The ear is the small stroke that projects from the upper part of certain lowercase letters, most often at the top right of the “g”. Discreet as it is, this detail is one of the most characteristic features of a typeface’s design.
Where to see it
The ear is visible on the lowercase “g”, where a small appendage extends to the right from the upper bowl. Depending on the typeface, it can also be found on the “r”, at the end of its arm, or at the top of the double-story “a”.
Why this detail matters
The design of the ear directly shapes the personality and recognizability of a typeface:
- A clean, horizontal ear gives a rigorous look; a raised, rounded or teardrop-shaped ear adds a more calligraphic touch;
- Its size and position must be in keeping with the rest of the alphabet, particularly the terminals of “a”, “c” and “r”;
- Because it varies so much from one font to another, the ear of the “g” is among the first details typographers look at to identify a typeface.
Related term
The loop is the lower part of the double-story “g”, which descends below the baseline to form a closed or open ring.
Anatomy glossary
Ascender, Descender, Sidebearing, Joint, Axis, Bar, Beak, Bowl, Loop, Set width, Counter, Serif, Stem, Leg, Minim, Baseline, Eye, Belly, Foot, Point, Tail, Cross stroke, Terminal; X-height, X-height, Cap height, Body; Mean line, Ear, Spur, Ball terminal, Ligature, Apex, Vertex, Arm, Shoulder, Spine, Em dash, Thick stroke, Hairline, Bracket, Bounding box