Set width is the total width occupied by a character, counting the drawn letter and the space built in on each side. It determines the place each letter takes on the line.
Where to see it
Set width becomes apparent when comparing narrow letters such as “i” or “l” with wide letters such as “m” or “w”. In a monospaced font, like those of typewriters or code editors, every letter instead occupies the same width.
Why this detail matters
Set width directly affects the density and organization of a text:
- A font with a narrow set width fits more text on a line, which is useful for headlines or tight spaces;
- A font with a wide set width gives breadth and breathing room, but takes up more space;
- Fixed-width figures, known as tabular figures, line up perfectly in columns, making them essential for tables and numerical data.
Related term
Sidebearing is the white space built into each side of a letter’s drawing: added to the drawing, it forms the set width.
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