blogs, but for my email newsletters, too. Thanks!

You’re welcome, Karyn! It’s nice when there’s a handy rule to guide your decisions, but it always comes down to setting a paragraph and then trusting your eyes. The more you do this, the more you’ll be able to see for yourself what font size is best.

I tend to use the rule-of-thumb of 11 – 14 words per line rather than 50 – 75 characters.

I find that a comfortable measure and is much easier to count than individual characters 😛

Thanks, James. That should work if you have sentences with a similar mix of long and short words. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to count characters: you just have to pick a few lines to get an average number.

Nice little snipe on my phrase “Size 14 is the new size 12,” but alas, you’re mistaken.

Size 14 is the new size 12 is merely a rule of thumb, suggesting that the font size people used “before” is too small for today’s standards, and that people should increase the font size.

Is there exceptions? Of course. X height of fonts is where those exceptions come into play. But for most web-safe fonts, that rule still applies. 14 is the new size 12.

And speaking of rules of thumb, yours, about line length is misguided.

Here’s the deal:

People, on first impression, prefer shorter line lengths because it appears unassuming. But in reality, they actually read longer line lengths faster.

So, you shouldn’t limit your content to 50-75 characters. Instead, you should start your content with a short line length (you’re giving people what they want) and then increase the line length later in your content (after people have read a few sentences) to speed up reading.

(One note: The reason why you need to increase it after they read a few sentences is because direct marketers have long known that if you get people to read the first few sentences of your copy, they’re more likely to read the entire thing. So the goal isn’t to get people to read everything… the goal is to get people to read just a few sentences).

Now, as an example, look at https://socialtriggers.com . Each article begins with an image with the main goal of shortening the line length to ~ 40-50 characters. Then, after the image, it widens to the perfect line length for reading which ranges from 75cpl to 100cpl.

For some proof, here’s some direct quotes from typographical research studies that shows longer line lengths contributes to faster reading:

#1 From Dyson’s “The influence of reading speed and line length on the effectiveness of reading from screen”

“Line length has also been found to affect reading rate on screen (Duchnicky & Kolers, 1983; Dyson & Kipping, 1998). Both studies, although using different display technologies, found that longer line lengths (about 75 and 100 characters per line, respectively), were read faster than very short lines.”

#2 “The Effects of Line Length on Reading Online News” by A. Dawn Shaikh, she states this:

“Reading time was converted to words per minute. Results from a one-way within subjects ANOVA showed that there was a significant main effect of line length on reading speed, F (3, 57) = 3.45, p = .02, η2 = .15. The 95 cpl (M = 178.82, SD = 41.83) articles were read significantly faster than any of the other line lengths (35 cpl M = 167.21, SD = 33.66; 55 cpl M = 167.38, SD = 33.96 ; 75 cpl M = 169.44, SD = 33.48) (Figure 1).”

And then, with my theory that shorter line lengths are more preferable to the user, here’s another quote:

#1 “Youngman and Scharff (1999) used 12-point type and found that with no margins, when compared with 4 and 6 inch line lengths. Again, an 8-inch line length elicited the fastest overall reading speed. users preferred the 4-inch.”

And another…

#2 “Dyson also noted that when testing subjects, people preferred the 55 character line length, again, despite the fact that they read longer line lengths faster.”

So, again, amending your rule of thumb for characters per line, it should say something like this: For the first few sentences, the goal CPL should range from 40 to 55. And then after, you should increase it to 75 to 100 CPL for faster reading.

Thanks for this well-researched comment, Derek!

The line length information is a bit confusing: it looks to me like the research tells two different stories.

Users read longer lines faster, but prefer shorter ones at first glance. Does that mean longer line lengths turn people away and increase your bounce rate? It would look like that’s the case.

I wrote an article about it here:

https://socialtriggers.com/perfect-content-width/

But here’s the summary:

When people visit your site, your goal is to get them reading because once you get them reading, they’re more likely to read your entire article.

How do you get them reading? Well, users prefer shorter line lengths. So you give them just that. And once you get them reading, you give them a longer line length… for faster reading.

Additionally, to make this even more interesting, there was some eye-tracking studies where people found out that if you started an article with a larger font / lead… similar to how psyblog does it… that encourages people to read your article.

(here’s the link to psyblog: https://www.spring.org.uk/2012/04/do-posh-people-cheat-more-than-the-lower-classes.php )

I suspect the reason for that is two fold. First, the larger font shortens the line length, and the larger font also grabs attention.

Yes, that “larger font in the intro” technique is something that goes waaaay, back … like, to when books were written by scribes! It’s an old technique that works great.

Thanks again for stopping by and adding to the discussion, Derek. I know you’re into fonts a lot more than the average website owner, and I appreciate how you put the spotlight on them. 🙂

You’re crazy to call my theory wrong though :-P.

Pamela, I’m so glad you showed the difference between two fonts at the same point size. There can be a massive difference.

As for the number of characters in a line, do you also need to consider character widths, which are also different depending on the font? Look at Verdana compared to, say, Arial Narrow or even Arial.

Another confusing element is that websites use pixels or ems for font size. So what you see in your word processor–points–needs to be converted to pixels. For example, 12 points = 16 pixels.

I always thought Derek’s ’14 is the new 12′ referred to pixels, not points. Either way, as you demonstrated, Pamela, it all depends on your choice of font.

It’s pretty amazing when you see those two fonts next to each other, isn’t it?

Re: your character width question, narrower fonts will fit more characters per line. Total characters still works as a guide for non-standard width fonts, but varying widths is one reason I give a range.

And the pixel-point-ems measuring standard is yet another reason it’s a good idea to take a long look at the x height of a font and let your own eyes be the judge of readability, not a number!

That’s the premise of this post, actually. I want to encourage you to get into the habit of setting a full paragraph of the font you want to use, at the size you want to use it. And then look … and trust your eyes. The more often you do this, the better you’ll get at spotting fonts that work well and are easy to read.

Great stuff, Pamela! I especially appreciate the bit about the x factor. I’m working on a new site, and since I’ve never been completely happy with my font or size choices before, now I have something to work with.

You also made me think of this: I already know that super long lines are very tiring on my eyes–back and forth, back and forth over a long stretch. Plus it makes me loose the “drift” or the rhythm of what I’m reading on the return. On the other hand, though, I’ve been using my ereader a lot lately and thinking about whether I prefer that format or regular paper books. I like both, but the reader is more tiring for my eyes. Why? I think it’s the super short lines, now that you mention it. I was thinking it was the more frequent page turning/finger swiping and the inability to just sit back and read for a awhile, but I think it’s the line length. Or both,

Interesting stuff to think about!

The cool thing about ereaders is you have the ability to change the font size. If you’ve increased the font size on yours, it would be interesting to see if decreasing it would actually make it easier to read.

It’s counter intuitive, but your lines would have more characters that way, and you’d have less back-and-forth. Let me know if it works!

