A minim is one of the vertical strokes that make up certain letters, such as the two or three strokes of “n” or “m”. By extension, the parts that rise above or fall below the x-height, in other words ascenders and descenders, are sometimes described as upper and lower minims.
Where to see it
Minims are visible on lowercase letters such as “n”, “m”, “u” or “i”, whose vertical strokes repeat along the line. Upper extensions can be seen on “b”, “d” or “h”, and lower extensions on “p”, “q” or “g”.
Why this detail matters
The design and length of minims directly shape the rhythm and legibility of a typeface:
- The regularity of the minims in “n”, “m” and “u” creates the vertical rhythm of a text, which the eye follows naturally when reading;
- Long ascenders and descenders bring elegance and make words easier to recognize, but call for more generous line spacing;
- Short ones allow tighter lines and greater compactness, at the cost of less distinctive word shapes.
Related term
The leg is the stroke, often diagonal, that descends from the body of a letter to the baseline, as on “R” or “K”; not to be confused with the minim.
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