Excellent … thanks!

Comments are closed.

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12 Best Fonts for Academic Papers in Microsoft Word

Good academic papers deserve good academic fonts. You might not have thought too much about which font you use before, but they play a big part in whether people will take your paper seriously or not. This article will explore the best fonts for academic papers.

Best Fonts for Academic Papers in Microsoft Word

The best fonts for academic papers are Times New Roman, Baskerville Old Face, and Georgia. There are plenty of good options, but you’ll mainly want to stick to serif fonts. They look much neater and more professional while showing that the reader can trust what you say.

Best Fonts for Academic Papers in Microsoft Word

Times New Roman

Times New Roman is the most famous font on Microsoft Word. It should come as no surprise that it’s a good pick when writing academic papers. It’s got everything you could possibly need when it comes to professionalism and readability.

Times New Roman is the best font to use in most situations. If you’re looking for a more formal font, you’ll find that Times New Roman ranks very highly on the list, regardless of what else is required.

It’s a fairly small font, which looks more appealing for an academic paper. A common pitfall that most people fall for is they try to use a font that’s too large, which can make their paper look less trustworthy and more informal. Neither of those traits is good for academics.

Baskerville Old Face

Baskerville Old Face is a great font to use in an academic paper. There have been studies in the past about different fonts and how they engage readers. It’s believed that Baskerville is one of the most reliable fonts, and the writer tends to be more “truthful” when using it.

Whether you buy into studies like this or not isn’t important. What is important is that Baskerville Old Face is a fantastic choice for most academic papers. It looks really good (like a more concise Times New Roman), and it’s very popular.

Baskerville is a fairly popular choice for published novels, so you might already be familiar with the font style. If you like the way it looks in some of the novels or publications you’ve read, you’ll find that it converts very well to your academic papers.

Georgia ranks very highly when looking for a formal font that will work well in an academic paper. It’s slightly larger than Times New Roman, but a lot of people say that this helps it to become a more “readable” font.

When writing academic papers, it’s wise not to overwhelm your reader with information. The more condensed the font is, the harder it can be to make sense of what you’re writing. With Georgia, this isn’t an issue.

Georgia might be one of the larger fonts listed here, but it makes for an easy read. Plenty of readers will be happy to read through an entire paper written in Georgia, but they might be a bit against reading one in something smaller.

Garamond is another decent option that can work well for academics. Garamond is the smallest font we have included on the list, which can allow you to get a lot of information into a very small space without overwhelming a reader too much.

While it’s not always ideal for including lots of information, Garamond does it really well. It’s readable and professional, allowing your readers to make sense of even the most concise explanations you might include.

It’s also quite a popular choice for many writers. You’ll find that it ranks quite highly simply because of how popular it’s become among a lot of writers on Word.

Cambria is a solid font choice that a lot of people like to use. It’s another default font (though it’s mainly reserved for sub-headings in most Word formats). It runs true to the font size, making it a fairly decent choice if you’re looking for something compact.

The serif style of this font makes it easy to read. It’s nearly indistinguishable from some of the other more popular serif fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia, which is why it is such a popular choice.

However, since it looks so similar, it can make it difficult for people to recognize the font or to figure out which font you’re using. While this isn’t the end of the world, it certainly won’t help you to create a unique feel for your paper either.

Book Antiqua

Book Antiqua is another suitable serif font. It’s not as popular as some of the others, but it looks really good as far as formal fonts go. People like it because it offers a slightly more authentic feel and looks like it could be used in a published novel or academic study.

It’s a standard-sized font, and it’s quite easy to read. A lot of people enjoy using it because it can offer a lot of character to their writing. You might not think that a font has that much power, but you’d be surprised once you try and use Book Antiqua a bit more.

Bookman Old Style

Bookman Old Style is another good font that can look like something out of a published paper. What makes this one special is its size. It’s quite a large font with a decent amount of width to each letter (without going too overboard with the letter spacing).

This font is quite popular for people looking to make their academic papers stand out. It’s not the same style as most of the other serif fonts, allowing your paper to bring a little bit extra that some other people might miss out on.

We encourage you to try this one in multiple different situations. It can work both formally and informally, depending on what you’re looking to get out of it.

Palatino Linotype

Palatino Linotype is a good font for many occasions. You’ll often find it used in academic papers because of the interesting style that comes with it. It looks like a classical font, which takes inspiration from some of the older styles of writing that came before computers.

If you want your academic paper to come across as a bit more traditional or formal, you’ll love this font.

Palatino Linotype offers a great deal of character without changing too much of the original formula that makes fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia so special.

Lucida Bright

Lucida Bright is a great font that is very large compared to most. It works well in academic papers, but you’ve got to make sure you know when to use it. If your paper is particularly word-heavy, it might not be wise to use a font that makes each word much larger.

For example, if you have a page limit on your paper, it might be wise to use a smaller font. Lucida Bright will definitely carry you far over that page limit before you come close to the words you might need to use to explain something.

Nevertheless, it’s still a very attractive font that looks really good in most academic papers. If you’re looking for something that’s stylish and readable, Lucida Bright is a good option.

Calibri is a sans serif font, and it’s the first of its kind on the list. We have only included serif fonts because they tend to be more readable and professional. However, Calibri can work really well if you’re looking for a slightly more approachable feel with your font.

Calibri is like the Times New Roman of the sans serif fonts. It is very popular, and most Microsoft Word versions come with it preloaded as the default font for most written pieces.

That’s what makes it such a valuable choice. You can use it in almost any situation (informal and formal) to a great degree.

Arial is another popular sans serif font that you will be able to use in your academic writing. You don’t always have to use the more formal serif fonts, and Arial is a great example of what can be achieved when you’re a little less formal with your presentation.

Arial is much larger than Calibri when the same font size is used. This makes it a lot more visually appealing, though you have to make sure you don’t overdo it with the number of pages it uses.

Before Calibri replaced it, Arial was also the default sans serif font on Microsoft Word. This has allowed it to be a fairly popular choice for many users, and it remains one of the most popular ones today.

Century Gothic

Century Gothic is the final font we want to cover. It’s a sans serif font that can work really well if you’re looking for a slightly larger font. It’s larger than Arial, making it an easy-to-read font that a lot of people like to utilize.

The only issue you might come across is that the size of it can make it seem much more informal. You should be careful with how you use this font, as it could take away from the professionalism or reliability of your academic paper.

You may also like: 12 Best Fonts for Notes in Microsoft Word 12 Best Victorian Fonts in Microsoft Word 12 Best Chalkboard Fonts for Microsoft Word

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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

  • 12 Best Serif Fonts in Microsoft Word
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  • 12 Best Victorian Fonts in Microsoft Word
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The Ultimate Guide to Font Sizes and Styles: How to Choose the Right Font for Every Design

Day41 - ar1 "discover the best font sizes and styles for your designs and learn how to use them like a pro".

perfect font size for assignment

As a designer, choosing the right font size and style is essential for creating visually appealing and readable designs. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this tutorial, we will explore the main font sizes and styles and how to use them effectively.

Part 1: Understanding Font Sizes

Before we dive into specific font styles, let's first discuss the basics of font sizes. Font size is measured in points (pt), and it refers to the height of the letters in a particular font. The larger the point size, the bigger the letters will appear on the page. Typically, the most common font sizes used in design range from 8pt to 72pt.

Part 2: Choosing the Right Font Size

The font size you choose will depend on the design you are creating and the intended purpose. For example, if you are designing a website or a poster, you will likely need larger font sizes to make the text legible from a distance. On the other hand, if you are designing a brochure or a business card, you may need smaller font sizes to fit more text into a limited space.

Part 3: Font Sizes for Different Themes

The theme of your design can also influence the font size you choose. Here are some general guidelines for font sizes based on different design themes:

Formal or Elegant Designs

Formal or elegant designs require fonts that convey a sense of importance and sophistication. Serif fonts like Times New Roman, Baskerville, and Garamond are excellent choices for this theme. Use larger font sizes between 14pt to 72pt to create a visually appealing design.

Professional or Corporate Designs

Professional or corporate designs require fonts that are easy to read and understand. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Arial, and Open Sans are great choices for this theme. Use font sizes between 12pt to 18pt to create a clean and professional design.

Casual or Playful Designs

Casual or playful designs require fonts that are fun and easy to read. Handwritten or script fonts like Pacifico, Lobster, and Brush Script are perfect choices for this theme. Use font sizes between 8pt to 14pt to create a playful and inviting design.

Minimalist or Modern Designs

Minimalist or modern designs require fonts that are simple, clean, and easy to read. Sans-serif fonts like Montserrat, Roboto, and Proxima Nova are excellent choices for this theme. Use font sizes between 12pt to 24pt to create a modern and sleek design.

Part 4: Understanding Font Styles

Now that we have covered font sizes, let's dive into font styles. Font styles refer to the way a font looks, including its thickness, slant, and decorative features. Here are some of the most common font styles:

Serif Fonts

Serif fonts have small lines at the end of each letter stroke, making them appear more formal and elegant. Serif fonts like Times New Roman, Georgia, and Baskerville are great for formal and professional designs.

Sans-serif Fonts

Sans-serif fonts do not have small lines at the end of each letter stroke, making them appear more modern and sleek. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Arial, and Open Sans are great for modern and minimalist designs.

Script Fonts

Script fonts imitate cursive handwriting and are perfect for creating a more personal and handwritten feel. Script fonts like Pacifico, Lobster, and Brush Script are great for casual and playful designs.

Display Fonts

Display fonts are decorative and are best used sparingly for headlines or titles. Display fonts like Bebas Neue, Playfair Display, and Chunk Five are great for creating eye-catching and attention-grabbing designs.

Part 5: Matching Font Styles with Design Themes:

Choosing the right font style for your design theme is essential for creating a cohesive and visually appealing design. Here are some general guidelines for matching font styles with design themes:

Serif fonts like Times New Roman, Baskerville, and Garamond are great choices for formal or elegant designs. These fonts convey a sense of importance and sophistication and pair well with classic design elements like gold foil or embossed lettering.

Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Arial, and Open Sans are great choices for professional or corporate designs. These fonts are easy to read and understand and pair well with clean and minimalist design elements like monochrome color schemes or geometric shapes.

Script or handwritten fonts like Pacifico, Lobster, and Brush Script are great choices for casual or playful designs. These fonts are fun and easy to read and pair well with playful design elements like bright colors or whimsical illustrations.

Sans-serif fonts like Montserrat, Roboto, and Proxima Nova are great choices for minimalist or modern designs. These fonts are simple and clean and pair well with modern design elements like flat illustrations or clean lines.

Part 6: Conclusion

Choosing the right font size and style is essential for creating visually appealing and readable designs. By understanding the basics of font sizes and styles and matching them with your design theme, you can create designs that are both beautiful and effective. Remember to experiment with different font sizes and styles to find the perfect combination for your next project!

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7 Best Fonts For University Essays

7 Best Fonts For University Essays

When it comes to writing essays for university, the type of font you use can be just as important as the content itself. Different fonts can help set the tone and create a specific mood or atmosphere. Today, we’ll discuss seven of the best fonts to use for your college essays. These fonts are professional yet easy to read, so they’ll help you produce a high-quality paper that will definitely impress your professor!

What are the best fonts for academic essays?

When it comes to university essays, there are a few things that are more important than the font. The content, of course, is the essential part. But the font can also be important, as it can help to set the tone of the essay and make it more visually appealing. As you might already know, some fonts are better suited for academic works than others.

For example, Times New Roman is a classic choice that conveys seriousness and sophistication; but if you want to add a little personality to your essay, you could try a handwriting font like Comic Sans. Anyway, the best font for your school essay is the one that makes your work look its best. So experiment with different fonts until you find the perfect match. And if you’re still not sure what font to use, contact an essay help professional and ask them for advice. Sometimes getting the help we need can easily solve the issue we’re experiencing.

Why is font selection important when writing an essay?

Just as a well-tailored suit can make you look more professional, the right font can make your writing appear more polished. Of course, there’s more to font selection than simply finding something that looks good on the page. For instance, a playful script font might be appropriate for a casual invitation, but it would look out of place in a formal business letter. Likewise, a serious serif font would be inappropriate for a child’s homework assignment.

What are some of the most common types of fonts used in academic papers?

There’s no need to get too fancy when it comes to fonts for academic papers. In most cases, simple is best. Here are seven of the most common types used in academic writings:

  • Times New Roman: This classic serif font is a go-to for many writers. It’s easy to read and has a timeless look.
  • Arial: A popular sans serif font, Arial is also easy to read and works well for long paragraphs of text.
  • Calibri: Another sans serif font, Calibri is slightly more modern than Arial and is a good choice for papers that need to make a strong visual impact.
  • Courier: Courier is a classic monospaced font that works well for lengthy blocks of text, such as code or large tables.
  • Helvetica: Helvetica is another popular sans serif font that exudes professionalism and simplicity.
  • Georgia: Georgia is a beautiful serif font with a slightly more playful feel than Times New Roman. It’s perfect for papers that need a touch of personality.
  • Comic Sans : Comic Sans might not be appropriate for all academic papers, but it can be used sparingly to add visual interest or levity to an otherwise dry subject matter. Just use caution with this one – too much Comic Sans can be overwhelming!

How can you choose the right font for your paper’s tone and style?

The font you choose should be legible and appropriate for the tone of your paper. For instance, a formal research paper would benefit from a more serious font, while a lighthearted personal essay could be written in a playful script. In the end, the best way to choose the right font is to experiment with different options until you find one that feels right for your project, as explained above.

What should you avoid when selecting a font for your essay?

While there are a few general guidelines you can follow, ultimately it comes down to personal preference (and the whims of your teacher). That being said, there are a few things you should avoid when selecting a font for your essay.

  • Steer clear of any fancy script fonts – they may look nice, but they’re hard to read and will likely decrease your chances of getting a good grade.
  • Avoid using excessively small or large fonts; stick to something that’s easy on the eyes and won’t annoy your reader.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit – try out different fonts and see which one works best for you.

Choosing the right font for your university essay is important. The type you choose should be legible, appropriate for the tone of your paper, and easy on the eyes. When in doubt, experiment with different fonts until you find the perfect match.

What are some of your favorite fonts? Let us know in the comments below!

FontSaga

The Ultimate Guide To The Standard Font Size For College Papers

College papers can be overwhelming, not just about the content but also the formatting. One important aspect of formatting is the font size.

It can make or break the readability of your paper. Here we will dive deep into the ultimate guide to the standard font size for college papers. We will answer all your questions, such as which fonts are best to use, what the standard size is, and how to adjust it.

We will also cover other crucial aspects, including margins, text alignment, paragraph indentation, line spacing, and formatting of the first page. So, whether you aim to follow the norms or want to surpass the standards, this blog has you covered.

Standard Font Size

Table of Contents

What About The Font Size?

What About The Font Size

When it comes to college papers, the font size does matter. The standard and recommended font size for college papers are 12, which is not too small or too big and ensures that the text is easily readable without strain on the eyes.

College papers’ most commonly used fonts are New Times Roman, Arial, and Calibri. Using the official font size is also important when determining the number of pages in a project. In addition, the text should be left-aligned with the first line of each paragraph indented.

The font used in academic papers should be readable and have contrasting italics, like Times New Roman. Following these guidelines will ensure that your college papers have the professional look and feel they deserve.

Setting The Standard Font Size For College Papers

When it comes to college papers, setting the standard font size matters. The recommended font sizes for academic writing range from 10 to 12 points. Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri have widely accepted fonts for college essays. Different citation styles like MLA, APA, and Harvard conventions can have specific font requirements.

For example, Times New Roman 12-point font size is recommended for college essays because of its readability and contrasting italics. On the other hand, APA citation style recommends either sans serif fonts like Calibri or Arial or serif fonts such as Times New Roman or Georgia in 10-11 point font size for student papers.

The font size choice plays a massive role in making the research look clean and professional. A font size of 12 points is the recommended minimum for academic writing, as it is easy on the eyes and is widely accepted in the world of academia.

Times New Roman

Times New Roman

When choosing the right font size for your college paper, Times New Roman is the go-to font for many students and professors. This font has an authoritative look and narrow printing point, making it easily readable, and its professional appearance is perfect for academic papers. The recommended font size for college papers is usually 12 points.

Other fonts, such as Cambria, may also be acceptable for college papers, but Times New Roman is the standard academic font. Choosing a font that is easy to read and professional-looking is important to ensure that your paper looks its best. Ultimately, the font size you choose for your research paper is crucial to making it seem professional and attractive to your readers.

When setting the standard font size for college papers, there are a few factors to consider. The most commonly used fonts are Calibri, New Times Roman, and Arial, with font sizes of 12 or 14 being the most popular. It’s important to choose a font size that is easily readable and doesn’t strain the reader’s eyes, which is why the 12-point font is standard.

Regarding citation styles for academic papers, MLA, APA, and Harvard are the most frequently used. For APA formatting specifically, using Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman fonts in sizes between 10 and 12 points is recommended. For general college papers, it is recommended to use either Times New Roman or Cambria in 12pt font for optimal readability. Keep these factors in mind when formatting your next college paper.

The Margins Of Your Documents

The Margins Of Your Documents

When setting the standard font size for college papers, it’s important to consider both the margins of your document and the font size itself. For margins, it’s essential to have a 1-inch margin all around your paper. This can easily be achieved using the MS Word default setting or by adjusting your settings to the appropriate margin size.

If you prefer to use the Page Layout Tool, you can set a minimum margin size of 2.5cm and a maximum of 3cm. As for font size, it’s recommended to use size 14, with a minimum of 12. Additionally, we recommend using double or 1.5 spacing to improve readability.

When submitting your college paper, make sure to adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your paper meets the standard font size requirements. Following these guidelines can also help ensure your paper is legible and professional-looking.

Indenting Paragraphs

When setting the standard font size for college papers, there are a few key things to remember. First and foremost, you should double-space the entire paper, including the heading and bibliography.

To indent the first line of a new paragraph, select “First Line” in the “Special” drop-down menu under the “Indentation” section in the Format menu. Additionally, change the default setting of Spacing After to 0pt for no extra spacing after paragraphs in Word.

You can also automatically indent the first lines of all new paragraphs by ensuring it is the default setting or by changing your “Normal” style in MS Word. To double-space, the document, use keyboard shortcuts such as Cmd-A and Cmd-2 on Mac or Ctrl-A and Ctrl-2 on PC. These tips will help you format your college paper correctly and make it stand out as a professional and polished piece of work.

The Alignment Of Text

When setting the standard font size for college papers, there are a few key things to remember. Left-align the text, not justify it, for ease of reading. The default setting in MS Word is left-alignment, so there’s no need to make any changes.

Regarding font size and Spacing, it’s best to use a 12-point Times New Roman font. And double Spacing in essays. Avoid using the Enter and Tab keys for Spacing – instead, use the paragraph formatting feature. This ensures that the space between words is even with left-aligned text, making it easier for readers to follow along.

Overall, following these guidelines for font size and alignment can help ensure that your college papers are easily read and well-formatted.

Formatting Of First Pages

Formatting Of First Pages

When setting the standard font size for college papers, there are several formatting guidelines to follow. The first-page heading should include your name, date, course title, number, section , and paper version. Avoid using the headers option in MS Word. And do not include a title or cover page unless specifically asked.

Basic guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA Style include headings, margins, Spacing, and bibliographic/citation information. References, appendices, and notes should start on separate pages with proper formatting. Additionally, it’s important to follow your professor’s preference for heading levels and to leave margins of at least one inch on all sides while double-spacing the text.

Following these guidelines ensures that your college paper is well-format and meets the standard font size requirements. Remember to always double-check with your professor for any specific formatting requirements that may be necessary for your particular assignment.

Adding Page Numbers

Generally, We recommend using the 12-point font for college papers when setting the standard font size. Times New Roman or Cambria are the recommended fonts, as they are both easy to read and widely accepted by college professors. It is important to use a consistent font throughout the paper to maintain a professional appearance.

In addition to the font, it is also important to include page numbers with a running head at the top of every page. This helps to keep the paper organized and allows readers to find specific sections quickly. Remember, font size is crucial for both professionalism and readability. By following these guidelines, your college paper will look polished and well-crafted.

Line Spacing

When setting the standard font size for college papers , following official guidelines is important to ensure your work is readable and professional. Most people use a font size of 12 points and choose a typeface that is easy to read.

According to the APA, students should use 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, or 12-point Times New Roman for their papers. Additionally, we recommend double-spacing the entire paper, including headings and bibliographies.

Choosing the right font size is crucial in making your research work impressive. A font size of 12 points is both comfortable and widely accepted. Making it the most common size for research papers. By following official guidelines and taking care in choosing the right font size. Your college papers will be both readable and professional.

How To Adjust Font Size For College Papers

How To Adjust Font Size For College Papers

When writing college papers, font size is crucial in conveying your thoughts effectively. We recommend maintaining a consistent font throughout your paper, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Choose a font size of 11-point or 12-point, as they are easy to read and are considered standard for academic writing.

It is essential to have proper formatting in your college papers. Such as 1-inch margins and double or single Spacing between lines. As it helps make your paper look professional. Ensure that you left-align your text and indent the first line of each paragraph. If you’re unsure which font to use, consider Century Schoolbook or Palatino, both serif fonts and a good option for college papers.

In summary, choose a standard font size of 12-point for academic papers. Additionally, ensure that your paper’s formatting, including margins and Spacing, is correct for a professional look. Don’t forget to left-align your text and indent paragraphs while avoiding using large fonts, as it can make reading difficult.

The standard font size for college papers is crucial in presenting an academic paper that is easy to read and understand. Though it might seem minor, adhering to guidelines and setting the right font size will help maintain consistency throughout your document.

Times New Roman and Calibri are the most popular fonts used for academic writing, with Times New Roman being preferred more. Remember to set margins, indent paragraphs, align text, format first pages, add page numbers, and adjust line spacing.

Our guide gives you step-by-step instructions on how to set the standard font size and other formatting guidelines for your papers. Ensure your papers are presentation-worthy by downloading our ultimate guide to the standard font size for college papers today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.Is 11 Or 12-Point Font Standard?

Ans: It is standard to use 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Calibri or Arial font for most college papers. The choice of font can make a difference in the professionalism and attractiveness of your research paper.

Scientists commonly use MLA, American Psychological Association, and Harvard citation styles for research publications. Cambria is another standard academic font for college papers.

2.What Is The Standard College Font?

Ans: The standard font for college papers is typically 12pt Times New Roman or Cambria. People prefer fonts with serifs, like Times New Roman. It is important to choose a readable font with clear italics. If it is not already set, you should change the default font in MS Word to Times New Roman. Using a non-standard font in a college paper may lead to rejection or alteration by the tutor.

3.Is Times New Roman 11 Too Small?

Ans: College advisors commonly recommend using Times New Roman font for essays. The standard font size for academic writing is generally 12 points. Fonts such as Calibri and Arial are also acceptable options.

It is important to choose a readable font with clear italics. The font should be large enough to be easily read without causing strain. As such, if you find Times New Roman size 11 too small and difficult to read. You may want to consider increasing the font size.

4.How Big Is 12 Point Font?

Ans: The size of 12 point font is 12 points, as points are the standard unit of measurement for font size. It’s recommended to use font size 12 for college papers and academic research papers, and for scientific research publications, the most commonly used citation styles are MLA, APA, and Harvard.

While changing the font size from 12 to 13 can add a few extra lines to a paper, it’s important to stick to the recommended size for professionalism.

5.What Is The Standard/Recommended Font To Use In Papers?

Ans: Regarding academic papers, sans-serif fonts like Arial and Calibri are recommended. However, Times New Roman is the most commonly requested font for research papers due to its clarity and readability. The standard font size for academic papers is typically 12 points, with 11 points being the smallest size used.

David Egee

David Egee, the visionary Founder of FontSaga, is renowned for his font expertise and mentorship in online communities. With over 12 years of formal font review experience and study of 400+ fonts, David blends reviews with educational content and scripting skills. Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and a Master’s in Typography and Type Design from California State University, David’s journey from freelance lettering artist to font Specialist and then the FontSaga’s inception reflects his commitment to typography excellence.

In the context of font reviews, David specializes in creative typography for logo design and lettering. He aims to provide a diverse range of content and resources to cater to a broad audience. His passion for typography shines through in every aspect of FontSaga, inspiring creativity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of lettering and calligraphy.

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Generate accurate MLA citations for free

  • Knowledge Base
  • MLA format for academic papers and essays

MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template

Published on December 11, 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on January 17, 2024 by Jack Caulfield.

The MLA Handbook provides guidelines for creating MLA citations and formatting academic papers. This quick guide will help you set up your MLA format paper in no time.

Start by applying these MLA format guidelines to your document:

  • Times New Roman 12
  • 1″ page margins
  • Double line spacing
  • ½” indent for new paragraphs
  • Title case capitalization for headings

Download Word template Open Google Docs template

(To use the Google Docs template, copy the file to your Drive by clicking on ‘file’ > ‘Make a copy’)

Table of contents

How to set up mla format in google docs, header and title, running head, works cited page, creating mla style citations, headings and subheadings, tables and figures, frequently asked questions about mla format.

The header in MLA format is left-aligned on the first page of your paper. It includes

  • Your full name
  • Your instructor’s or supervisor’s name
  • The course name or number
  • The due date of the assignment

After the MLA header, press ENTER once and type your paper title. Center the title and don’t forget to apply title-case capitalization. Read our article on writing strong titles that are informative, striking and appropriate.

MLA header

For a paper with multiple authors, it’s better to use a separate title page instead.

At the top of every page, including the first page, you need to include your last name and the page number. This is called the “running head.” Follow these steps to set up the MLA running head in your Word or Google Docs document:

  • Double-click at the top of a page
  • Type your last name
  • Insert automatic page numbering
  • Align the content to the right

The running head should look like this:

MLA running head

The Works Cited list is included on a separate page at the end of your paper. You list all the sources you referenced in your paper in alphabetical order. Don’t include sources that weren’t cited in the paper, except potentially in an MLA annotated bibliography assignment.

Place the title “Works Cited” in the center at the top of the page. After the title, press ENTER once and insert your MLA references.

If a reference entry is longer than one line, each line after the first should be indented ½ inch (called a hanging indent ). All entries are double spaced, just like the rest of the text.

Format of an MLA Works Cited page

Generate accurate MLA citations with Scribbr

Prefer to cite your sources manually? Use the interactive example below to see what the Works Cited entry and MLA in-text citation look like for different source types.

Headings and subheadings are not mandatory, but they can help you organize and structure your paper, especially in longer assignments.

MLA has only a few formatting requirements for headings. They should

  • Be written in title case
  • Be left-aligned
  • Not end in a period

We recommend keeping the font and size the same as the body text and applying title case capitalization. In general, boldface indicates greater prominence, while italics are appropriate for subordinate headings.

Chapter Title

Section Heading

Tip: Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word allow you to create heading levels that help you to keep your headings consistent.

Tables and other illustrations (referred to as “figures”) should be placed as close to the relevant part of text as possible. MLA also provides guidelines for presenting them.

MLA format for tables

Tables are labeled and numbered, along with a descriptive title. The label and title are placed above the table on separate lines; the label and number appear in bold.

A caption providing information about the source appears below the table; you don’t need one if the table is your own work.

Below this, any explanatory notes appear, marked on the relevant part of the table with a superscript letter. The first line of each note is indented; your word processor should apply this formatting automatically.

Just like in the rest of the paper, the text is double spaced and you should use title case capitalization for the title (but not for the caption or notes).

MLA table

MLA format for figures

Figures (any image included in your paper that isn’t a table) are also labeled and numbered, but here, this is integrated into the caption below the image. The caption in this case is also centered.

The label “Figure” is abbreviated to “Fig.” and followed by the figure number and a period. The rest of the caption gives either full source information, or (as in the example here) just basic descriptive information about the image (author, title, publication year).

MLA figure

Source information in table and figure captions

If the caption of your table or figure includes full source information and that source is not otherwise cited in the text, you don’t need to include it in your Works Cited list.

Give full source information in a caption in the same format as you would in the Works Cited list, but without inverting the author name (i.e. John Smith, not Smith, John).

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman , since it’s easy to read and installed on every computer. Other standard fonts such as Arial or Georgia are also acceptable. If in doubt, check with your supervisor which font you should be using.

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

  • Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
  • Set 1 inch page margins
  • Apply double line spacing
  • Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
  • Center the paper’s title
  • Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
  • Use title case capitalization for headings
  • Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
  • List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

The fastest and most accurate way to create MLA citations is by using Scribbr’s MLA Citation Generator .

Search by book title, page URL, or journal DOI to automatically generate flawless citations, or cite manually using the simple citation forms.

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style  explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

  • Your instructor requires one, or
  • Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2024, January 17). MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template. Scribbr. Retrieved February 20, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/formatting/

Is this article helpful?

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perfect font size for assignment

Before you go, Check this out!

The Ultimate Starter Kit For Photo Editors And Photographers

7 Best Fonts For University Essays (Teachers Choice)

Choosing the best font for university essays is really difficult. As a university student, you have to stand out from other students’ academic papers.

What are the best fonts for university essays? Arial and Helvetica sans-serif style is a common font choice among university students. Some universities do have guidelines on their website about what fonts are allowed in academic essays, so make sure to check before you start typing.

The right font can make your paper look more professional and appealing to readers. But it’s hard to find fonts that are both beautiful and easy to read especially when there are thousands of them available online!

Best Fonts will help you easily choose the most suitable font for your project by offering expert suggestions based on your needs and interests.

I’ve dedicated myself to helping students succeed in their studies with our website full of useful tips on how to write an effective essay or research paper, as well as relevant information about different types of fonts (serif, sans serif, script, etc).

Our team consists of experienced writers who also know what it takes to get top grades at universities around the world! So if you need some extra help writing your next academic paper or just want some advice on choosing.

If you are in a hurry! Then you should be considered these quick recommended picks.

UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS: 50+ Million Resume Templates & Design Assets

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All the Resume Templates you need and many other design elements, are available for a monthly subscription by subscribing to Envato Elements . The subscription costs $16.50 per month and gives you unlimited access to a massive and growing library of over 50 million items that can be downloaded as often as you need (stock photos too)!

perfect font size for assignment

What Are The Best Fonts For University Essays?

Students often use clear sans-serif style Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Calibri fonts on their university academic essays, and some universities have a proper guideline on their website about the fonts that should be used.

But for my academic papers, I’ve been researching on the internet and find these 10 best fonts for university essays that are clear in human eyes and look so professional. Your university professor will love your academic papers and essays after using these fonts.

1. Wensley Modern Serif Font Family (Top Pick)

The font of choice for many university students, Wensley is a modern serif font typeface. If you want to impress your professors with an elegant and professional appearance then this style will be perfect for the job! This font includes non-english characters so it can fit any language perfectly.

perfect font size for assignment

Wensley Font

  • This font is known as the perfect headline maker.
  • Improved readability.
  • Available in a variety of weights and styles.
  • Fast delivery to your inbox.
  • All fonts are 100% licensed, free lifetime support.

2. Madelin Serif Font Family

The font Madeline is a well accepted serif font among the universities and colleges. This high classed font includes all types of non-english characters and basic glyphs, making it perfect for students in academia. If you are a university student then this new typeface will drastically improve your academic papers.

perfect font size for assignment

Madelin Font

  • Impress your professor with a professional looking paper.
  • Make an academic research paper look more interesting and engaging to readers.
  • Fonts that are easy to read on screens and in print.
  • The best typeface for any design project.
  • Be creative with your fonts!
  • Unique and exciting typeface
  • Can be used in any environment or situation
  • Will have your audience drooling over this font
  • Curvaceous letters make for an attractive design

3. Glamour Luxury Serif Font Family

Glamour Luxury Serif is a font for those looking to be both stylish and minimalistic. With many variations, it can make your paper stand out from the rest or you can use it on your resume as well!

perfect font size for assignment

Glamour Luxury Serif Font Family

The wide variety of options in Glamour Luxury Serif means that students will have an easy time finding this typeface for their institution work while professionals will find just what they need in order to maximize their efficiency at work with its clean design.

  • The best way to express yourself on the academic papers
  • Increase visibility, increase recognition and get a leg up on competitors
  • Make your content stand out with bold fonts that are beautifully designed
  • Fonts mixes aesthetics with readability so you can use them unapologetically

4. Adrina Modern Serif Font Family

Adrina is a modern rounded serif font with 3 weights that can be used by creatives and commercial professionals. It also has multilingual support to help university students, adults in the professional world, or anyone who needs it!

perfect font size for assignment

Aridina Font

  • Give your design a unique touch with our extensive library of stylish fonts
  • With over 100 fonts on offer you have an entire world to explore
  • Whether it’s for personal or commercial use these typefaces are perfect for all occasions, big and small
  • The variety means that there’s something to suit every project – whether it’s formal, laid back or fun.

5. Immani Serif Font Family Pack

Immani serif font is a logos-ready font with a modern, eye-catching serif look! This classy typeface is perfect for including in headings and other text collaborations within your project. With its sleek fonts, you can easily create stylish headlines or any other type of text that will catch the eyes of those all around you. It’s time to stop searching: this font is what you need!

perfect font size for assignment

Immani Font

Effortlessly design your next project with FontsTTD Serif TTF Typewriter Font. Including a variety of letter and number characters, as well as an additional 5 ornaments at each.

Related Post: 10 Best Sellers Urban Lightroom Presets Free Download 2021

  • You will be able to combine both Font Weight Regular and Light
  • Fonts with different fonts, ensuring any text is legible.
  • You will also have the option of using a web font kit or downloading an OTF or TTF file.
  • No worries about missing out on any key characters!

6. Bergen Text – Sans Serif Font

Bergen Text is an elegant, clean and minimalistic font for university and college academic papers. It has been designed specifically in a small 9-pixel size for easy legibility and accessibility reasons.

perfect font size for assignment

Bergen Font

In contrast to Fontana families (that are heavy with serifs), Bergen Text is very straightforward. This makes it the perfect candidate for creative works that need a commercial license and readability that will satisfy any customer’s needs.

UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS: 50 Million+ Fonts & Design Assets

perfect font size for assignment

All the Fonts you need and many other design elements, are available for a monthly subscription by subscribing to Envato Elements . The subscription costs $16.50 per month and gives you unlimited access to a massive and growing library of over 50 million items that can be downloaded as often as you need (stock photos too)!

perfect font size for assignment

Envato element offers key resources and parent tips about effective teaching strategies so students can learn more effectively, from pre-kindergarten to high school.

  • Fonts designed for people who use small text sizes
  • Sans font is available!
  • Get a wide variety of fonts with just one purchase
  • Improve legibility by using different weights and styles

7. Morton – Sans Serif Font

University students always find the best font to use on their academic papers and essays. However, some university has its own criteria to write these papers.

perfect font size for assignment

Morton Font

But most of the universities don’t have these font selections criteria on their academic guideline. That’s why students use basic and regular free fonts like Helvetica, Arial, Calibri.

If you want to stand out and increase your marks in academic and university essays. Then try to use a unique font. Because everyone is using the same font in their essays.

Related Post: 10 Best Dark & Moody Lightroom Presets Free and Premium

That’s why choosing a unique and stylish sans serif font in your writing is the best way to mark better.

  • Fonts are a single click away.
  • It’s perfect for small text sizes.
  • A grotesque typeface classic.
  • Comes in nine weights and stylistic variations for the nerd in all of us.

Final Words

Unique fonts are the key to standing out and making eye-popping clear academic papers. These best fonts can be really unique with clean formatting. Students and professionals always need these great typefaces for their documents, presentations, or any other assignment that needs design

You can check out Envato elements Fonts to get the most out of it. Thank you

Al Shariar Apon

I'm a digital content creators and tech-savvy enthusiast. In this website I would like to share my knowledge and Google productivity tools, tips, templates. Thank you.

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The 2024 Guide to Responsive Typography Sizing and Scales

The true responsiveness of your website design is more than a framework that scales to each device, it also requires that typography adjusts to optimum readability as well.

Responsive typography will adjust so that text elements also change size and scale on websites. While that’s the technical answer, there’s also a greater design approach that is equally important, because just changing the size of a text element isn’t always enough.

Let’s dive into responsive typography best practices, a few guidelines, and some tools to help you create great type at any size.

The Ultimate Designer Toolkit: 2 Million+ Assets

Envato Elements gives you unlimited access to 2 million+ pro design resources, themes, templates, photos, graphics and more. Everything you'll ever need in your design resource toolkit.

Fonts

Sans Serif, Script & More

 Presentation Templates

Presentation Templates

Powerpoint & keynote.

CMS Templates

CMS Templates

Shopify, tumblr & more, responsive typography primer.

perfect font size for assignment

A solid responsive typography plan will ensure that your content is readable across devices. It ensures that you have developed a set of rules for interaction, size, and scale that will help everything render across devices.

The good this is that for most websites, that’s pretty much down to two sizes: desktop and mobile. (Overall tablet usage for general web browsing has dropped dramatically in the past few years.)

Now here’s the challenge. A font and scale that looks great on a wide screen may not render well on a vertically-oriented handheld screen size. That can dictate your font choices and how you plan the website. (Otherwise, you may need to switch typefaces between desktop and mobile, which is not recommended.)

As you are planning the design, it is important to think about typographic elements as part of this overall framework so that you don’t get caught with an odd responsive typography challenge later. (Super wide fonts, for example, can present unique readability challenges on mobile screens.)

Responsive typography design considerations include:

  • Typography selection: Start with a font that looks great and reads well on a small screen first. Then test it on a larger screen.
  • Limit type options: A smaller palette is easier to manage and is less weighty when it comes to load times.
  • Consider a fallback just in case: If your desired font won’t load (maybe the device doesn’t like it or the CDN server is down), allow for an alternate selection that’s super common. (Arial is a popular fallback choice for sans serif typefaces.)
  • Design size and scale based on content: Readable typography can depend as much on other content as font selection. The scale and sizes of text elements are often different depending on how much text is rendered at one time and the type of content on the screen.
  • Take care with line-height: A little extra space between lines can enhance readability on mobile devices. There’s a delicate balance between too much and too little space. For smaller sizes a line-height of 150% or 1.5em can be a good place to start.
  • Font category: Designers have really opened up to using more font variations – serifs, experimental, etc. – as a general practice. These can present some challenges when small or on screens where users might use dark mode more predominantly. Test type choices early to ensure readability if you go this route.

Responsive Type Sizing Goes Beyond Pixels

perfect font size for assignment

Creating type for responsive designs requires a lot of thought about sizing and scale. Every designer may have a different opinion on what type of size unit they want to use.

The most popular size units include:

  • Pixels: Common notation for digital font size that notes an absolute number
  • Points: More of a carryover from print for sizing that’s less common online
  • Ems: Sizing relative to parent font size
  • Rems: Sizing that inherits root styling
  • Percentage: Sizing based on percent change from a parent style

Most designers avoid working in absolute numerical units and prefer percentages or ems and rems. Using this model, you start with a base size (such as body text) and adjust sizing from there.

It can make the math easier (1rem is about 10px) and allows for a full-scale adjustment just by changing the default font size.

What does this look like for the default size?

Body text is generally 16px to 18px or 1.6rem to 1.8 rem (14px to 16px for mobile). Then you can use the scale you like to size everything accordingly.

If you size your body text or other default font size for desktop and mobile, the scale will take care of the rest.

Finding the Right Scale

perfect font size for assignment

The type scale determines how much bigger or smaller fonts go rooted in the base or default font. Using this method your base size is 100% if you like percents or 1em, if that’s your preferred unit.

Then pick the scale and how that scale pertains to CSS positions from H1 to H6 and so on.

There are a few common typography scales that create distinct feels and harmonies that are a lot easier to calculate mathematically than randomly assigning values to type sizes.

High Contrast Type Scales

Great for large screens, these scales have a lot of variation between sizes. The H1 and body text base will create a lot of drama due to the differences in size.

These scales include (number is change ratio):

  • Augmented Fourth, 1.414
  • Perfect Fifth, 1.500
  • Golden Ratio, 1.618

Medium Contrast Type Scales

This is where most type scales fall and is a safe area for most screen sizes. It’s great for designs with a lot of text content.

These scales include:

  • Minor Third, 1.200
  • Major Third, 1.250
  • Perfect Fourth, 1.333

Low Contrast Type Scales

The least variable of scales is best for smaller type elements that are used as identifiers. You might see this type of scale with dashboard-based apps, e-commerce listings, or grid-based elements.

  • Minor Second, 1.067
  • Major Second, 1.125

When it comes to creating typography scales, there are some great resources and tools already available if you don’t want to do the math yourself or want to preview variations in sizes.

  • Visual Scale Calculator (shown above)
  • Responsive Fonts in Pure CSS
  • MDN Font-Size Property
  • Typographic Scale Calculator
  • Simple Responsive Font Size Calculator

Looking Ahead to Intrinsic Typography

perfect font size for assignment

The next thing to think about in terms of web typography is intrinsic type. Earlier this year Scott Kellum for CSS-Tricks called it “the future of styling text on the web.”

In the simplest of explanations, intrinsic typography loses distinct text styles; rather you define styles based on the proportion of text to the area. The reasons for this are to increase flexibility and write more simple code.

The result is that text “self adjusts” to the container where it lives and isn’t connected to the viewport. You can have a lot more than a handful of preset sizes within a scale that applies to the whole design. The variance becomes almost limitless.

You can try it out using the Typetura tool .

Typography design can be the most important element of any web project. By thinking about how text will render and how it will read at every size, you are creating more valuable and accessible web experiences for all.

It starts with a solid foundation for typography and an understanding of how to adjust for website viewers no matter how they interact with the design.

IMAGES

  1. What are the best fonts for college essays?

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  2. How to Choose Fonts For Designs (+ Examples)

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  3. Assignment Font by andikastudio · Creative Fabrica

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  4. How To Choose The Right Font Size For Presentation?

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  5. 5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Font for Your Business

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  6. How to find the perfect font pair for your design with these rules

    perfect font size for assignment

VIDEO

  1. Fonts and General Formatting

  2. assignment font page design

  3. Perfect #Font Pairing

COMMENTS

  1. What is the best font size for assignment in MS Word?

    Follow. Jul 17, 2023. --. Font size. It is best practice to type word documents in font size 14, and no smaller than font size 12, to assist readers with visual impairments. Remember that no one ...

  2. Formatting for Assignments

    Fonts. Use a clear, readable font, such as Verdana, Calibri, Tahoma or Arial and use the same font throughout. Use black text on a white background. Avoid coloured backgrounds or text in a colour other than black, unless you have special permission to use them. Use 11 or 12 point font for the body of your assessment.

  3. The Ultimate College Assignment Formatting Guide » Aihber Khan

    Finally, use a clean and legible font style, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and use a font size of 12 points. Align your text in the center of the page to create a balanced look. ... The recommended margin size for most assignments is 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides of the page allow for sufficient white space and provides room for professors ...

  4. Formatting your assignments

    Fonts . All non-examination based assignments should be word processed rather than handwritten. Most assignment descriptions will specify that for visual clarity, and to ensure a professional appearance, you should use a plain, sans-serif font such as Arial. For readability, this should be in 11 or 12 point size.

  5. PDF Student Paper Setup Guide, APA Style 7th Edition

    Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5 in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. Page numbers: Put a page number in the top right corner of every page, including the title page or cover page, which is page 1. Student papers do not require a running head on any page.

  6. What Font Should I Use?

    The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides explicit, specific recommendations for the margins and spacing of academic papers. (See: Document Format.)But their advice on font selection is less precise: "Always choose an easily readable typeface (e.g. Times New Roman) in which the regular style contrasts clearly with the italic, and set it to a standard size (e.g. 12 point)" (MLA ...

  7. What is the best font size for assignment in MS Word?

    Guidelines for Choosing Font Size: Standard Fonts: Stick to standard fonts such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial for a professional look. Font Size: The recommended font size for assignments is typically 12 points. However, it's crucial to check the specific guidelines provided by your institution or instructor. Readability: Ensure that ...

  8. How To Choose The Right Font Size; Sizing Up Your Typography

    Choosing the right font size is crucial for effective communication in various settings. Print materials such as books or magazines generally recommend a font size between 9 and 12 points to ensure readability. For digital screens, where reading distances are typically shorter, 16 pixels or higher font size is recommended to enhance legibility.

  9. A step-by-step guide for creating and formatting APA Style student papers

    Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper. Figure font. Bold the figure number. Italicize the figure title. Use a sans serif font (e.g., Calibri, Arial) in the figure image in a size between 8 to 14 points. Italicize the word "Note" at the start of the figure note. Write the note in the same font and font size ...

  10. The Best Font Size Explained (No More Fonts Size Mystery)

    It all goes back to your font choice. Pick a font, find the size that works best, and set it up in paragraph form. Then count. If your lines are hitting somewhere between 50-75 characters total, you're in good shape. If they're running short or long, consider either adjusting your column width or your font size.

  11. 12 Best Fonts for Academic Papers in Microsoft Word

    Cambria is a solid font choice that a lot of people like to use. It's another default font (though it's mainly reserved for sub-headings in most Word formats). It runs true to the font size, making it a fairly decent choice if you're looking for something compact. The serif style of this font makes it easy to read.

  12. The Ultimate Guide to Font Sizes and Styles: How to Choose ...

    The larger the point size, the bigger the letters will appear on the page. Typically, the most common font sizes used in design range from 8pt to 72pt. Part 2: Choosing the Right Font Size. The font size you choose will depend on the design you are creating and the intended purpose.

  13. 7 Best Fonts For University Essays

    Here are seven of the most common types used in academic writings: Times New Roman: This classic serif font is a go-to for many writers. It's easy to read and has a timeless look. Arial: A popular sans serif font, Arial is also easy to read and works well for long paragraphs of text. Calibri: Another sans serif font, Calibri is slightly more ...

  14. Standard Font Size: Go Classic

    Most people use a font size of 12 points and choose a typeface that is easy to read. According to the APA, students should use 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, or 12-point Times New Roman for their papers. Additionally, we recommend double-spacing the entire paper, including headings and bibliographies.

  15. PDF Writing Your Assignment

    is right or wrong, so write the assignment in whichever order feels best for you. The introduction might be up to around 10% of the word count (e.g. up to 200 words for a 2000 word assignment). Don't forget your conclusion At the end of the assignment, you need to summarise the key points you've made. You won't be introducing

  16. Best Resume Fonts for 2024: Size, Style, List & Guide

    The most common font type used is black Times New Roman at 12 points in size. Other serif fonts, those that have tails, that work well include Cambria, Georgia, Garamond, Book Antiqua, and Didot. Sans serif fonts, those without tails, that work well include Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana, Trebuchet MS and Lato.

  17. MLA Format

    This quick guide will help you set up your MLA format paper in no time. Start by applying these MLA format guidelines to your document: Times New Roman 12. 1″ page margins. Double line spacing. ½" indent for new paragraphs. Title case capitalization for headings. Download Word template Open Google Docs template.

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